A tap on the shoulder increases odds of netting a shot, study shows

With the Olympics approaching, all eyes will be on Team GB’s prospects.

And there’s one simple way they could boost their chances: by giving each other a pat on the back.

Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland have discovered a friendly tap on the shoulder increases the odds of netting a stressful shot in basketball.

And they claim their findings could be applicable to other team sports.

The researchers studied free throws, awarded in basketball when a player is fouled while attempting to score. In most cases, the fouled player gets two free throws, with a point for each successful shot.

Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland have discovered a friendly tap on the shoulder increases the odds of netting a stressful shot in basketball. Pictured: Stefanie Dolson of the USA shoots at a match in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Analysis of free throws in 60 US women’s games revealed that the chances of scoring rose when team-mates showed their support through touch

Analysis of free throws in 60 US women’s games revealed that the chances of scoring rose when team-mates showed their support through touch.

However, this effect was apparent only after a failed first shot.

Christiane Buttner, who led the research, said: ‘Support from team-mates is most helpful when your stress level is already high because you missed the first of the two shots.’

The study, published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise, concludes: ‘Our findings speak to the power of touch to handle pressure in basketball, a multi-billion-dollar business where every point is worth money.’

Read more