
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is a crucial statistic in basketball that provides a more nuanced view of a team or individual player's offensive performance. It accounts for the fact that three-point field goals are worth more than two-point field goals, giving a more accurate picture of a player or team's shooting efficiency. In boys' high school basketball, eFG% can be the difference between winning and losing, with coaches and players focusing on improving this metric to achieve success on the court. While opinions vary, an eFG% ranging from 40% to 50% is generally considered average, with higher percentages indicating above-average performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is eFG% | Effective Field Goal Percentage is a measurement of how successful a team is from the field. |
| Why is it important | It provides a more complete picture of the game situation than standard field goal percentages because three-point shots are given extra weight. |
| How is it calculated | It is calculated by adding the number of two-point field goals made to 1.5 times the number of three-point field goals made, then dividing that number by the total number of field goal attempts. |
| How does it help | It is a vital metric for assessing player efficiency and game strategy, and can be used to gain insights into a player's efficiency and their shooting prowess. |
| What is a good eFG% | An eFG% ranging from 40% to 50% is indicative of an average shooting performance. An eFG% of 60% is considered very respectable. |
| How does it affect strategy | Coaches can use eFG% to devise strategies that create open looks for players in their "sweet spot". It is also crucial in opponent scouting, helping to identify the best shooters on the opposing team. |
| How does it affect performance | A high eFG% indicates that a team is scoring more effectively from the field. A high eFG% combined with a low opponent eFG% suggests that both offense and defense are performing well. |
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What You'll Learn

How to calculate EFG%
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is a crucial metric in basketball, especially when assessing player efficiency and game strategy. It is a more accurate indicator of shooting abilities than the traditional field goal percentage (FG%) as it takes into account the extra point from three-pointers.
To calculate the eFG%, you need to know the number of two-point field goals (2pt FG) made, the number of three-point field goals (3pt FG) made, and the total number of field goal attempts (FG attempts).
The formula for eFG% is:
EFG% = (All FG + 0.5 x 3pt FG) / FG attempts
Here, "All FG" refers to the total number of field goals made, which is the sum of 2pt FG and 3pt FG. The term "0.5 x 3pt FG" reflects the fact that a three-pointer is worth one and a half times as much as a two-pointer. This gives more weight to successful three-pointer shots since they contribute more points than regular baskets.
For example, let's say a player made 10 two-point field goals and 5 three-point field goals, and attempted a total of 20 shots. Their eFG% would be:
EFG% = (10 + 0.5 x 5) / 20
EFG% = (10 + 2.5) / 20
EFG% = 12.5 / 20
EFG% = 0.625 or 62.5%
This metric can be used to compare players or teams and assess their performance. A higher eFG% generally indicates better shooting performance and can be a key factor in winning games, especially in high school basketball where effective shooting can be a significant advantage.
It's worth noting that while eFG% is a valuable tool, it should be considered alongside other factors such as team dynamics, offensive rebound percentage, and turnover rates to get a comprehensive understanding of a player's or team's performance.
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EFG% in scouting opponents
Effective Field Goal Percentage (EFG%) is a crucial metric in basketball that provides a more nuanced view of a team's or player's performance than traditional field goal percentages (FG%). It accounts for the fact that three-point field goals are worth more than two-point field goals, giving additional weight to three-pointers. This is especially relevant in modern basketball, where there is an increasing strategic emphasis on three-point shooting.
When scouting opponents in boys' high school basketball, EFG% can be a powerful tool to gain insights into their offensive capabilities and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Here are some ways EFG% can be leveraged for opponent scouting:
- Identifying Top Shooters: EFG% can help identify the opponents' best shooters. By analyzing the EFG% of individual players, coaches and scouts can determine who poses the greatest offensive threat. This information can then be used to develop defensive strategies to limit the impact of these players, such as assigning specific defenders or employing certain defensive schemes.
- Analyzing Shooting Tendencies: EFG% can reveal shooting tendencies, such as whether a player is more effective from a certain side of the floor or specific areas on the court. By combining EFG% with shot charts, coaches can gain a deeper understanding of opponents' shooting patterns. This knowledge can be used to make tactical adjustments, such as altering defensive positioning or focusing on closing out specific shooting zones.
- Comparative Analysis: EFG% allows for a direct comparison of offensive efficiency between teams or players. By comparing the EFG% of your team against that of the opponents, coaches can gauge the relative strengths and weaknesses of both sides. This can inform strategic decisions, such as whether to focus on improving specific offensive or defensive aspects during practice.
- Assessing Overall Team Performance: EFG% is a key indicator of a team's overall performance and success from the field. A team with a higher EFG% is generally outperforming their opponents in terms of scoring efficiency. This metric can guide coaches in assessing the effectiveness of their offensive strategies and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
- Evaluating Game Plans: By analyzing the EFG% of opponents over multiple games or an entire season, coaches can identify patterns and trends in their performance. This can help in predicting their likely game plan and making strategic decisions accordingly. For example, if an opponent has a consistently high EFG%, it suggests they have a strong offensive game, and defensive strategies may need to be adjusted accordingly.
- Turnovers and Rebounds: While EFG% focuses on shooting efficiency, it is also influenced by other factors such as turnovers and rebounds. A high turnover rate can lead to open layups for opponents, increasing their EFG%. Similarly, offensive rebounds generate additional field goal attempts, which can boost a team's EFG%. Therefore, when scouting opponents, it is essential to consider these factors alongside EFG% to gain a comprehensive understanding of their performance.
In summary, EFG% is a valuable tool in opponent scouting for boys' high school basketball. It provides insights into the opponents' shooting abilities, tendencies, and overall offensive performance. By leveraging EFG%, coaches can make more informed decisions, develop effective game plans, and improve their team's chances of success on the court.
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EFG% in player evaluation
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is a crucial metric in basketball for evaluating player performance and overall team success. It measures the effectiveness of both 2-point and 3-point shots, providing a more nuanced view of a player's shooting ability than traditional field goal percentage (FG%).
In basketball, eFG% is calculated using the formula: eFG% = {(All Field Goals Made) + 0.5*(3P Field Goals Made)}/(All Field Goal Attempts). This calculation gives extra weight to three-point shots, recognising their higher value in the game. For example, a player who makes 4 out of 10 two-point shots will have an eFG% of 40%. However, if those 4 successful shots were all three-pointers, their eFG% increases to 60%, reflecting the higher value of made threes.
When evaluating players, eFG% offers valuable insights. For instance, Player A with a lower FG% than Player B might still have a higher eFG% if they make more three-pointers. This highlights the importance of considering eFG% alongside other factors like team dynamics and playing style. Coaches can use eFG% to identify players' strengths and weaknesses, such as their effectiveness from different areas of the court, and devise strategies accordingly.
While there are diverse opinions on what constitutes a good eFG% in boys' high school basketball, a range of 40%-50% is generally considered average. An eFG% above 50% is decent, with higher percentages indicating exceptional performance. For instance, DeAndre Jordan holds the NBA record for the highest regular-season eFG% at 71.4%, attributed to his role as a dunker and finisher near the basket.
However, it's important to interpret eFG% in context. Factors like usage rate, team strategy, and individual playing styles can influence eFG%. For instance, a high-usage player taking difficult contested shots might have a comparable eFG% to a player with cleaner shot opportunities. Therefore, while eFG% is a valuable tool, it should be considered alongside other performance metrics and qualitative factors for a comprehensive player evaluation.
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EFG% in game strategy
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is a vital metric for assessing player efficiency and in-game strategy in modern basketball, especially in high school basketball. It provides a more complete picture of the game situation than standard field goal percentages (FG%) because three-point shots are given extra weight. This is important as the game has evolved with the increasing strategic emphasis on three-point shooting.
In-Game Strategy
A high eFG% is indicative of a good shooting performance. A player with an eFG% of 60% is scoring at a rate equal to shooting 60% on two-point field goal attempts, which is a very respectable number. If a team has a high eFG%, it is likely that their offense and defense are doing well. Therefore, a good in-game strategy is to focus on increasing your team's eFG% and ensuring it is higher than your opponent's. This can be done by:
- Encouraging more free throw attempts, as these can boost eFG%.
- Focusing on higher-percentage field goals, which will lead to more points on the board.
- Taking advantage of offensive rebounds, which typically lead to a second or third field goal attempt in a possession, often closer to the basket.
- Maximizing possession time by minimizing turnovers and minimizing possession time for your opponents.
- Using eFG% to identify the best shooters on the opposing team and ensuring your players defend them effectively.
- Using eFG% to identify areas for improvement for individual players and the team as a whole.
It is important to note that while eFG% is a valuable tool, it should be used alongside other factors to evaluate overall performance, such as team dynamics and other advanced stats.
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EFG% in historical context
Effective Field Goal Percentage, or eFG%, is a metric in basketball that provides a more complete picture of the game situation than standard field goal percentages (FG%) because three-point shots are given extra weight. It is calculated using the formula (FG + 0.5 * 3P) / FGA, where FG represents field goals (both 2-point and 3-point field goals) and 3P represents three-point field goals. This formula adjusts for the fact that a three-point field goal is worth one more point than a two-point field goal.
The context of eFG% is important when evaluating player performance. While it offers valuable insights into a player's scoring efficiency, it should not be the only metric used for evaluation. For example, Player A with a 50% FG% who makes 5 out of 10 attempted shots from the floor may seem impressive, but if most of these were merely two-point baskets, their performance may not seem as stellar when considering eFG%. This is because eFG% assigns additional weight to successful three-pointer shots since they contribute more points than regular baskets.
In modern basketball, understanding eFG% is crucial as it accurately values shooting abilities by considering the extra point from three-pointers. It is a vital metric for assessing player efficiency and game strategy, especially with the increasing strategic emphasis on three-point shooting. For instance, in the NBA, DeAndre Jordan set the highest regular-season eFG% record at 71.4%, largely due to his role as a dunker and finisher near the basket. However, it's important to note that past performance in eFG% may not always be a reliable predictor of future outcomes, and other factors such as team dynamics and situational factors should also be considered.
EFG% has become an important statistic for coaches, providing insights into player efficiency and helping to devise strategies. For instance, coaches can use eFG% to identify a player's strengths and weaknesses, such as their effectiveness from different sides of the floor, and work on improving specific areas. Additionally, eFG% can be used in opponent scouting to identify the best shooters on the opposing team and devise defensive strategies accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
A good EFG% for boys' high school basketball is between 40% and 50%, which is considered an average shooting performance. A player with an EFG% of 60% is considered very respectable.
EFG% is important because it provides a more complete picture of the game situation than standard field goal percentages. It takes into account the extra point earned for three-point field goals, which have become increasingly important in modern basketball.
EFG% is calculated by adding the number of two-point field goals made to 1.5 times the number of three-point field goals made, then dividing that number by the total number of field goal attempts.











































