**2.6 Shooting critical components**

In 2015, a literature review was made by Okazaki to identify the factors behind a successful jump shot. In order to do this, the authors divided the potential factors into three categories: ball trajectory, segmental movement organization and variables that influence shooting performance. Below is a summary of the authors' discussion regarding each of these categories.

**Figure 10.** *Witty SEM system. Web source: http://www.microgate.it/Training/Witty/WittySEM.*

**Figure 11.** *The chronometer witty timer.*

color display ensure user-friendliness and ease of use. With8 different radio frequencies to choose from, it is possible to work simultaneously with several Witty timing systems (timer and photocells) in the same training area. Various preconfigured test types are available (single tests, group tests, in-line tests, go and

*movement of any body segment, (b) GyKo mounted on a belt, and (c) using the Gyko device*

*Sports Science and Human Health - Different Approaches*

*Gyko sensor. Web source: http://gyko.microgate.it/en. (a) GyKo inertial measurement tool for the analysis of the*

**Figure 9.**

**104**

## *2.6.1 Ball trajectory*

Upon examination of ball trajectory, three components stand out as decisive for a successful shot: release angle, velocity and height (**Figures 12** and **13**).

The angle of entry of the ball into the basket is one of the most important factors for shooting success. This is due to the fact that by increasing the angle, one instantly increases the width of the basket, giving the ball a larger area to go in. There are three variables that, together, determine this angle: vertical displacement, horizontal displacement and velocity (**Figure 14**) [28].

The vertical displacement of the ball is negatively correlated with the release height and positively correlated with the release angle. In other words, the lower the release height and/or the wider the 15-release angle, the greater the vertical displacement of the ball. In simple terms, the vertical displacement of the ball may be defined as the vertical distance traveled by the ball from the moment it is released to the moment is reaches the basket. The horizontal displacement of the ball is a similar concept, but from a horizontal perspective; i.e. it represents the distance between the shooter and the basket. An increase in horizontal displacement must be accompanied by a corresponding increase in the velocity of the ball if the ball is to reach the basket [28]. The authors thus demonstrate that "these three factors (ball vertical displacement, ball horizontal displacement and velocity) are affected by release velocity, angle and height".

### **2.7 IoT in Basketball**

## *2.7.1 Evo one*

Evo one is a smart basketball that is meant to give feedback to the user upon the act of shooting. When the user shoots the basketball, he will hear a beep if the ball's backspin rate is 2–3 rotations/second (the ideal rate). The purpose of this feature is to let the user know that his attempt was successful and create shot consistency

through muscle memory. It measures the ball's backspin using only one sensor located inside the ball. While there are already a number of reviews on this device, the performance product review website Weartesters provides possibly the most succinct and accurate summary of its pros and cons. According to them, apart from the fact that the ball has been made according to regulation size and weight making it no different to a common basketball, the main pro identified by the consumers is its leather cover which gives the user a good grip and touch. Having said this, a leather cover makes it more of an indoor ball than an all-surface ball [29]. Regarding the cons, there are some considerable ones such as the dead spot on the ball where the sensor is inserted, which affects dribbling capacity and turns it into a simple catch and shoot ball, preventing it from being used in a game. However, for the purpose of shooting this is not a major concern. Another important issue is the inconsistency of the sound feedback. Indeed, the ball does not provide feedback unless the player's fingers are aligned with its ribs even if the shot is perfect in terms

*Virtual target of the basket rim as a function of the angle of entry of the basketball (Okazaki et al. [28]).*

*Variables that influence the basketball jump shot (Okazaki et al. [28]).*

*Application of Basketball Game Models through Sports Technology*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88432*

**Figure 13.**

**Figure 14.**

**107**

**Figure 12.**

*A powerful antenna directly connected to the computer allows measurement at a distance of up to 200 m, and the transmission and storage of data on the computer.*

*Application of Basketball Game Models through Sports Technology DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88432*

*2.6.1 Ball trajectory*

Upon examination of ball trajectory, three components stand out as decisive for

The angle of entry of the ball into the basket is one of the most important factors

The vertical displacement of the ball is negatively correlated with the release height and positively correlated with the release angle. In other words, the lower the release height and/or the wider the 15-release angle, the greater the vertical displacement of the ball. In simple terms, the vertical displacement of the ball may be defined as the vertical distance traveled by the ball from the moment it is released to the moment is reaches the basket. The horizontal displacement of the ball is a similar concept, but from a horizontal perspective; i.e. it represents the distance between the shooter and the basket. An increase in horizontal displacement must be accompanied by a corresponding increase in the velocity of the ball if the ball is to reach the basket [28]. The authors thus demonstrate that "these three factors (ball vertical displacement, ball horizontal displacement and velocity) are affected by

Evo one is a smart basketball that is meant to give feedback to the user upon the act of shooting. When the user shoots the basketball, he will hear a beep if the ball's backspin rate is 2–3 rotations/second (the ideal rate). The purpose of this feature is to let the user know that his attempt was successful and create shot consistency

*A powerful antenna directly connected to the computer allows measurement at a distance of up to 200 m, and*

a successful shot: release angle, velocity and height (**Figures 12** and **13**).

horizontal displacement and velocity (**Figure 14**) [28].

*Sports Science and Human Health - Different Approaches*

release velocity, angle and height".

**2.7 IoT in Basketball**

*2.7.1 Evo one*

**Figure 12.**

**106**

*the transmission and storage of data on the computer.*

for shooting success. This is due to the fact that by increasing the angle, one instantly increases the width of the basket, giving the ball a larger area to go in. There are three variables that, together, determine this angle: vertical displacement,

**Figure 13.** *Variables that influence the basketball jump shot (Okazaki et al. [28]).*

**Figure 14.** *Virtual target of the basket rim as a function of the angle of entry of the basketball (Okazaki et al. [28]).*

through muscle memory. It measures the ball's backspin using only one sensor located inside the ball. While there are already a number of reviews on this device, the performance product review website Weartesters provides possibly the most succinct and accurate summary of its pros and cons. According to them, apart from the fact that the ball has been made according to regulation size and weight making it no different to a common basketball, the main pro identified by the consumers is its leather cover which gives the user a good grip and touch. Having said this, a leather cover makes it more of an indoor ball than an all-surface ball [29]. Regarding the cons, there are some considerable ones such as the dead spot on the ball where the sensor is inserted, which affects dribbling capacity and turns it into a simple catch and shoot ball, preventing it from being used in a game. However, for the purpose of shooting this is not a major concern. Another important issue is the inconsistency of the sound feedback. Indeed, the ball does not provide feedback unless the player's fingers are aligned with its ribs even if the shot is perfect in terms of backspin, which poses serious questions regarding the feasibility of its use in a real game situation where quick catch and shoot is fundamental and players do not have time to adjust their grip. In addition, it is unable to differentiate between a pass and a shot attempt, i.e. should the fingers be aligned, it will beep whenever it reaches the ideal backspin, even if it was a pass. Furthermore, it has been noted that the lack of consistent and accurate feedback can promote some bad habits in shooting motion (**Figure 15**) [4, 30].

The main purpose of the Wilson X smart basketball is to track field goal accuracy. It is made to regulation size and weight with a solid grip and durability, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The sensor is embedded within the ball and does not require charging (lasting for 100,000 shots). In addition, the product comes with a mobile app which enables the user to track his/her performance on his/her mobile phone via Bluetooth connection. However, there are some limitations. For instance, in order to ensure tracking accuracy, the ball must go through a hoop at least 10 ft. tall, with a tight net and rigid backboard, and it must hit the floor. A number of consumer reviews highlight two important issues. The first one is related to inaccurate tracking of field goal percentage and attempts. In actual fact, the ball has been reported to record some made shots as missed and vice versa, and to not acknowledge some made attempts at all. While Wilson estimates that the ball has an accuracy of 97%, the American technology news and media network-The Verge argues that it is only around 80%. This is not great news since the main purpose of the ball is to monitor field goal percentage. The second main concern is related to the synchronization between the ball and the user's mobile phone. Users have described the process as more difficult than advertised and plagued with interruptions throughout. Another criticism has to do with the fact that the app only provides a basic shot chart showing the player's accuracy rate from specific shooting ranges, but not from 27 different shot angles or locations within the same range which could be very useful especially for players who shoot better from different positions (**Figures 16** and **17**) [31].

On a more positive note, the app provides four interesting modes that will keep the user engaged while practicing. The first mode is called free range and is essentially a shoot-around game tracker that shows shooting percentage as well as distance from the hoop. The free throw mode tracks made/missed shots in real time from the free throw line. In the buzzer beater game mode, the clock keeps ticking and the player is required to repeatedly shoot under pressure as every shot made adds seconds to the clock extending the game experience. Finally, the game time

mode recreates a real game environment including actual crowd sounds and commentary. It tracks both field goal percentage and points, and lets the player know

*Wilson X application modes. Web source: https://www.prodirectbasketball.com/responsive/pro-ditect/wilson-*

*Wilson X smart basketball. Web source: https://evo1sports.com/product/evo-one-sensorized-basketball/.*

*Application of Basketball Game Models through Sports Technology*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88432*

Although these game modes attempt to make the user more familiar with playing under pressure, without another actual player guarding and blocking the user in real life, their help in improving game performance remains limited.

The 94fifty smart basketball enables the user to check his/her shot arc, rotation and release speed. It is a ruggedized ball of regulation size and weight, with a good grip suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It does have a dead spot that can be found while dribbling but, as for Evo 1, this is not a major concern for shooting practice alone. While, at first, the ball was unable to track made or missed shots,

whether his/her effort was sufficient to secure the victory [29].

**2.8 94fifty**

**109**

**Figure 17.**

*x-connected.aspx.*

**Figure 16.**

**Figure 15.** *Wilson X. Web source: https://evo1sports.com/product/evo-one-sensorized-basketball/.*

*Application of Basketball Game Models through Sports Technology DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88432*

**Figure 16.** *Wilson X smart basketball. Web source: https://evo1sports.com/product/evo-one-sensorized-basketball/.*

**Figure 17.**

of backspin, which poses serious questions regarding the feasibility of its use in a real game situation where quick catch and shoot is fundamental and players do not have time to adjust their grip. In addition, it is unable to differentiate between a pass and a shot attempt, i.e. should the fingers be aligned, it will beep whenever it reaches the ideal backspin, even if it was a pass. Furthermore, it has been noted that the lack of consistent and accurate feedback can promote some bad habits in

The main purpose of the Wilson X smart basketball is to track field goal accuracy. It is made to regulation size and weight with a solid grip and durability, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The sensor is embedded within the ball and does not require charging (lasting for 100,000 shots). In addition, the product comes with a mobile app which enables the user to track his/her performance on his/her mobile phone via Bluetooth connection. However, there are some limitations. For instance, in order to ensure tracking accuracy, the ball must go through a hoop at least 10 ft. tall, with a tight net and rigid backboard, and it must hit the floor. A number of consumer reviews highlight two important issues. The first one is related to inaccurate tracking of field goal percentage and attempts. In actual fact, the ball has been reported to record some made shots as missed and vice versa, and to not acknowledge some made attempts at all. While Wilson estimates that the ball has an accuracy of 97%, the American technology news and media network-The Verge argues that it is only around 80%. This is not great news since the main purpose of the ball is to monitor field goal percentage. The second main concern is related to the synchronization between the ball and the user's mobile phone. Users have described the process as more difficult than advertised and plagued with interruptions throughout. Another criticism has to do with the fact that the app only provides a basic shot chart showing the player's accuracy rate from specific shooting ranges, but not from 27 different shot angles or locations within the same range which could be very useful especially for players who shoot better from different positions (**Figures 16** and **17**) [31].

On a more positive note, the app provides four interesting modes that will keep the user engaged while practicing. The first mode is called free range and is essentially a shoot-around game tracker that shows shooting percentage as well as distance from the hoop. The free throw mode tracks made/missed shots in real time from the free throw line. In the buzzer beater game mode, the clock keeps ticking and the player is required to repeatedly shoot under pressure as every shot made adds seconds to the clock extending the game experience. Finally, the game time

*Wilson X. Web source: https://evo1sports.com/product/evo-one-sensorized-basketball/.*

shooting motion (**Figure 15**) [4, 30].

*Sports Science and Human Health - Different Approaches*

**Figure 15.**

**108**

*Wilson X application modes. Web source: https://www.prodirectbasketball.com/responsive/pro-ditect/wilsonx-connected.aspx.*

mode recreates a real game environment including actual crowd sounds and commentary. It tracks both field goal percentage and points, and lets the player know whether his/her effort was sufficient to secure the victory [29].

Although these game modes attempt to make the user more familiar with playing under pressure, without another actual player guarding and blocking the user in real life, their help in improving game performance remains limited.

### **2.8 94fifty**

The 94fifty smart basketball enables the user to check his/her shot arc, rotation and release speed. It is a ruggedized ball of regulation size and weight, with a good grip suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It does have a dead spot that can be found while dribbling but, as for Evo 1, this is not a major concern for shooting practice alone. While, at first, the ball was unable to track made or missed shots,

with the increment of the smart net, this function has now been made possible. Furthermore, unlike the previous basketballs, this one can be charged wirelessly and has approximately 8 hours of battery life with continuous use. Following performance analysis of some of the best basketball shooters, the developers concluded the optimal range for shot arc to be between 42 and 48 degrees, ideal backspin between 130 and 150 rotations per minute and best release speed under 0.7 seconds, and they calibrated the ball accordingly. When shot, the ball provides instant feedback regarding what is being measured. Thus, if it is arc, there will be positive feedback if the player's shot arc falls within the optimal range, and an alert message if not. In addition, the app offers a wide variety of drills designed to improve performance in specific categories, such as dribbling and shooting. In the latter category, on which this report focuses, there are various drills available with different levels of difficulty - from playground all the way to professional, and there can be combinations of shot accuracy with shot arc, release speed or shot rotation.

attempts and a net sensor that registers whether or not the ball went in. Since there is no need for basketball sensors or smart balls, the player can choose his/her basketball of preference, which is an advantage as smart basketballs have been criticized for having different grips and not always having the touch of a regular ball. However, the fact that the net sensor has to be attached to the net which typically is 10 ft. above the ground may become a major inconvenience, especially in public places, since a ladder would be needed to reach the net and attach the sensor. Furthermore, if there are multiple players shooting at the hoop with the net sensor, all the shots will be taken into account, and this presents a problem for

Nevertheless, ShotTracker remains user friendly in other ways, coming with a wrist band, a sleeve and even a shirt giving the user different options to correctly wear the sensor. In addition, both sensors can be charged at the same time and are weather proof. With this equipment, the user is able to track his/her field goal

In addition, the app enables the user to look at his/her results in real time and assess progress over time by checking personal daily, weekly and monthly stats. Another great advantage of the app is that coaches can monitor the players' results and, based on the feedback from the drills, identify areas of weakness and custom-

The Hoop Tracker is a basketball shot tracking smartwatch which provides real time feedback on the player's shot attempts. It detects shooting location at all times

In order to do this, only two pieces of equipment are required: a wireless shot detector and a smartwatch. The shot detector is held in place by a powerful magnet designed to not impact the outcome of the shot which is a key feature. It also comes with a mounting pole which enables the user to place it on the rim safely from the ground, giving it an advantage over the Shot Tracker. The wristwatch, although lightweight and intended to be worn on the non-shooting hand to minimize the chance of damage and obstruction to the shot, is still an accessory that is not used in a game situation and, therefore, not ideal from this perspective. However, it can be

measuring individual performance [29].

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88432*

percentage and shooting location (**Figure 19**) [29].

*Application of Basketball Game Models through Sports Technology*

ize workouts to the needs of each player [35].

and whether the shot was made or missed (**Figure 20**).

*2.8.2 Hoop tracker*

**Figure 19.**

**111**

*ShotTracker gear. Web source: https://shottracker.com/.*

However, there are limitations to what the ball can measure at any given moment. For instance, the ball can only measure and display one indicator at a time and is not equipped with certain useful tools such as GPS for determining shooting location. Hence, before performing a shooting drill, the player needs to select what indicator to measure, identify his/her shooting location and whether it is a free throw or not (e.g. jump shot). Nonetheless, overall the range of workouts offered by the app does facilitate skill improvement and player engagement (**Figure 18**) [32, 33].

In studies that were carried out to assess the reliability of the 94fifty, it was concluded that it is not only possible to use it for practical purposes but also for scientific reasons given the accuracy of the obtained results. It was also considered an important instrument for the overall improvement of the basketball training process since this device allows the user to receive valuable feedback [34].
