Analysis of ball conversion in European and American professional basketball games
Start of offense significantly affects the development and execution of the offense. Evaluation of beginnings of offense in professional European and American basketball reveals proportional distribution of 12 applied modalities, however, statistical analysis showed significant differences between the two basketball systems. NBA comparatively demonstrates a higher frequency of offenses that start by winning the ball without time stoppage. In contrast, Euroleague shows significantly greater representation of offensive beginnings by inbounding the ball. The most common forms of offensive openings in basketball are by Inbounding the ball from the baseline on back-court, followed by Opening of offense by a defensive rebound after an unsuccessful field-goal attempt. Both forms are slightly more pronounced in the US professional basketball. A higher degree of offensive efficiency was shown after steals, as it was expected, however, the execution of such modality has also a higher success rate in the NBA. The research results indicate the specific characteristics of observed basketball systems based on correlation of conversion type and situational outcomes. Those explicit features partially affect the principles of appropriate game and training concept.