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Basketball is a sport that requires a multitude of skills, and there are many ways to measure an athlete's performance. Traditionally, coaches prepared their teams based on players' fitness levels and anthropometric characteristics. However, modern coaches use notational analysis to improve team and player performance. This allows them to collect reliable information about their opponents and their own team. Performance metrics provide a detailed snapshot of an athlete's abilities, and there are many tests to measure aerobic and anaerobic fitness. For example, the Yo-Yo endurance test measures maximum aerobic capacity, and the 40-yard dash measures speed and acceleration. Other metrics include lane agility drills, bench press, squat and vertical leap tests, and minutes and points per game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Player Efficiency Rating (PER) | John Hollinger's all-in-one basketball rating |
| PER calculation | Sums up all a player's positive accomplishments, subtracts the negative accomplishments, and returns a per-minute rating of a player's performance |
| PER calculation example | A two-point field goal made is worth about 1.65 points. A three-point field goal made is worth 2.65 points. A missed field goal costs a team 0.72 points |
| PER league average | 15.00 |
| PER applicability | PER is not a reliable measure of a player's defensive abilities |
| Basketball court measurement tools | Plumb Bob, String, Calculator, Notebook and Pencil, Level |
| Basketball court maintenance tools | Broom, Court cleaner, Pressure washer |
| Basketball sizes | Vary by age, gender, and level of play. The official size of the basketball used by the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference |
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Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
The Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a per-minute rating developed by ESPN columnist John Hollinger. It is a statistical measure that sums up all of a basketball player's positive and negative accomplishments and returns a per-minute rating of their performance. It is calculated using a detailed formula that rates a player's statistical performance, taking into account positive results such as field goals, free throws, 3-pointers, assists, rebounds, blocks, and steals, and negative results such as missed shots, turnovers, and personal fouls. The formula adds positive stats and subtracts negative ones through a statistical point value system. The rating for each player is then adjusted to a per-minute basis, allowing for comparisons between substitutes and starters.
PER is one of the first common NBA stats and is considered an all-in-one rating that boils down a player's contributions, mostly offensive, into a single number. While it takes into account some defensive statistics like blocks and steals, it is not considered a reliable measure of a player's defensive abilities. The metric is averaged over the length of a player's entire career, so a decrease in efficiency later in a career can cause a player to move down in the rankings.
The league-average PER is always set to 15.00, which provides a reference point for comparing player performance across seasons. For example, if a player with a league-average rate of shots, all of which were 2-pointers, shot 30.4%, he would have a PER of 7.18, which is considerably lower than most players in the league. To achieve a league-average PER of 15.00, the break-even mark for 2-point shots is 48.5%, which is the league average.
PER has been the subject of some debate, with critics arguing that it gives too much weight to a player's contribution in limited minutes and undervalues players who have the diversity to play starter's minutes. It has also been said to reward inefficient shooting. Despite this, it remains a widely used metric in the NBA, with Hollinger ranking players by their PER in his ESPN Insider series.
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Court dimensions
The dimensions of a basketball court vary depending on the level and type of basketball being played. A professional NBA court measures 94 feet by 50 feet (approximately 28.65 by 15.24 metres), making it the largest court size in both domestic and international basketball. The WNBA, on the other hand, follows the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules, which stipulate a slightly smaller court size of 28 metres by 15 metres (approximately 91.9 feet by 49.2 feet).
High school and junior high school courts are typically 84 feet by 50 feet (approximately 25.6 metres by 15.24 metres). However, older high school gyms may have smaller courts, with lengths of 74 feet or 84 feet (22.56 metres or 25.6 metres).
The size of the three-point arc also varies between different basketball leagues. In the NBA, the three-point line forms an arc that begins 22 feet from the centre of the basket and extends to 23 feet and 9 inches. The WNBA, however, follows the FIBA standard, with the three-point line set at 22.15 feet from the centre of the hoop.
The baskets themselves are always positioned 10 feet (approximately 3.05 metres) above the floor, except in youth competitions, where the height may be adjusted.
In addition to the court dimensions, the backboard dimensions and rim size are also standardised across different levels of basketball. The backboard should be a rectangle measuring 6 feet horizontally and 3.5 feet vertically, with a flat and transparent front surface. The basketball goal, also known as the ring or hoop, typically has a diameter of 18 inches (approximately 45.72 centimetres). It must be positioned 10 feet (3.05 metres) from the floor.
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Ball size
Basketballs come in a variety of sizes, catering to different age groups, genders, and levels of play.
For children between the ages of 4 and 8, basketballs typically range from 22 to 24.5 inches in circumference, with the specific size depending on the child's hand size. A Size 3 basketball, with a circumference of 22 inches, is considered a novelty or 'mini' basketball suitable for all ages. For children aged 7 or younger, a Size 4 basketball with a 25.5-inch circumference is more commonly used. As children grow older, the ball size gradually increases. For instance, the Size 5 basketball is intended for boys and girls aged 8 to 9, with a circumference of 27.5 inches. This size is also used in the Victorian Junior Basketball League for players aged 12 and under.
The transition to larger ball sizes continues with increasing age and level of competition. The Size 7 basketball, with its official circumference of 29.5 inches, is the standard for men's professional basketball, including the NBA, and is suitable for players aged 12 and above. This size is also used in men's college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA, on the other hand, uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
In international play, the basketballs used differ in terms of both size and brand. In FIBA competitions, the official ball for men is the Molten GL7, which has a circumference of 30.7 inches, while the women's ball, the Molten GL6, measures 29 inches. These balls often feature two distinct colours.
Inflation pressure is another important consideration when discussing ball size. The NBA and WNBA mandate an inflation pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 PSI for their basketballs. In contrast, the NCAA specifies inflation requirements in terms of weight, with the men's ball weighing a maximum of 22 ounces and the women's ball a maximum of 20 ounces. FIBA rules outline a specific drop test to determine the appropriate inflation, stating that when dropped from a height of approximately 1,800 mm, the ball should rebound to a height between 1,200 mm and 1,400 mm.
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Ball brand
When it comes to basketball performance measurement, the Ball brand has played a significant role in the sport's history. The brand has a rich heritage and has been associated with the game for decades, providing players with high-quality basketballs that meet the strictest standards.
The Ball brand is known for its stringent quality control processes, ensuring that every ball that bears its name is of the highest standard. The brand has become synonymous with performance and is trusted by players and coaches at all levels of the game. This is due in part to the brand's commitment to using only the finest materials and craftsmanship in the construction of its basketballs.
One of the key performance indicators for basketballs is their durability. Ball brand basketballs are designed to withstand the rigorous demands of the game. The balls are manufactured with durable materials that can handle indoor and outdoor use, ensuring that they maintain their shape, bounce, and performance over an extended period.
The grip and feel of a basketball are also crucial factors in performance. Ball brand basketballs are crafted with a unique surface texture that provides an optimal grip for players. This enhances ball control and allows for precise passing, shooting, and dribbling. The balls are also designed to provide a consistent and responsive feel, ensuring that players can rely on their ball to perform as expected in any game situation.
The performance of a basketball is also determined by its air retention capabilities. Ball brand basketballs are equipped with advanced bladder technology that ensures maximum air retention. This means that the balls maintain their inflation at a consistent level, reducing the need for frequent re-inflations and ensuring that the ball's performance remains consistent throughout games and practices.
Lastly, the Ball brand is recognized for its innovation in basketball design and technology. The brand has introduced various performance-enhancing features over the years, such as enhanced grip patterns, moisture-wicking materials, and even smart sensor technology in some balls, providing players and coaches with performance data. These innovations showcase the brand's commitment to improving the game experience and helping players elevate their performance.
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PER's limitations
The Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a per-minute rating developed by ESPN.com columnist John Hollinger. It sums up all a player's positive and negative accomplishments and returns a per-minute rating of a player's performance. However, it has several limitations:
Overemphasis on Limited Contributions
PER has been criticised for giving too much weight to a player's contribution in limited minutes, or against a weaker team. This can undervalue players who consistently perform well over a full game and against stronger opposition.
Rewarding Inefficient Shooting
PER has also been said to reward inefficient shooting. For example, with a bit of math, it can be shown that a player will break even on his two-point field goal attempts if he hits around 30% of these shots. However, the more shots a player takes, the higher their value in PERs, even if they are shooting inefficiently.
Distorted Picture of Defensive Abilities
PER largely measures offensive performance and is not a reliable indicator of defensive abilities. While it does incorporate defensive statistics such as blocks and steals, these can produce a distorted picture of a player's defensive value.
Historical Data Limitations
It is impossible to calculate PER for NBA seasons prior to 1978, as the league did not keep track of the necessary advanced statistics before that year. This limits the historical context that can be applied when using PER.
Pace Adjustment
PER adjusts for pace by setting the league average to 15.00. However, this may not fully account for the impact of pace on a player's performance, particularly for players whose teams play a fast-break style with more possessions and offensive opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
PER stands for Player Efficiency Rating. It is a per-minute rating developed by ESPN.com columnist John Hollinger. It sums up all of a player's positive and negative accomplishments and returns a per-minute rating of a player's performance.
The formula for calculating PER is complex and involves many coefficients to balance each statistic. It takes into account positive results, including field goals, free throws, 3-pointers, assists, rebounds, blocks, and steals, and negative results, including missed shots, turnovers, and personal fouls. The formula adds positive stats and subtracts negative ones through a statistical point value system.
As a player's career PER, anything above 20 is considered elite. Nikola Jokic’s career PER of 28.08 is the highest in NBA history, followed by Michael Jordan (27.91) and LeBron James (27.06).
