Why Keep Stats?

Statistician

What to Discover or Recall:

Discover that statistics are now available to coaches on all levels of the game.
Discover that software programs not only compile statistics with a click of the mouse, but they also generate detailed reports that present this information in a form that coaches can quickly understand and use.
Find out that the wealth of information generated in statistical reports and shot charts have a definite impact on the outcome of a game.

| Game Statistics | Coaches Progression | Statisticians' Expanding Role |

 


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Game Statistics

"I don’t believe in keeping statistics. The only stat that matters is the final score."

This was true at one time, mainly because their opponents were not keeping and using statistics either. However, times have definitely changed. If you currently don't believe in keeping and using statistics, you had better not play the Larry Brown’s, Mike Krzyewski's, or Pat Summitt’s, who are all masters of game evaluation and preparation. The final score is still paramount. However, how that score is achieved is now of the utmost importance for future play.

In the past, basketball statistics were a luxury available only to professional and major college teams. For the average coach, statistics were a nightmare, requiring great amounts of time and effort in acquiring and training statisticians and then manually compiling the various stats and percentages. For most coaches stats were just not worth all the effort. But, computers have changed all of this. They have taken the huge burden and responsibility of statistics off the coaches’ back, while providing them a wealth of information that coaches only a decade ago dreamed about. And, the best news of all is that the same software that is currently being used on the university and professional teams is now available for any team on any levels. There are even iPad and tablet versions available.

If all of this is not enough, game statistics can even be webcasted live over the Internet. Webcasting live world wide is a simple procedure and it’s free. All that’s needed is a courtside Internet connection. The software does all the rest. Webcasting not only opens up a whole new world of communication, but it also adds a lot of prestige and interest to any program. Players, parents, boosters and the media all love it.

Statistics

The value of stats can be anywhere from being meaningless numbers to an essential coaching aid. To be of value, though, statistics must be accurate. Inaccurate or incomplete stats have about as much value as no stats at all. Today’s software programs insure accuracy in stat keeping. By using prompts, they actually lead statisticians into making correct data entry. No longer will there be score sheets with more rebounds than missed shots, more steals than turnovers, or more assists than made shots. Software programs, like Cybersports for basketball with click of the mouse data entry and built-in logic, insure quick and accurate statistics. They also have built in logic and powerful editing capabilities along with intensive built in help utilities that include official rules and guidelines. If a statistician should ever have a specific scoring question all they have to do is click “Help” to find the answer. Presently if you ask 10 different coaches what constitute an assist, you will probably receive ten different answers.

Anyone who has ever hosted a basketball tournament knows the headaches involved in trying to provide tournament stats. But, with today’s software programs, every team and every participant can be tracked during a tournament. Detailed tournament team and individual leader’s reports are generated with a click of the mouse. Even the tournament bracket is updated automatically.

What was once a statistician's tedious and thankless job of capturing statistics is now actually fun and a vital part of a team's performance.

What was once a tedious and thankless job, capturing and compiling statistics is now similar to playing a computer game. As a result, statisticians now actually enjoy and look forward to keeping stats. The wealth of information contained on the statistical reports and charts have a definite impact on the outcome of the game and the coaches want access to it. No longer is the final score the only thing that matters.

View Available Game Reports - Click Here

View Season Reports - Click Here

What the Reports Really Tell - Click Here

 


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Coaches' Statistical Metamorphosis Progression

At first, coaches are happy just to get numbers printed off on a sheet of white paper after the game. However, they quickly progress and start checking for accuracy and making sure all of the numbers added up correctly. Next, they begin to actually analyze the significance of the numbers and what they actually indicated. And, lastly they progress to a level to where they use of this data and information as a tool in planning and implementing practices and game preparation (application). As a result, their team's and individual player's performances are greatly improved. No longer is the final score the only thing that matters.

player

Phase 1. Individual Player Performance

At the beginning of  the season,  coaches will be primarily interested in using the statistical reports for individual player analysis and evaluation. How well individual players are shooting, rebounding, making steals, etc. This is why it is important to get a head start and use CyberSports for basketball during preseason practices and scrimmages. Do NOT wait for actual games to statistically analyze your player performances.

team

2. Team Performance

Once the coaches get a grasp on their player personnel the focus will change to team analysis and evaluation. Coaches will be interested in knowing how well players are shooting and rebounding overall as a team along with analyzing the effectiveness of using various lineup combinations in various situations and scenarios.

opponent

Phase 3. Scouting & Game Preparation

Lastly, the coaches' main focus will change to the opponents. Since the various CyberSports reports can also be used to analyze opponents performances, lineups, and tendencies, they will become a vital component of their scouting reports and game preparation. The trading of game files, like video tapes, is becoming common place.

 


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Scorers Table

Statisticians' Expanding Roles

Computers and CyberSports has made a change in the traditional role of the Sports Information Directors. In the past, SID's were mainly public relation people. During a game, they were strictly liaisons for the news media responsible for distributing halftime and final game stats. Coaches would receive copies of the boxscore as a byproduct. Sid's and statisticians received little or no recognition for their efforts.

However, this has change, no longer does the media have priority on stats. The wealth of information that the statistical reports and charts produce have a definite impact on the outcome of the game and the coaches want access to it.

Once outsiders looking in, statisticians now have become a vital part of the team itself. It has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience in seeing this metamorphosis taking place.

 


 

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