Free-throw shooting during dual-task performance: implications for attentional demand and performance

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2009 Dec;80(4):718-26. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2009.10599613.

Abstract

In this study, the dual-task paradigm was used to determine peak attentional demand during the free-throw process. Thirty participants completed 40 free-throw trials. The free throw was the primary task, but participants also verbally responded to a tone administered at one of four probe positions (PP). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant difference in free-throw performance across PPs, indicating participants were able to keep the free throw as the primary task. Repeated measures analysis of response time (RT) showed significant differences, with RT at PP1 (preshot routine) and PP2 (first upward motion of the ball) significantly higher than baseline RT These results suggest that PP1 requires the greatest attentional demand, followed by PP2.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attention*
  • Basketball / physiology*
  • Cognition
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • North Carolina
  • Reaction Time*
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Verbal Learning
  • Young Adult