
In basketball, points are used to keep track of the score. A player can accumulate points by making field goals (two or three points) or free throws (one point). The number of points scored by a player in a game is considered their personal score. While there is no clear consensus on what constitutes a high average personal score in basketball, some sources suggest that an average high school basketball player might score around 8-12 points per game, with a national average of 4.6 points per game. However, it's important to note that the number of points scored can vary depending on various factors such as the number of games played in a season and the difficulty of the league.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average points scored by a high school basketball player per game | 4.6 or 8-12 |
| True Scoring Percentage (TS%) | 33% |
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What You'll Learn

Points per game is an unreliable metric
Points per game (PPG) is a commonly used metric in basketball to evaluate players' performance. While it provides a simple way to compare players, it has several limitations that make it an unreliable indicator of a player's true value or impact on a team's success.
One issue with PPG is that it does not account for playing time. In basketball, substitutions are frequent and players can enter and exit the game multiple times. As a result, two players with the same total points could have very different PPG averages simply because one player spent more time on the court. This rewards players who play more games or receive more playing time, rather than those who consistently produce high-scoring outputs.
Additionally, PPG does not consider the context in which points are scored. For example, a player scoring 20 points in a single game may seem impressive, but if those points were scored during "garbage time" or against a weak defensive opponent, the achievement is lessened. Similarly, a player who consistently scores 10 points against top-tier defensive players may be more valuable to their team than a player who scores 20 points against weaker opposition.
The PPG metric also fails to capture other aspects of a player's contribution to the team. Basketball is a complex, dynamic sport where players have diverse roles and responsibilities. A player with a lower PPG may be excelling in other areas, such as assists, rebounds, steals, or defensive stops, all of which contribute to their team's success. A well-rounded player who facilitates the success of their teammates can be more valuable than a pure scorer.
Lastly, PPG can be influenced by factors outside a player's control, such as team strategy and the performance of their teammates. For instance, a player on a team that emphasizes ball movement and equal shot opportunities may have a lower PPG than a player on a team that relies heavily on a single star player for scoring. Similarly, a player's PPG can be impacted by the quality of their teammates, as better teammates can create more scoring opportunities or draw defensive attention away from a particular player.
In conclusion, while PPG is a simple and commonly used metric, it fails to capture the complexity of basketball and the diverse ways in which players can contribute to their team's success. A more holistic evaluation of a player's performance should consider other advanced metrics, watch game film, and account for the context in which their statistical achievements occur.
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True Scoring Percentage
True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is an advanced statistic in basketball that measures a player's efficiency at shooting the ball. It is designed to provide a more accurate evaluation of a player's shooting than field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three-point field goal percentage when considered individually. Two- and three-point field goals and free throws are all factored into the calculation of TS%.
TS% is a useful metric because it provides a more comprehensive view of a player's scoring ability. It takes into account the varying values of different types of shots, recognising that a player who makes a high percentage of three-point shots is generally more valuable than a player who makes a high percentage of two-point shots, as three-pointers are worth more.
TS% is calculated using the formula:
> TS% = PTS / (FGA + (0.44 * FTA))
Where:
- PTS = Points Scored
- FGA = Field Goal Attempts
- FTA = Free Throw Attempts
For example, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has a career true shooting percentage of 62.6%, making him one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history. This indicates that Curry is highly effective at scoring from a variety of ranges and is able to maximise his scoring output by taking higher-value shots.
In summary, TS% is a valuable tool for evaluating a player's scoring efficiency in basketball, providing a more nuanced understanding of their performance than traditional field goal or free throw percentages alone.
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Overall Field Goal Percentage
When it comes to basketball, the ability to score is crucial to winning games. One metric used to measure a player's scoring ability is their overall field goal percentage. This includes both two- and three-point shots. However, it is important to note that this metric has its limitations and may not provide a complete picture of a player's scoring ability. For instance, a player can increase their scoring average by taking more shots, even if they don't make a high percentage of those shots.
True Scoring Percentage (TS%) has been suggested as a more accurate way to evaluate a player's scoring contribution. It takes into account not only field goal percentage but also the ability to rebound missed shots and create scoring opportunities for teammates. By considering these additional factors, TS% provides a more holistic view of a player's impact on their team's scoring.
While field goal percentage focuses solely on individual performance, TS% captures the collaborative nature of the game. Basketball is a team sport, and effective scoring often involves multiple players. For example, setting up the best scorers, executing plays with precision, and rebounding missed shots are all essential components of a successful scoring strategy. These aspects are not reflected in field goal percentage but are inherently considered in TS%.
Additionally, TS% addresses the varying levels of difficulty in scoring attempts. A simple field goal percentage calculation treats all shots equally, regardless of whether they are uncontested layups or tightly guarded three-pointers. TS%, on the other hand, can provide a more nuanced understanding of a player's scoring prowess by factoring in the complexity and likelihood of success for different types of shots.
In conclusion, while overall field goal percentage is a commonly used metric, it has its limitations in evaluating a player's scoring ability in basketball. TS% emerges as a more comprehensive alternative, taking into account factors such as team collaboration, rebounding, and the varying degrees of difficulty in different scoring attempts. By adopting TS%, coaches, analysts, and scouts can gain a deeper understanding of a player's true impact on their team's scoring capabilities.
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Three-point shots
The benefits of three-point shots are twofold. Firstly, they create more space for frontcourt players to operate under the basket and open up driving lanes for backcourt players. Secondly, they are mathematically advantageous as shots from under the basket have a high average efficacy of 65%, translating to 1.30 points per shot. This means that even if a player does not have a high shooting percentage from beyond the arc, they can still increase their scoring average by taking more three-point shots.
However, it is worth noting that simply taking more three-point shots is not a guarantee of success. For instance, the Pelicans took only 34.2% of their shots from three-point range in 2020, yet had a top-10 offense. On the other hand, the Miami Heat had two of their best players operating as scorers inside the arc, with limited three-point shooting, and ranked 18th offensively.
When evaluating a player's scoring ability, it is important to consider more than just their field goal percentage or points per game. True Scoring Percentage (TS%) takes into account the impact of missed shots on the team's overall scoring opportunities. For example, a player with a high number of missed shots may be reducing the team's overall scoring chances, even if they have a high personal scoring average.
In conclusion, while three-point shots have become an integral part of basketball strategy, it is important to balance this with other offensive tactics and to evaluate players based on their overall contribution to the team's scoring, rather than solely on their individual scoring average.
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Rebounding
There are offensive and defensive rebounds. An offensive rebound occurs when an offensive player misses a field goal attempt, misses a free throw, or commits a foul that isn't a shooting or technical foul. The offensive team gets possession of the basketball, and the ball is considered live. A defensive rebound occurs when an offensive player misses a put-back or rebounds their own missed free throw attempt, and it is grabbed by a defensive player or an offensive player who remains near the basket.
To improve rebounding skills, players can focus on several aspects. Firstly, keeping their head up while going after the ball allows them to watch both the ball and their opponents simultaneously. Secondly, improving their vertical leap helps not only with jumping off the ground but also strengthens their leg muscles. Lastly, communication and coordination with teammates during rebounding drills can enhance their overall rebounding effectiveness.
Some notable rebounders in the NBA include Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the record for the most rebounds in a single game (55), and Bill Russell, who led the league in rebounding four times.
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Frequently asked questions
A high personal score in basketball can be achieved by making field goals (2 or 3 points) or free throws (1 point). A player can score 2 points by making a field goal within the three-point line or 3 points by making a field goal beyond the three-point line. If a player is fouled during a field goal, they get an additional free throw, which turns it into a 3 or 4-point play, respectively.
The national average for points scored per game in high school basketball is 4.6. However, this number can vary depending on the league and the number of games played. Some sources suggest that a universal number for starters to average could be around 8 to 12 points per game, with some estimating 10 points per game as a reasonable benchmark.
A good scorer in basketball typically averages more than 10 points per game. However, this can vary depending on the level of competition and the league.
The average points per game in the NBA can vary from season to season and between players. While there is no definitive benchmark for a high average, some of the top scorers in the league's history have averaged over 30 points per game.
A high average personal score in basketball indicates a player's ability to consistently contribute points to their team's overall score. This can be advantageous as it increases the team's chances of winning games and can also draw defensive attention, creating opportunities for teammates to score.











































