Numerical Analysis of the Basketball Shot

This paper numerically analyzes the dynamics of the basketball shot. The focus of the paper is on the development of a general, formulation for the dynamics of the shot beginning when the ball leaves the shooter's hand and ending when the shot is made or missed. The numerical analysis developed in this paper can be used to conduct a parametric study of the dynamics of the basketball shot, which in turn, can be used to improve individual shooting and team strategy. The individual skill level of the shooter enters the formulation through the statistical accuracy of the release. The paper then shows how to determine the shooter's probability of making a given shot.