Frontiers | Impact of visual attention training on visual control and 3-point field goal percentage in semi-professional basketball players

February 17, 2026 - 12:03

In the contemporary landscape of basketball, characterized by an escalating tempo and heightened defensive intensity, the 3-point shot has emerged as a pivotal weapon. A new study now reveals a groundbreaking method to sharpen this crucial skill: targeted visual attention training. Research conducted with semi-professional athletes demonstrates that honing specific visual control abilities directly translates to a higher field goal percentage from beyond the arc.

The training regimen moves beyond traditional physical practice, focusing instead on the cognitive processes underpinning a successful shot. Players engaged in exercises designed to improve their ability to quickly locate and track relevant cues amidst visual clutter, suppress distractions from defenders and the crowd, and maintain optimal focus on the basket throughout their shooting motion. This mental conditioning aims to enhance the visual-motor coordination essential for consistent shooting performance.

Results from the study were striking. The group of players who underwent the specialized visual attention program showed significant improvements not only in laboratory tests of visual control but, more importantly, in their actual three-point shooting accuracy during games compared to a control group. This suggests that the split-second visual decisions a shooter makes—where to look and what to ignore—are as trainable as their physical mechanics.

The findings offer a paradigm shift for coaches and players at all levels. Integrating cognitive visual training into standard practice routines could unlock new levels of shooting efficiency. As the search for a competitive edge continues, this research underscores that the next frontier in athletic performance may lie not just in the body, but in the sharpness of the mind's eye.