Free-throw accuracy and success as a function of ball weight in 9- to 11-year-old male players

The goal of this study was to analyze whether 9-11 years old children can attain more free-throw accuracy and success by modifying the ball weight in basketball game. The participants were 54 children (age: mean=10.63, SD=0.55 years) from six basketball teams. The participants played four games with each of the following balls: (a) standard ball weight (485 g, 69-71 cm), (b) a lighter ball (440 g, 69-71 cm), and (c) a heavier ball (540 g, 69-71 cm). The procedures adopted in the study were: (a) defining the variables, (b) instructing the observers and obtaining reliability, (c) monitoring the properties of the ball and filming the games, and (d) recording the data from the observation. The results revealed statistically significant differences for free-throw accuracy (χ2=1.76, df=2, p=.050) and success (χ2=5.69, df=2, p=.048). Freethrow accuracy and success were higher with the 440-g ball than with the 540-g ball.