Purpose: This study investigated the brain’s electrical activity underlying sustained attention in elite athletes during an targeting task.

Methods: Sixteen elite male basketball players (M = 22.06, SD = 1.56 years) voluntarily participated. Data were recorded using a 32-channel wireless electroencephalography (EEG) device during five free throws and within a three-second time window. For quantitative analysis, the absolute power of the theta frequency band (4–8 Hz) was calculated at four primary midline scalp electrodes: Fz, Cz, Pz, and Oz.The resulting electrophysiological data were subsequently analyzed using a robust 2×3×4 repeated measures Analysis of Variance, specifically implemented for statistically comparing the differences between successful and unsuccessful throws.

Results: Results demonstrated that Theta band activity at the Fz electrode was significantly higher compared to other regions (Cz, Pz, Oz). Furthermore, in successful throws, Theta band activity at the Fz electrode was significantly greater than in unsuccessful throws. A similar significant difference was also observed in the Pz electrode, but no difference was found in the Cz and Oz electrodes.

Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study confirm the vital role of Midline Frontal Theta in the sustained attention and cognitive control of elite athletes. Success in the free throw is associated with the enhancement of Theta activity at the Fz electrode. This key marker (Midline Theta) is considered vital not only for optimal attentional allocation but also for the formulation and development of effective cognitive protocols within the domain of sports performance.