The kinetic and the kinematic analysis of basketball free throw after isokinetic strength training program

The purpose of this study was to determine the parameters of the free throw and to investigate the effects of isokinetic strength training. Fourteen men basketball players voluntary participated to the study. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups (control group, n=7 (KG), training group, n=7 (AG)). Athletes participated to this study were applied the free throw motion analysis tests in pre tests. After 6 weeks, same test procedures were applied at post tests. During the study all of the athletes continued the ball technique trainings. Free throw shoots were performed by athletes were recorded with two high speed cameras. The saved shoots were analyzed in 3D motion analysis system. Each athlete performed 5 point shoots and 5 missed shoots. Randomly selected 3 shoots were analyzed. The AG athletes were performed shoulder, elbow and wrist isokinetic strength trainings (shoulder and elbow 180°.sn-1 and 300°.sn-1 , wrist 180°.sn-1 and 240°.sn-1) for 6 weeks after pre tests. And after 6 weeks of isokinetic strength trainings both group were performed post tests. Anthropometry, handgrip strength, isokinetic muscle strength and free throw kinematic analysis were tested. Pre and post training effects of each group were analysed statistically with Wilcoxon paired two-sampled test. Kinetic and kinematic differences were tested with Mann-Whitney U and the relationships were tested with Spearman Correlation. In KG, the peak torque values of the different joints decreased 3.9-25.0%. In AG, the peak torque values of the different joints increased 18.3-57.8%. AG athletes handgrip strength values increased 8.3%. At point shoots of the KG, the horizontal velocity of the ball and elbow angle was decreased, the elbow velocity was increased. At missed shoots of the KG, the resultant and vertical velocity of the ball, elbow angle and release height was increased, the horizontal velocity of the ball was decreased. Ball release time at the missed shoots were shorter than point shoots in the post tests. In conclusion, isokinetic strength training additional to normal ball technique training increased isokinetic strength and handgrip strength. The free throw parameters for AG, elbow angular velocity was increased, elbow angle was decreased. At point shoots the release height of the ball was lower than missed shoots and the horizontal velocity of the ball release was decreased. Key words: Basketball, free throw, isokinetic strength, muscle performance, kinetic and kinematic analysis.