Pre-free-throw ritualized behaviors among Chinese basketball players: a qualitative study

Abstract Background This study aimed to comprehensively explore the formation reasons and constituent elements of pre-free-throw ritualized behaviors (RBs) among Chinese basketball players under competitive pressure, and to investigate participants’ perceptions of how RBs influence their psychological states and sports performance. The study was conducted within China’s official Athlete Technical Level Grading System , where athletes are classified into hierarchical levels reflecting their competitive achievements. Methods We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 20 Chinese basketball players at or above the National Level 2. Using a qualitative research approach based on codebook thematic analysis (TA), we explored the usage background, usage goals, usage habits, usage experiences and effectiveness evaluation of their RBs. Results Participants reported that Chinese basketball players primarily adopt pre-free-throw RBs to alleviate negative emotions and enhance attentional focus, which they perceived as beneficial to their performance. The execution steps of pre-free-throw RBs predominantly consist of 3 to 4 actions, which typically include dribbling, deep breathing, spinning the ball, wiping shoe soles and focusing on the basket. Moreover, as competition intensity increases, both the duration and frequency of RB use tend to increase. Participants reported that performing pre-free-throw RBs produced a series of positive psychological effects, and they perceived a noticeable improvement in their free-throw accuracy. Conversely, if athletes were required to refrain from performing pre-free-throw RBs, they anticipated negative effects, including a perceived decline in free-throw accuracy. Conclusions The study suggests that pre-free-throw RBs may play a role in free-throw accuracy in high-level Chinese basketball players under competitive pressure. Participants perceived that RBs helped alleviate negative emotions, optimize attentional resource allocation, which they believed may be associated with improved sports performance in competition. Practical implications The study provides a player-centered perspective on how athletes perceive and experience pre-free-throw RBs under competitive pressure. The findings may offer preliminary guidance for coaches and sport psychologists to consider when developing support strategies aimed at helping athletes manage psychological readiness and sports performance, particularly within China''s elite sport system.