I think you are grasping at hairs here (haha, straws, whatever). It is undeniably easier to put a smaller object into a hole than it is a larger object...... duh. All that other crapp aside, the game is ENTIRELY about putting the ball in the hoop. There is nothing 'potential' about it...I agree with you that the adjustment time to the ball …in just the single season is a variable that seems to not be accounted for…(so not perfect science) It would be interesting to see this variable better controlled over a longer timeframe.
Yes. the extra space in the rim for the smaller ball is a reality…and potentially helpful. And, yes the lighter
ball is clearly an asset shooting from long range. You can hoist up more shots-quicker…I mean it’s lighter…it stands to reason. You can also handle it easier…and get into triple threat quicker. But this study seems to NOT really be negating any of that. It even seems to corroborate much of that.
It seems to be saying at a certain point, it levels out…and the benefits of having the lighter ball don’t really offer a significant change in say…a typical 2 pt shot or free throw. I can believe that part…
I hate splitting hairs and making it about semantics. But, I don’t think they’re saying it isn’t physically “easier” to shoot. They’re saying the “accuracy” isn’t affected much.
Certainly not like you would think, at least.
Does a slightly lighter baseball bat enable you to be more accurate at making contact? Maybe/Maybe not… Well it’s certainly easier to get around. But is that enough to overwhelmingly make a difference in your batting average?I am not so sure.
How about a large bowling ball vs a smaller bowling ball? Maybe somewhat. Maybe not...Idunno…
A lot more there to consider there I think.
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