Space protection dynamics in basketball: Validation and application to the evaluation of offense-defense patterns

Abstract

The aims of this study were twofold: i) to validate classes of defensive actions (i.e., space protection dynamics - SPDs) for containing offense in basketball; and ii) to propose a novel approach to analyze matches based on the interaction of a space creation dynamic (SCD) and a respective SPD. Kappa statistics revealed high intra- and inter-raters values, supporting the reliability of the defined SPDs. Six matches of the Spanish professional basketball finals were analyzed to achieve the second purpose of the present study. The SCD-SPD couples of actions were analyzed regarding their frequency of occurrence and variety until a scoring attempt. Teams' utilization of sequences of SCDs and SPDs was similar and short in length. Additionally, combining a second action with the first seemed to positively impact on offense success. The analysis of SCDs-SPDs interactions comprehend an innovative approach to the tactical evaluation of matches and may be helpful to interpret teams playing patterns.