Abstract
Abstract Aims: To identify regional differences in basketball games for under-age categories, this study analyzed game-related statistics of four continental championships for under-18 (U18) men. Methods: A total of 149 games from each continental championship for U18 men held in 2016 were analyzed. A one-way analysis of variance followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to assess differences in game-related statistics between the continents (Europe, Africa, America, Asia). A discriminant analysis was performed to identify game-related statistics which discriminate among the continents. Results: The U18 African championship, which was characterized by a high number of free throws, was clearly discriminated from any other U18 continental championship. Among the other U18 continental championships excluding the African championship, the biggest difference was observed between the European and the Asian championships. The U18 European championship was characterized by a low number of possessions and a high number of assists, whereas the U18 Asian championship was characterized by a high number of possessions and a low number of assists. Both possessions and assists showed high numbers in the U18 American championship. Conclusion: This study identified regional differences in basketball games among four continental championships for U18 men held in 2016. It is suggested that basketball games for under-age categories are played in a different manner in each region of the world. The information derived from this study will help players and coaches of under-age national teams prepare for international competitions.
Highlights
In basketball, game-related statistics, which reflect players’ behavior in the game, are recorded and summarized in a box score
team ball possessions (TBP) was calculated from field goal attempts (FGA), offensive rebounds (ORB), turnovers (TO) and free throw attempts (FTA) using the following equation[29]: TBP = FGA - ORB + TO + 0.4 × FTA
Large effect size differences between the African and the other continental championships were observed for unsuccessful free throws, assists, unsuccessful 2-point field goals, defensive rebounds, blocks, team ball possessions and offensive rebounds
Summary
Game-related statistics, which reflect players’ behavior in the game, are recorded and summarized in a box score. The FIBA regulations define eight game-related statistics: field goals, free throws, rebounds, turnovers, assists, steals, blocked shots, and fouls. Game-related statistics have been extensively studied, only a few studies have been performed focusing on regional differences in basketball[21, 22, 23]. Ibáñez and colleagues have recently investigated regional differences among continental championships for senior men held in 2015 and reported that each continental championship has a specific performance profile[21]: Europe, a low number of possessions and a high number of assists; Africa, high numbers of free throws, rebounds, steals and fouls; America, a high number of field goal attempts; Asia, a high number of possessions and a low number of assists
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