Factors characterizing the offensive game of the playmaker position in basketball

According to Kloppenberg (1990), the philosophy of every coach is based solely on knowledge and the knowledge is obtained through experience, observation, conversation and study of previous literature. The purpose of the present study was to define the factors affecting the technical and tactical characteristics of offensive movements with the ball made by the player who organizes the team's offensive game in basketball (the playmaker). The present study observed 66 basketball players (playmakers) from 22 teams. Teams were selected from three different levels of competition. Three variables were evaluated: a) passing the ball, b) shooting the ball and c) areas around the basket where passing and shooting was attempted. Evaluation was made through observation of 46 videotaped games. Correspondence analysis was utilized for statistical analysis of the data. Results showed that the offensive movements attempted by the playmaker while he had the possession of the ball are primarily determined by specific factors while the individual offensive pattern of the playmaker depends upon his game characteristics and competitive level.