Development of a knowledge test for decision-making related to fast-break tactical actions in basketball

Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to develop a knowledge test for in-game situational awareness to evaluate the presence or absence of knowledge about fast-break situations in basketball. Because the amount of knowledge, which is the basis for making decisions, reportedly affects the superiority of decision-making ability in ball games, the presence or absence of basic knowledge for athletic performance is thought be related to in-game decision-making ability. First, we developed a 44-scene, 88-question original test that included plays on the backcourt and frontcourt for three typical fast-break offensive situations. Seven coaches who had participated in the all Japan intercollegiate championships and 190 college basketball players classified into national championship and local tournament groups completed the original test. As a result, 33 scenes and 45 questions were selected that satisfied the criteria of reliability, internal consistency, and criterion validity. A cross-validity evaluation of this 33-scene, 45-question test conducted by 60 different college basketball players found a significant difference between the national championship group and the local tournament group, thereby validating the test's applicability. This test, which evaluates the presence or absence of knowledge about decision-making for tactical actions in basketball games, could be used to determine the acquisition of necessary knowledge for appropriate decision-making in fast-break situations in basketball games.