Video Modeling, Video Feedback, and Observational Learning in Basketball Free-Throw Performance: A Systematic Mini-Review

Abstract

Free-throw performance represents a critical component of scoring efficiency in basketball and has been
widely investigated in motor learning research. In recent years, video-based instructional strategies such as
video modeling, observational learning, and video feedback have gained increasing attention as tools for
enhancing sport skill acquisition. The aim of this systematic mini-review was to synthesize empirical evidence
regarding the effectiveness of video-based observational interventions on basketball free-throw
performance. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for peerreviewed
studies published between 2000 and 2025. Following duplicate removal and PRISMA 2020
screening procedures, eight studies met the predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative
synthesis, highlighting the still limited evidence base in this specific domain. The methodological quality of
the selected studies was evaluated using a five-criterion appraisal checklist adapted from the PEDro
framework (Maher et al., 2003). Overall, the findings indicate that video-based observational interventions
are generally associated with improvements in free-throw accuracy, movement consistency, and retention
compared with traditional practice conditions. These outcomes are consistent with theoretical perspectives
from observational learning theory, schema theory, the mirror neuron system, and the OPTIMAL theory of
motor learning. Although the current body of evidence remains relatively limited, the results suggest that
structured video modeling and observational learning strategies may represent effective pedagogical tools
for improving free-throw performance in basketball training contexts.