Comparing Scoring Mechanics for Encouraging Technique Adoption in a Sport Training Game

Paper Title

Comparing Scoring Mechanics for Encouraging Technique Adoption in a Sport Training Game

Publication Info

• Topic area: Sport training games and their impact on technique adoption and player experience.
• Keywords: sport training games, technique training, basketball free throws, scoring mechanics, player experience, knowledge of performance, knowledge of results, motor learning, game design, skill development.

Background and Problem

• Problem / challenge: Limited research exists on how feedback in sport training games should be designed to optimize skill acquisition and engagement. Specifically, the interplay between technique-focused feedback (KP) and results-focused feedback (KR) is poorly understood.
• Significance: Understanding effective feedback mechanisms in sport training games can improve athlete engagement and skill development, making training more accessible and enjoyable.
• Motivation and related work: Previous studies have explored immersive elements and exergames but have not systematically compared scoring mechanics based on KP and KR feedback. This paper seeks to fill that gap by focusing on basketball free throw training.

Solution

• Proposed approach: Development of a basketball training game with three scoring mechanics: KP-only (optimal shooting arc), KR-only (successful shot), and KP+KR (combination of both).
• Novelty:
  1. Systematic comparison of KP and KR scoring mechanics in sport training games.
  2. Quantitative evidence for the efficacy of game-based technique training.
  3. Design guidelines for scaffolding skill development through progressive game mechanics.
• Procedure and key techniques:
  • Participants played three game variants and a non-game baseline condition.
  • KP feedback was based on release angles (52–60°), KR feedback on successful baskets.
  • Player experience and training outcomes were measured using questionnaires and shot data.
  • Statistical analysis included repeated-measures ANOVA and linear regression to assess impacts.

Results

• Concrete findings:
  • Technique adherence was higher in KP-only (74±6%) and KP+KR (67±7%) conditions compared to KR-only (54±8%).
  • Shots made improved across all conditions, with KP+KR achieving the highest percentage (32±4%).
  • KP+KR scored highest in player experience metrics like Interest/Enjoyment and Value/Usefulness.
• Advantage over baselines:
  • KP+KR condition balanced challenge and engagement better than KP-only or KR-only.
  • KP-only was easier and less effort-intensive, making it suitable for novices.
• Experiments / evaluation:
  • 18 participants (mean age 23.9 years) completed 100 shots each across four conditions.
  • Player experience was assessed using PXI, IMI, and TLX scales.
  • Technique adherence and shot accuracy were analyzed quantitatively.
• Limitations and future work:
  • Small sample size (N=18) limits generalizability; larger studies needed.
  • Long-term retention of technique was not assessed; future longitudinal studies recommended.
  • System accuracy for release angle calculation could be improved with additional sensors.

Summary

This study explored the impact of scoring mechanics on player experience and technique adoption in a basketball training game. The KP+KR condition was most effective in balancing engagement and skill development, while KP-only provided a simpler, confidence-building experience for novices. Techniques learned in the game were retained in the short term, suggesting potential for long-term skill acquisition. These findings provide actionable insights for designing sport training games that scaffold skill development and enhance player engagement.