Effect of basketball shooting distance and skill level on muscle activity and joint energy production of upper extremity

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of shooting distance and skill level on the arm movements (kinematics, kinetics and electromyography) during the release phase of basketball shooting. 14 males were student-athletes from local college basketball teams(skilled) and 14 were recreational basketball players from local colleges(unskilled). Each participant completed three successful shots at two distance conditions (5 m, 6.8 m). The energy generated by the joint during the shot and electromyographic variables of the anterior deltoid (AD), triceps brachii (TB), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles were evaluated. The results showed that S and US groups showed decreases in shooting success with increasing shooting distance (P < 0.001), and increases in muscle activation and joint energy production in shoulder and elbow joints (P < 0.001). During longer distance shooting, S and Us groups showed significant differences in wrist flexion angle (P < 0.001). In addition, S demonstrated more energy production at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints (P < 0.01), and greater activation (P < 0.05) in the anterior deltoid (AD), triceps brachii (TB), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) corresponding to the joints (MVIC%). These results suggest that the skills of shooting arm to produce proper force, and active muscle coupling of joints to produce energy are important for adaptation to different basketball shooting distance.