New research suggests that a simple touch from teammates can significantly influence the success of basketball players during free throw attempts, particularly after a missed first shot. The findings were published in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise.
Prior research has extensively documented the calming effects of physical touch, such as hugs or pats on the back, which can soothe individuals and lower stress levels. However, the impact of such physical interactions on performance during stressful tasks has remained under-explored. Free throws represent a unique blend of skill, concentration, and psychological pressure as players face not only the physical challenge of the shot but also the intense scrutiny of spectators and the weight of team expectations.
For their study, the researchers analyzed a total of 60 basketball games involving NCAA women’s teams. These games were chosen for their availability and the clarity with which player interactions could be observed. The primary observational focus was on the period between the two free throws, during which teammates could interact with the shooter.
The researchers recorded every instance of physical touch, such as hand squeezes, shoulder taps, or any other form of gentle contact made by up to four teammates who were on the court with the shooter. For each of the 835 instances where a player took two free throws, the research team noted the number and type of physical touches received by the shooter from her teammates after the first shot and before the second.
The researchers found that the likelihood of scoring a second free throw increased when the player received physical touches from teammates after missing the first attempt. This effect was statistically significant, indicating a clear association between supportive gestures and improved performance under stress.
According to the researchers, the study shows that “physical touch by teammates boosts performance in one of the most stressful athletic tasks imaginable: Succeeding with a free throw in basketball after already missing one.”
“The positive effects of touch are even evident after controlling for various player and game factors known to impact free throw performance. Our findings thus speak to the power of touch to handle pressure in basketball, a multi-billion-dollar business where every point is worth money.
“Furthermore, our findings extend previous theorizing in showing that physical touch indeed improves performance under pressure. As an implication, physical touch may be a powerful antidote against the performance-damaging effects of stress in other team efforts as well, for instance, in sports, in relationships, or at work.”
While the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledge several limitations. The study was observational and focused exclusively on women’s basketball, which means the results might not directly translate to other groups, such as male athletes or professional players, without further study.
The research does not establish a causal relationship between touch and performance; it merely identifies an association that could be influenced by other factors, such as team dynamics or individual differences in how players perceive and benefit from physical touch.
Looking forward, the team suggests expanding this research to explore whether the observed effects hold in different settings, such as during practice or in less competitive environments. They also recommend examining the role of sincerity and the intention behind the touches, which could influence the effectiveness of the support provided.
Additionally, expanding the demographic scope to include male athletes and professional players could provide a more comprehensive understanding of how physical touch impacts performance across different contexts.
The study, “The power of human touch: Physical contact improves performance in basketball free throws,” was authored by Christiane M. Büttner, Christoph Kenntemich, and Kipling D. Williams.