Design and Validation of a Methodology for Tactical Analysis of Field Goal in Basketball

Abstract

In basketball, as a collaboration-opposition sport, numerous factors affect the result, but the field goal is undoubtedly the decisive and most fundamental aspect. This is because, together with the free shot, it is the way to achieve points, and therefore, an indispensable mean for victory. The present research work aims to validate the design of an observation methodology for the tactical analysis of basketball field shooting. Variables at the contextual and evaluative level (field area, game period, time of possession, precedent, players involved, advantage/disadvantage, type of shot, special moment, action result) were evaluated, thus collecting all the relevant information regarding the analyzed action. The observation method, after the analysis of 206 field goals belonging to three matches of the Spanish Women's League, was proven to be valid and reliable through the calculation of the kappa index at the inter and intra-observer level, obtaining altogether a high agreement strength (0.988), largely due to the fact that some of these variables or response levels are perfectly defined by regulations or their objectivity. The work carried out in the categorization process, complying with the principles of mutual exclusivity and non-overlapping, together with the training of the observers, was managed to successfully contain this possible disagreement due to the subjectivity that the observation implies.