Chocking under pressure in the ACB free throws

Abstract

Performance on free throws under pressure conditions may be related to multiple variables. In this sense, the main aim of this work will be to know if there is a decrease in performance during the last minute of tight games, and which of those variables is more related with it. To achieve this aim, 124 tight games (less or equal than two points differences) of every competition (regular season, playoff, and cup) of the ACB league during 2011-2012 to 2014-2015 seasons were analyzed to record the percentage in free throws of the player in the regular season, complete game, and last minute of the game. The main results of the study showed there is a decrease in performance about the percentage in free throws in the last minute of the game, and it is significantly associated with age, professional experience, player position, and scoreline.