Final answer:
The fitness component tested in a basketball throw is muscular power, essential for successful free throws in basketball, which involves correct application of force and angle, calculated using principles of projectile motion and energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fitness component tested in a basketball throw is primarily related to muscular power, which refers to the ability to exert a maximal force in as short a time as possible, as in accelerating, jumping and throwing implements. In basketball, specifically when throwing the ball during a free throw, this power is crucial. The player must exert the correct force and angle with their muscles to make the shot successfully.
When observing a partner bouncing a basketball, you are looking at an example of projectile motion and the effects of gravity on the ball. This ties in closely with the physics behind making free throws, where Helen's proficiency in making 75% of her shots involves consistent application of the right force and trajectory.
To accurately perform a free throw, a player must consider the initial speed, the release height of the ball, and the distance to the basket. A player must throw the ball at a certain angle above the horizontal to counteract gravity and ensure the ball enters the basket. This angle and the force applied are part of the projectile motion and can be calculated using physics principles. Moreover, the motion of a basketball player who crouches down and jumps shows the conservation of energy and work-energy principles, indicating how the physics calculations, although complex, are not inaccurate descriptions of the actual movements.