Measures Affecting Free-throw Shooting in Big 12 Conference Mens Basketball Games

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate measures that affected free-throw shooting in Big 12 Conference men's basketball games during the 2006 season. All attempted free-throws were categorized into free-throws attempted in close games, in the final five minutes, and in close games in the final five minutes. These statistics were then compared to the final conference standings to determine if a relationship existed between high free-throw success rates and the conference champion. Also, relationships between levels of collegiate experience and free-throw successes and between the percentage of teams' final minute points being contributed by free-throws and final standings were examined.Findings and Conclusion: This study determined that the most difficult place to attempt free-throws was the conference champion's venue. Also, the conference champion ranked high in every statistical category pertaining to free-throws, and surprisingly, players with only one year of collegiate experience dominated most of the free-throw categories