Performing the exact same sequence of actions before each free throw will improve performance.
Researchers watched each player’s free throws to determine their “dominant” pre-performance routine. This was defined as the sequence of actions that they performed before at least half of their free throw attempts (e.g. bounce ball 3 times, spin it backwards in hands, pause, look at the hoop, take a deep breath, bend knees, and shoot).
Players used their dominant routine most of the time (81.17% to be exact), but that leaves a fair number of free throws where players either messed up the sequence or added/omitted elements of their routine.
And this absolutely did seem to affect performance.
When players stuck with their dominant sequence, they made 83.77% of their free throws.
But when players deviated from their dominant routine, they made only 71.43% of their free throws.
⇒If you don’t have a pre-performance routine, it’s definitely worth exploring. But if you already do – especially if you are preparing for an audition (orchestral, summer festival, or collegiate) – it may be worth videotaping yourself starting excerpts and pieces.
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