Quantifying basketball free throw technique variance across player calibres using wearable sensors

The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of using inertial measurement units (IMUs) to measure kinematics in the basketball free throw and to determine whether differences in technique across player calibres can be identified using these variables. Five wearable IMUs recorded 3D accelerations and angular velocities from five body segments of 22 participants as they performed free throws. Participants were classified as novice, recreational, and elite. Significant differences were identified across calibres in shot timing and 32 of the 60 IMU signals. The results demonstrated that IMUs are capable of measuring both novel and previously reported kinematic differences between elite and lower calibre athletes.