Kinematics-Based Biomechanical Analysis of Gina Garcia's Free-Throw Shooting Technique (U20 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Final MVP)

Abstract

Free-throw shooting is a critical technical skill in basketball in which success depends not only on accuracy, but also on biomechanical efficiency and consistency of movement execution. However, limited studies have specifically examined the kinematic characteristics underlying elite female free-throw performance in real competition settings. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the kinematics-based biomechanical characteristics of the free-throw shooting technique performed by Gina Garcia, the Final MVP of the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket 2025. This study employed a descriptive quantitative approach with a case study design. The subjects consisted of 27 free-throw attempts performed by Gina Garcia. Data were obtained from official match video recordings and analyzed using Kinovea to measure kinematic variables, including shoulder and elbow joint angles across the preparation, execution, and follow-through phases, as well as ball release angle, flight time, and ball height. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics involving mean, standard deviation, and range. The results showed an average ball release angle of 49.81 ± 3.21°, producing successful shots with a ball release height of 3.73 ± 0.095 m and flight time of 0.956 ± 0.056 s. During the execution phase, shoulder and elbow joint angles were 73.32 ± 13.57° and 65.55 ± 6.32°, respectively, while in the follow-through phase they reached 153.54 ± 8.35° and 164.41 ± 6.68°. These findings indicate that free-throw success was primarily supported by kinematic consistency, efficient kinetic chain coordination, and optimized projectile mechanics. In conclusion, this study provides evidence-based contributions to sports biomechanics literature and offers a practical reference model to bridge biomechanical theory and basketball coaching practice.