In November of 2023, we watched a 4th grade girls basketball game. For fun, we kept a shot chart of one of the teams. A shot chart can be a very useful tool for basketball players, teams and coaches.
The shot chart was for the 1st half of the game. The halftime score was 12 – 6. The team I kept the chart for scored.
Shot charts provide great feedback, however they are not necessary for every game. 2 – 3 times a season would be useful to most coaches.
Team Shot Chart: The team shot 3 for 13. 23.1%
- 3 for 11 2-point attempts 27.2%
- 0 – 2 3-point attempts 0%
Indvidual Shot Chart:
- #31 2 for 4 (0-1) 50%
- #2 0 for 3 0%
- #1 1 for 6 16.7%
Turnovers No Shots (TONS): I kept one other stat Turnovers No Shots (TONS). There were 14 possessions where the team turned the ball over before attempting a shot.
Coaches should use statistics to improve the play of the team and to adjust the instruction to correct mistakes. Here is some basketball analysis.
Take Care of the Basketball: The team turned the ball over more often than it was able to get a shot off. The opposing team was playing halfcourt man-to-man defense. It is important for the players on this team to dribble and pass the ball a little better.
2-Point Attempts Are the Better Option: 27.2% is a respectable shooting percentage at most basketball levels. Focus practice time on 2-point attempts.
More Players Need to Shoot the Ball: Only having 3 players attempt shots is not a great stat. It is true some of the girls may not have enough skills to attempt to the shoot the ball, but the goal should be to have more players attempt shots.
The above information was taken as result of the short chart and the turnovers. I did not keep track of individual turnovers, but that information might be useful too.
The bigger problem was the tournament was not following ALL of USA basketball guidelines for this age group.
AGES 9-11
Guideline Being Following
Basketball: Boys and Girls size 6 (28.5”)
Guideline NOT Being Following
Basket Height: 9′
Distance of 3-point arc: Not applicable
Distance of free throw line: 14′
Basket Height: The biggest guideline is the basket height. Not all gyms allow for adjusting basket height, but if possible it is recommended by USA Basketball. They are the experts on youth basketball, so whenever possible, follow the recommendations.
Distance of 3-point arc: If the league decides NOT to count 3-point attempts, this would discourage any 3-point attempts. A coach can impose a rule that players cannot shoot 3-point shots too. Bad habits are formed when players shoot outside his / her range and for most 4th graders, a 3-point shot attempt falls into this category.
Distance of free throw line: This would be helpful, but with the lower basket heights, it would be less of a problem.
Players should practice at 9 foot baskets, even if games are going to be played at 10 feet. 9 Foot hoops allows for players to develop proper shooting form and mechanics.