Factors related to shooting performance in 8–12-year-old basketball players

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between shooting performances, specifically free throw (FT) and turn-around jump shot (TJS), and individual characteristics, physical performance, and proprioception in child basketball players. FT and TJS were evaluated with 10-shot trials. Individual data were collected via questionnaire. Lower limb explosive power was measured by the Sargent jump test (SJT), core endurance by the plank test, and shoulder, elbow, wrist proprioception by joint repositions error (JRE) tests. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 38 basketball players (age: 9.9 ± 1.5 years). FT and TJS correlated positively with SJT (ρ = .402, .388) and plank (ρ = .349, .342), respectively (p < .05). A significant positive correlation was found between FT and body height (ρ = .463), TJS and basketball experience (ρ = .352) (p < .05). Also, a negative correlation was found between plank and JRE-shoulder (ρ = - .431, p < .05). Shooting performance (FT and TJS) related to physical performance (lower limb explosive power and core muscles endurance). Improved FT performance was associated with increased body height, while TJS performance was related to longer experience. Understanding shared and distinct correlates of shooting skills can guide targeted assessment and training strategies.