Impact of Competitive Experience and Shooting Distance on Muscle Synergy Patterns and Release Performance in Jump Shots

This study investigated the influence of playing experience on muscle synergy and the vertical (VV) and horizontal release velocities of the basketball during mid- to long-distance jump shots (4.8 and 6.75 m). A total of 28 participants performed jump shot tasks at these two distances, completing three valid attempts at each. The shooting movements were captured using a 3D motion capture system, and surface electromyographic data were recorded from five key muscles. Velocity data were used to calculate VV and horizontal release velocity, while electromyographic data were analyzed using nonnegative matrix factorization to extract muscle synergies. A two-factor mixed-effects model was applied to assess significant differences. The results showed that playing experience significantly enhanced VV (p < .001), which was potentially associated with higher contribution weights from the anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, and gastrocnemius lateralis within the extracted muscle synergies. As shooting distance increased, both VV and horizontal release velocity significantly increased (p < .05) in both groups. Synergy analysis further revealed that experienced athletes demonstrated higher contribution weights of triceps brachii and exhibited synergy activation profiles with later peak timings, greater activation magnitudes, and shorter activation durations. These synergy-based patterns suggest more efficient and stable motor control in experienced athletes. Based on these findings, it is recommended that novice athletes incorporate strength and timing control training targeting anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, and gastrocnemius lateralis to improve shooting consistency and stability.