Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze the changes of game-related statistics in expert players across their whole sports careers. From an initial sample including 252 professional basketball players competing in Spanish first division basketball league (ACB) in the 2017–2018 season, 22 met the inclusion criteria. The following game-related statistics were studied: average points, assist, rebounds (all normalized by minute played), 3-point field goals percentage, 2-point field goals percentage, and free throws percentage per season. Each variable was individually investigated with a customized excel spreadsheet assessing individual variations and career trends were calculated. The results showed a positive trend in most of the investigated players in assists (91% of cases) and free throw percentages (73% of cases). Similar percentages of positive and negative trends were observed for all the other game-related statistics (range: 41–59% for negative and positive, respectively). In conclusion, an increase in assist and free throw performance was shown in the investigated players across their playing career. This information is essential for basketball coaches suggesting the use of most experienced players in the final moments of the game.
Highlights
Basketball is a team sport characterized by the execution of series of skills in multiple situations occurring across the game
Results revealed that most of the players have a positive trend in assists (91% of the cases) free throws (73% of the cases), and 3-point percentage with a lower value (59%)
The results revealed that assists and free throws were the two team performance indicators (TPI) mostly showing a positive trend during players’ careers
Summary
Basketball is a team sport characterized by the execution of series of skills in multiple situations occurring across the game. Game-related statistics are fundamental and their level might depend on the players’ characteristics and training experience. The use of performance analysis in sport with the determination of the most important game related statistics during the game aims to improve the team performance, increasing the knowledge of the performance of each player. It is important to note that in basketball several game related statistics have been used, while only some of them were deemed fundamental. Players’ experience might play a fundamental role in improving players’ game related statistics effectiveness.
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