The analysis of basketball free throw trajectory using PSO algorithm

Abstract

The following paper described the method for automatic measurement of selected parameters of a basketball free throw trajectory. The research material was based on 10 sequences recorded by a monocular camera. For tracking the ball the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used. Additionally the method of ball detection was developed. The study was conducted on a group of 10 basketball players who participated in the Polish Second Division during the 2014/2015 season. The 10 parameters (four distances, three velocities, and three angle parameters) were taken into account. The experimental results showed that the value of the initial angle was equal to 47.27±4.42 degrees, and the height of ball trajectory was at the level of 3.84±0.34 m. The correlation between body height and parameter of a free throw was also determined. The analysis conducted showed a significant correlation between the height and shape of a free throw trajectory. The suggested method can be used in the training process as a tool to improve performance of the free throw.