Biomechanical determinants of proficient 3-point shooters: markerless motion capture analysis

Despite the growing recognition of 3-point proficiency as a defining element of modern basketball success, relatively few studies using markerless motion capture technology have examined the biomechanical characteristics that influence long-distance shooting effectiveness. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in biomechanical characteristics between proficient and non-proficient 3-point shooters during both the preparatory and release phases of the shooting motion. Twenty-four male basketball players participated in this study, of which eleven were classified as proficient (≥50%) and thirteen as non-proficient shooters (<50%). Following a standardized warm-up, each participant attempted ten non-consecutive 3-point shots (6.75 m) from the top of the key. Biomechanical data were collected using a three-dimensional markerless motion capture system operating at 120 Hz. Between-group differences were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests and independent t-tests, depending on weather the variable violated or met the assumption of normality (p < 0.05). Proficient shooters exhibited greater hip, knee, and ankle flexion (g > 1.694), resulting in a lower center of mass, as well as higher peak (r = 0.585) and mean hip angular velocities (g = 1.146) compared to their non-proficient counterparts during the preparatory phase of the shooting motion (large effect sizes). They also initiated the 3-point shooting motion with a wider stance, suggesting a more stable base, although stance alignment did not differ significantly between groups. No significant differences were observed in kinematic variables at the time point of the ball release, as both groups displayed similar values (e.g., jump height, release height). Collectively, these findings suggest that the success of a 3-point shot is primarily determined by biomechanical adjustments made during the preparatory phase, which provide the foundation for effective shot execution.