Introduction and evaluation of a new notation system for recording offensive fundamental skills during a basketball game

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of this study were: (a) to present a new Notation System for recording offensive fundamental skills during basketball game and (b) to evaluate this system by comparing the results with those obtained by Digital Video Analysis system. Methods: Fifteen basketball games and 1,039 offensive plays of the Greek Men’s Championship League, Division I, were used as sample to record the offensive fundamental skills using the proposed Notation System and the Digital Video Analysis. The Notation System recordings were based on numbers, symbols and letters. The digital video analysis was performed by the software Avid Sports Network. The recordings of offensive fundamental skills included the number of total passes, chest passes, bounce passes, overhead passes, dribbles, turnovers, out of bounds, area of execution (inside-perimeter), side of execution (left-right), and successful free-throws. Interclass correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the Notation system vs. Video Analysis. Results: The results revealed a high interclass correlation coefficient for the notation system and video analysis for all offensive fundamental skills (ICC = 0.987 – 0.997; p < 0.05). The counts of all offensive fundamental skills recorded using the proposed Notation System in basketball court were almost identical with the counts recorded using the Video Analysis system after the game. Conclusion: The proposed Notation System is a reliable instrument for providing immediate and useful information for the offensive fundamental skills during time-outs, half time, and/or end of the basketball game. The Notation System can be used by coaches for scouting and game preparation, and/or to assist the coaches in shaping or modifying their game plan during the game.