Stabilization of head and eyes on target as a factor in successful basketball shooting

Abstract This study was undertaken to investigate the role of the head position relative to the target in the programming of directional aiming while the body is in movement. The present series of experiments focused on the relationship between time of eye and head stabilization on the target and level of expertise of basketball players. Preliminary studies suggested a close relationship between head stabilization on the target and level of skill expertise. Experts and beginners differed significantly with respect to the time required for the eye to achieve fixation on the target, and the time required for the head to obtain fixation on the target. Significant differences were also found for head, and eye-head stabilization parameters between conditions of success and failure. The results clearly demonstrate that the efficiency of head and eyes stabilization on target has a strong influence on the success of shooting.