Opportunities for and Success in Dribbling, Passing, Receiving, and Shooting in Youth Basketball

Abstract

The aims of this study were to analyze: a) the relation between the frequency of opportunities for and success in dribbling, passing, receiving, and shooting; and b) the relation between the frequency of dribbling, passing, receiving and shooting. Participants were 59 children from six basketball teams, between 9–11 years of age ( M = 10.80, SD = 0.57). The sample consisted of 25,177 dribbles, 8,160 passes, 7,515 receptions, and 3,075 shots from 30 games. An idiographic, ongoing, and multidimensional design was used. The games were recorded, and four trained collaborators ( ICC > .95) observed the recordings. In all the motor skills, there were more opportunities than successful actions ( p < 0.000). Opportunities for and success in dribbling were higher than opportunities for and success in passing, receiving, and shooting. In view of the results, various practical considerations are suggested.