The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between visual tracking speed (NeuroTracker) and reaction time on basketball specific measures of performance.

What Was Studied

12 professional NBA basketball players were tested with 1 session NeuroTracker speed threshold baselines, and compared with the following basketball-specific measures of performance during the regular basketball season: Assists, Turnovers, Assist-to-turnover ratio, Steals. All performance measures were reported per 100 minutes played. Performance differences between backcourt (guards) and frontcourt (forward/centers) positions were also examined.

What Was Found

Relationships were most present between VTS and Assist-to-turnover ratio, and Turnovers. Backcourt players were most likely to outperform frontcourt players in AST and very likely to do so for higher NeuroTracker baselines. Reaction time was not related to any of the basketball-specific performance measures.

Takeaways

In conclusion, 1 session NeuroTracker baselines showed significant correlation to a basketball player’s ability to see and respond to various stimuli on the basketball court that results in more positive plays, as reflected by greater number of AST and STL and lower turnovers.

‍

Reference: Gerald Mangine et al. ‘Visual Tracking Speed Is Related to Basketball-Specific Measures of Performance in NBA Players’ Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 28(9), 2014.

Looking for more information on NeuroTracker research? Feel free to contact us.