Dermatoglyphics And Athletic Talent: “Analyzing Thumb Fingerprint Ridge Counts In Junior Basketball Players"

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between thumb fingerprint ridge counts and basketball skill abilities—specifically passing, shooting, and dribbling—among junior basketball players aged 14 to 17 years. Utilising a sample of 60 participants from Idukki and Kottayam districts in Kerala, India, the research employs a non-invasive ink method to collect thumbprint data, which is subsequently analysed using the Henry Classification System. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation coefficients, reveal significant positive correlations between the thumb fingerprint ridge count of the dominant hand and basketball skills: passing (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001), shooting (r = 0.86, p < 0.0001), and dribbling (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that higher ridge counts may be indicative of superior athletic performance, potentially due to enhanced tactile sensitivity and neuromuscular coordination. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on dermatoglyphics in sports talent identification, highlighting the potential of thumb fingerprint ridge counts as biomarkers for early talent detection in basketball. The results underscore the importance of integrating scientific methodologies into traditional talent scouting practices, paving the way for innovative approaches to athlete selection and training. Future research should expand on these findings by exploring diverse populations and examining the underlying genetic mechanisms that may influence athletic performance.