World Record Bid: Key Prep Phase in 3-Point Shooting

KU researchers use motion capture tech to analyze mechanics of elite shooters

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:35am

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New research from the University of Kansas has found that proper elbow positioning and greater flexion in the hips, knees and ankles prior to initiating the shooting motion are key determinants of successful long-range shooting efficiency. This science is now being used to help a former college basketball player attempt to set a new world record for most consecutive made three-point shots.

Why it matters

As three-point shots have become an increasingly important part of basketball at all levels, understanding the biomechanics of elite shooters can help coaches and players improve their long-range accuracy. The innovative motion capture technology used in this study provides objective data to bridge the gap between the lab and the court.

The details

Researchers at KU's Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory analyzed the shooting mechanics of 24 basketball players, finding that proficient three-point shooters consistently demonstrated greater flexion in their lower body during the preparatory phase of the shooting motion. This allowed them to maintain better balance and stability, which are crucial for generating the force and velocity required for longer shooting distances.

  • The study was published in March 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.

The players

Dimitrije Cabarkapa

Associate director of KU's Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory and co-author of the study.

Damjana Cabarkapa

Assistant professor of exercise science at Singidunum University and co-author of the study.

Andrew Fry

Professor emeritus of health, sport & exercise science and former director of the Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory, and co-author of the study.

Cornell Jenkins

A former college basketball player at Cal State Dominguez Hills and a physicist who is collaborating with the Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory to set a new Guinness World Record for most consecutive made three-point shots.

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What they’re saying

“If you look at heat maps of made shots in today's game, everything is happening around the perimeter or at the rim. So we wanted to examine what makes a more proficient three-point shooter.”

— Dimitrije Cabarkapa, Associate director of KU's Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory

“Having a wider stance is very important for stability. Without that, a shooter cannot maintain a stable base and is going to be off balance. Everyone usually focuses on the moment of ball release. While the release phase plays an important role, the majority of factors that determine shooting success happen from the moment the player catches the ball and begins initiating the shooting motion.”

— Dimitrije Cabarkapa, Associate director of KU's Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory

What’s next

Cornell Jenkins will return to KU in the future to further study his shooting technique using the DARI markerless motion capture system, including the addition of three-dimensional force plate analysis. The team will also examine how fatigue impacts biomechanical and physiological performance parameters as part of Jenkins' continued training to set the new three-point shooting world record.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of the preparatory phase in three-point shooting, providing coaches and players with valuable insights into the biomechanics of elite shooters. The use of innovative motion capture technology allows researchers to bridge the gap between the lab and the court, helping athletes optimize their performance through data-driven training and technique refinement.