David Cárdenas Vélez

Inside pass predicts ball possession effectiveness in NBA basketball

The aims of this study were to analyse the effects of using inside pass on ball possession effectiveness and to identify game performance indicators to predict inside pass success in the National Basketball Association (NBA), considering situational variables. A total of 4207 closed ball possessions (± 10 points difference) where recorded from 25 matches of the 2010 NBA Playoffs series. Ball possessions were classified whether including inside pass (n=808) or not (n=3399). Predictive analysis of use and effectiveness was made through a series of binomial logistic regressions and Classification tree analysis (CHAID). Results indicate that ball possessions including inside pass were more effective and longer in duration, finding a greater use in top-4 NBA teams regardless the game period. Additionally, inside pass effectiveness was influenced by: the receiver attitude, reception distance, and defensive help. Particularly, the analysis of combined performance indicators disclosed relevant information on attack effectiveness, suggesting players to adopt a dynamic attitude in the weak side before getting the ball, while their teammates are developing individual and collective actions to create free space and enhance inside game options and effectiveness. Current findings shed some light on specific knowledge concerning tactical behaviours in NBA basketball, contributing in the design of specific programmes to increase inside game options and players’ decisionmaking according to specific game constraints.

Collective behaviour in basketball: a systematic review

Abstract We aimed to review and organise current literature about basketball collective behaviour assessment to categorise the most common research topics, main findings and shortcomings of the analysis made. Literature was sought via an electronic search of three databases: Scopus, Web of Science and SportDiscus. Systematic review principles were used to identify and select potential eligible studies according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. In total, 322 studies were identified in the original database search, including 45 after the screening process. Then, articles were classified regarding topic and tactical factors explored (game context, game phase and players’ role, and game condition). Current findings contribute to a better understanding of tactical assessment and game structure in basketball. The set of results extracted and discussed provide accurate information about the state of art in basketball collective behaviour assessment. We detected a lack of studies exploring tactical behaviour from a complex, dynamic, and holistic point of view, as well as an absence of longitudinal designs. Besides, reports about the influences of game context in basketball tactical performance are sparse. Information reported might result of great interest for coaches and staff, contributing to better characterise match performance in basketball and subsequent development of tactical training enhancement programmes. Additionally, the summary and classification provided may serve as a useful guide to future research in basketball.

El aprendizaje de reglas discriminativas complejas en baloncesto a través de una instrucción intencional

El objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar un estudio de casospara ver si un grupo de jugadores consiguen mejorar su toma de decisionesmediante el aprendizaje intencional de unas reglas complejas, con poca salienciaperceptiva. Participaron 10 jugadores de baloncesto de genero masculinocon edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 24 anos (M = 21.47). Seutilizo un diseno pre-experimental intrasujeto, en el que el grupo consideradoes el grupo experimental. En el estudio se examinaron las replicas individualesdel efecto de la intervencion en cada jugador con una comparaciontransversal analizando los cambios pre y post exposicion a la intervencion,y otra longitudinal, para valorar los cambios que se producian a lo largode la temporada, seleccionando para ello 8 partidos de manera aleatoria.Se midieron la toma de decisiones durante las acciones de bloqueos que seproducian durante los partidos. La intervencion se baso en la presentacionde las claves mediante un feedback reflexivo. Los resultados muestran comotras el proceso de entrenamiento los jugadores tomaron mejores decisionesdurante las acciones de los bloqueos. Ademas se encontro una correlacionentre la toma de decisiones y la eficacia en el juego. Los resultados obtenidosen este estudio permiten pensar que el entrenamiento de la toma de decisionesbasado en un aprendizaje explicito con una intencionalidad reflexivapuede ser adecuado para acciones de alta complejidad como las que se producenen los bloqueos en baloncesto.