Mind Wandering and its Relationship to Free Throw Accuracy in Basketball among High School Students

Abstract

This research aims to identify the relationship between mind wandering and free-throw accuracy in basketball among secondary school students, in addition to measuring the level of each of these variables within the research sample. The researcher adopted a descriptive approach using correlational methods, and two scales were applied: mind wandering and free-throw accuracy scales to a sample of students The research community consisted of secondary school students in government schools for the academic year (2025–2026). The sample was deliberately chosen, consisting of (13) students as the main sample, in addition to (3) students for the pilot study, bringing the total to (16) students. The results showed significant differences between the calculated and hypothetical means in favor of the means for both variables. The calculated t-value for mind wandering was 8.067 at a significance level of 0.000, and for free-throw accuracy, it was 10.533 at a significance level of 0.000. The results also showed a significant positive correlation between mind wandering and free-throw accuracy (r = 0.642, Sig = 0.001). The research concluded that a higher level of mind wandering is associated with a change in free-throw accuracy, and that controlling attention contributes to improving skill performance. The research recommends the need to focus on developing concentration and attention and reducing mental distraction among students through psychological training programs accompanying skill training in basketball.