Advanced Shooting Metrics 📈

How coaches use analytics to determine scoring efficiency and shot value

Advanced shooting metrics are statistical tools that go beyond your basic box score and field goal percentages. Specifically, they analyze a team’s or player’s shooting efficiency, shot selection, scoring ability, and more. Here’s a detailed look at the powerful and common advanced shooting metrics used in coaching today and why they should matter to you as a coach.

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1. Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)

Formula:

eFG%= FGM + 0.5 X 3PM / FGA

Purpose:

Weights 3-point field goals more heavily since they’re worth more points. A 3-point shot made is 1.5x more valuable than a 2-point shot.

Why it matters:

eFG% gives a more accurate picture of shooting efficiency than standard FG%, especially in the modern game with heavy 3-point volume.

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2. True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

Formula:

TS% = Points / 2 X (FGA + 0.44 X FTA)

Purpose:

Accounts for 2-point FG, 3-point FG, and free throws. The 0.44 factor adjusts for and-1s and technicals.

Why it matters:

This is the gold standard for overall scoring efficiency—it captures how well a player turns shot opportunities (including free throws) into points.

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3. Points Per Shot (PPS)