Effect of shooting distance and angular position in u’14 basketball players: an analysis of the Minicopa Endesa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17398/1885-7019.22.209Keywords:
Notational analysis, shooting effectiveness, youth basketball, spatial analysis, player developmentAbstract
In youth basketball, understanding the factors that influence shooting effectiveness is key to optimizing the technical-tactical development of young players. This study aimed to analyze the influence of shooting distance and angular position on shot success in U’14 players participating in the Minicopa Endesa. A total of 19,420 shots were recorded and analyzed using descriptive analysis, statistical modeling (logistic regression, chi-square), and machine learning (Random Forest). The results showed that distance to the basket was the strongest predictor of shooting effectiveness, with a significant decrease in accuracy as distance increased, particularly beyond 6.75 meters. In contrast, the positional angle showed a moderate and secondary influence. Additionally, spatial patterns were identified in shot selection, with a clear preference for areas near the basket and beyond the three-point line, and a marked avoidance of intermediate zones. These findings suggest an early internalization of spatial models typical of professional basketball and highlight the need to design training tasks that promote shooting efficiency from a variety of distances and angles, thereby fostering player versatility and contextualized decision-making in youth development.
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