In the modern era, basketball players are using analytics to improve their games and become better players. You can do it, too – and this guide is going to teach you how.
Back in 2013, Lebron James famously said: “I don’t even know what analytics means!”
Almost ten years later, analytics have taken over the basketball world, allowing big-name players like Lebron James to become even better than they were before – even if they don’t really know what analytics are (although, it’s to hope that big players have at least a little knowledge of them these days, given their importance and advantages!)
Originally, critics and skeptics thought that basketball analytics was just a bunch of gibberish. However, every NBA team now has an analytics department, from the LA Lakers to the Houston Rockets.
Interestingly, it’s the Washington Wizards that employ the most data analysts, with ten currently working in the team’s department. These departments are incredibly well-run and receive continuous funding each and every season.
The reason why every NBA team uses analytics is simple: they work!
Basketball Analytics
Basketball analytics are used almost everywhere and are widely accessible. For example, this college basketball model uses basketball analytics to provide people with accurate predictions of match outcomes.
Moving forward, analytics will likely transform the sports industry, as fans may use them to place more accurate and smarter bets based on data. For instance, the average fan won’t just tune into an NBA game and randomly choose a team to bet on. Instead, they might use a model to gain a recommendation based on analytics.
Additionally, NBA teams use analytics to understand key factors among their players, from free throw percentages to fitness levels. Essentially, the analytics help them to improve players and keep them on track. Also, analytics can help with other things, such as identifying talented young players who might be worth drafting.
How to Use Basketball Analytics: Tips for You
If you play basketball yourself and want to get better, you can use basketball analytics to improve your own game. Learn how below!
Firstly, Invest in a Wearable
Right now, there are fitness wearables on the market that can provide you with tons of valuable data, such as your heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
In sports, a lower heart rate is generally considered better due to the fact that it indicates more efficient heart functioning. Over time, you can exercise and train more until you see a reduction in your heart rate when undertaking physical activity like sports.
Buy a Basketball Shot Tracker
A basketball shot tracker is another great device that can help to improve your game. These devices can be a little on the expensive side, but they’re a great long-term investment! For a good one, you’ll be looking at somewhere between $200 and $500.
With your shot tracker, you’ll be able to perfect your jump shot and shooting ability. A standard tracker will include a net sensor and wrist sensor so that you can track your shot attempts, conversions, and misses. Usually, the analytics will then be viewable through your smartphone or other chosen device.
Shot trackers are commonly used in NBA training camps before each new season starts. This is because they help to get their shooting skills back to razor sharpness. If a player is missing too frequently, the trackers will alert coaches and let them know that there’s a problem to address.
Conclusion
With the combination of a fitness wearable and a shot tracker, you’ll be able to take your game to the next level, just like the pros do.
Remember, you don’t need to be a mathematician to understand data analytics. In context, it’s actually pretty simple. This is something that you’ll learn as you become more experienced.
