New research suggests that a simple touch from teammates can significantly influence the success of basketball players during free throw attempts, particularly after a missed first shot. The findings were published in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise. Prior research has extensively documented the calming effects of physical touch, such as hugs or pats on the back, which can soothe individuals and lower stress levels. However, the impact of such physical interactions on performance during stressful tasks has remained under-explored. Free throws represent a unique blend of skill, concentration, and psychological pressure as players face not only the physical challenge of the shot but also the intense scrutiny of spectators and the weight of team expectations. For their study, the researchers analyzed a total of 60 basketball games involving NCAA women’s teams. These games were chosen for their availability and the clarity with which player interactions could be observed. The primary observational focus was on the period between the two free throws, during which teammates could interact with the shooter. The researchers recorded every …