The Psychological Impact of Jersey Color on Opponents’ Defensive Responses in Basketball

Color psychology has been widely studied in sports, suggesting that uniform color can influence perception, emotion, and performance. The present study investigates the psychological impact of jersey color on opponents’ defensive responses in competitive basketball. The research was conducted during a basketball tournament held at Jaipuriya Institute, Lucknow, with a sample of 60 players aged 16–25 years. Teams wore red, blue, black, or green jerseys, and opponents’ defensive responses were measured using a Defensive Pressure Score (DPS) and Defensive Engagement Frequency (DEF). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in defensive behavior based on jersey color, with red jerseys eliciting the highest defensive pressure. The findings support existing theories of color-based psychological influence in sports and provide practical implications for coaches and team management.