The latent structure of standard game efficiency indicators in basketball

This study defines the latent structure of standard indicators of situational efficiency in the game of basketball. Data was collected from 134 basketball matches played in the regional Goodyear League 2002/03 season. The sample of variables included 13 standard situational efficiency indicators recorded during a basketball match. The (Factorial) principle components method was employed and the number of significant factors was determined using the Guttman-Kaiser Criterion. The initial co-ordinate system was transformed through a non-orthogonal rotation according to the Oblimin criterion. Six inter-independent latent dimensions explaining 67.5 % of total variance were determined: basic offensive efficiency, the three-point play, errors in posting the defense and realisation from the free throw line, defensive agressivness on the player in possession of the ball and offensive agressivness of the player in possession of the ball, basic defensive efficiency and defensive/offensive back line efficiency.The obtained latent structure provided good interpretation of the continuance and functional dependence of 13 standardised indicators of player performance. However, these indicators are considered inadequate for explaining the complexity of the game. Additional player performance indicators should be included in future scientific analysis.