Gaze fixation parameters in basketball: examining the link to anxiety, self-talk, and emotional responses in free-throw shooting

Introduction The quiet eye (QE) period is the interval of the final gaze fixation before the start of a decisive movement in each sport. QE is considered essential for successful performance in activities that require throwing or aiming at a target, such as basketball free-throw shooting. The purpose of the present study was two-fold, aiming to (a) compare gaze fixation parameters between successful and unsuccessful shots, and (b) investigate the relationships between gaze fixation variables, with eye-hand coordination, self-talk, anxiety, and emotion variables. Methods Thirty-one basketball players participated in the Hellenic Women and Men U18 National Teams volunteered to participate in the study. Each participant completed ten free-throw shots while wearing the ET Vision system during the trials. The mean of the gaze variables value across these attempts was calculated. The participants filled in the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 based on how they usually feel, the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist, and the Self-Talk Questionnaire based on how they felt before and during, respectively, the free-throw shots. Results The results showed significant differences in gaze fixation parameters between successful and unsuccessful shots. There were significant negative correlations between concentration disruption and gaze fixation parameters. Positive and neutral correlations were observed between gaze parameters and instructional and motivational self-talk, respectively. Discussion Successful free throws feature extended QE, onset, and longer fixation duration, and higher proximity of longer fixation to QE. Eye-hand coordination drills should be included in athletes’ physical training, as successful performance is a proactive, not a reactive, process. The application of psychological preparation programs and stress management techniques would help athletes to eliminate the negative effects of anxiety and disrupted concentration on their performance. These findings support a well-rounded basketball training approach that integrates technical instruction, visual strategies, and psychological skill development.