A helping hand goes a long way at the free throw line

Could a pat on the back, or a friendly tap on the shoulder help improve your accuracy shooting free throws in basketball?

A study by the University of Basel in Switzerland found that in Basketball a literal pat on the back from one of your teammates can improve your chance of scoring a free throw.

Christiane Büttner headed up the team of researchers and told Sportshour's Caroline Barker about why a helping hand goes a long way.

Photo: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics slaps hands with Kristaps Porzingis #8 against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at TD Garden on January 19, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Credit: Getty Images)