Effects of 10 weeks of imagery and concentration training on visual focus and free-throw performance in basketball players

Abstract

Problem Statement: Free throw shooting is one of the unique techniques applied in the game of basketball. It is a technique that needs special attention to develop due to the fact that it is a unique shot. As much as physiological characteristics prepare the body for the shot, it is important to acknowledge that psychological state of the player affects it, too. Free throw shots can be vital for winning games. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of imagery and concentration training on visual focus and free-throw performance in basketball players. The participants consisted of 29 basketball players (11 female, 18 male) from different teams in Izmir that compete at the youth level (age 15.62 ±,09). Approach: The participants were divided equally into homogenous groups pre-test and were evaluated based on their success rate. While the study was not done with the control group, the implementation was done with the imagery and concentration group for 10 weeks, three times a week for 15 minutes a day. Concentration studies were done with yantra. In the imagery studies, the athlete was asked to watch the recording of the best shot they made, and to recreate it. Before the participants recreate it, they were advised to read the imagery script and then use the information provided to mentally recreate this material from their desired viewpoint and from an alternative perspective. At the end of 10 weeks, the athletes were tested again. The study investigated whether the mental training affected visual focus or performance or not.Results: The results of this study revealed that there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-testing protocols of the concentration group, while the control and imagery groups revealed no significant difference (p<0.028). Conclusions: Present findings show that concentration trainings with yantra have an improving effect on visual focus. In order to better understand the effect of imagery and concentration training on performance, different tests can be done. Also, before investigating the effects of imagery trainings on performance, imagery skills of the athletes can be measured.