The Perfect Shot

 Week 1:

The Mechanics of a Basketball shot

Preparation Phase:

• Toes pointing at the hoop
• Dominant foot slightly ahead
• Knees Bent
• Shooting Hand behind the ball
• Support Hand on the side of the ball
• Elbows under the ball
• Eyes on the target

Execution Phase:

• Extension of the legs
• Elbow at 90 degrees with Shooting Hand under the ball
• Extension of arms
• Release the ball prior to reaching peak height

Follow through Phase:

• Follow through with motion and hold until ball hits the target

Information derived from:

• http://biomechanicsbasketballjumpshot.blogspot.com/2015/06/blog-post.html

Above is a Biomechanical Analysis of a person shooting a Basketball Jump Shot. The video outlines the musculoskeletal systems angles and torque required to shoot a basketball. 

Other common Injuries associated with Basketball are:

• Patellar Tendonitis
• Patellofemoral Pain
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease
• Hand, finger, wrist strains
• Small Fractures and contusions of the Hands, phalanges, metacarpals, and carpals
• Concussions
• TBI
• Overuse injuries

Note: Improper form can contribute to injury and accelerate exacerbation on muscles and joints. Improper form can stem from the weight of a standard basketball and the height of a hoop with small children.

Derived from multiple Sources:

• https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/orthopedics/programs/sports-medicine-center/sports-injuries-we-treat/basketball/
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266115878_Pediatric_Basketball_Injuries
• https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/orthopaedics/sports-medicine/basketball-injuries.cfm
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8777358/

Below are Examples of existing training aids used to correct form

Week 2:

Client Interview Summary of Q&A:

1.     Can you explain what you envision this project being?

In the game of Basketball you often see children utilizing the same equipment as adults, this leads to improper form due to issues like children trying to make a regulation size hoop with a regulation size ball. Consider scaling the game based on data driven methods to fit them and allow for them to enjoy the game with minimal risk of injury.

2.     What are additional constraint not outlined in the Project description?

Keep in mind whatever you come up with needs to be manufactured at a price in which parents will deem affordable

3.     What is the goal a single piece of equipment that is able to be adapted to a variety of age ranges or multiple pieces of equipment tailored to age groups?

It does not have to be a device it can be the ball weight ratio to children based on data, or the game scaled, adjustable rim width, basketball hoop height,etc.

4.     What is the inspiration behind the project?

Seeing kids enjoy the game, and how they play the game. Want to see good technique while having fun injury free

5.     Is there a target age range for the product?

Ideally it would coincide with the ages for league basketball, approximately 6-14 years old

6.     Are there any elements you would like to see that are not outlined in the Project Overview?

I would like to see proper Biomechanical Scaling that is data driven.

7.     Have previous teams attempted to construct this project in the past? If so can you share some problems encountered?

The previous team encountered a few problems such as accomplishing testing and managing the time requirements of the project. The other team attempted to manufacture a rim, it was difficult because it kept on breaking. 

Initial Problem:

In the current state of the sport of Basketball children often use equipment that is not well suited to them which can cause improper technique. Moreover, the improper technique can lead to an increased risk of injury. The client has requested that we use a data driven approach to create a device/ scale the game to reduce risk of injury.

Need Statement:

A way to address improper shot mechanics in youth Basketball that will allow proper form to be developed with a reduced chance of injury.