Game analysis is an integral component of game studies, yet existing methodological work reveals an array of analytic perspectives that make conducting and reporting game analyses challenging. DiGAP offers researchers with a checklist that is comprehensive yet self-reflexive and flexible enough for any research topic they might encounter.
Defensive Tactics
Defense may not seem glamorous or exciting, but it is an integral component of every basketball game. Defense helps teams keep opponents from scoring by deflecting passes or deterring attempts by offensive players to score; and keeps foul trouble away from offensive players.
An outstanding defensive player must always put forth extra effort on every play. For instance, if one of their teammates is out-dribbled by an opponent and moves towards the basket without anyone covering her, it is their duty to step up and offer support – this type of “help-side” defense should come quickly into action.
Another effective defensive strategy is zone defense, in which each defender has a designated area they must protect. This strategy works especially well against offensive basketball teams with an effective inside game but limited shooting from outside. Examples of zone defenses include man-to-man and box-and-one arrangements where four defenders form an isolated defense while one guards their opponent’s best player.
Defensive Schemes
Man-on-man and zone defense are two common defensive strategies in WNBA games. A man-on-man defense assigns one individual defender per attacking player, with the goal of making their lives as difficult as possible for offensive play. Defenders switch frequently in this strategy to prevent an attacker running past unguarded and making an easy shot or drive.
Zone defense allows players to concentrate their attention on defending a specific area on the court rather than an individual opponent. If an opposing player enters that area, their closest defender should step over and help out – this practice is known as “help-side” defense.
Box and one zone defense is another effective zone strategy, where two defenders guard areas above the three-point line while two other defenders form the baseline defense. This tactic works best against teams that tend to come inside the paint.
Offense Tactics
Successful teams in the WNBA tend to boast balanced scorers and smooth ball movement. This enables their offense to gain entry into the paint quickly, setting up shots while their defenders remain in position to make plays or create passing opportunities for their shooters.
An outstanding offensive player knows how to quickly strike back at an off-balance defender by making cuts or passing to teammates who can catch and score on it. They also keep their dribble moving, hoping that someone blocks their path from reaching the basket WNBA picks.
Defenses may employ traps or zone defense to disrupt an opponent’s flow and force turnovers, or they can use mismatched matchups to take advantage of mismatches with mismatched matchups – assigning particular areas of the court for each defensive player to guard. Man-to-man defense also offers opportunities; coaches can adjust assignments depending on who they face off against or their team’s needs for optimal playback.
Offense Schemes
WNBA teams utilize various offensive schemes. For instance, teams may set multiple screens to get better players open for shots – post-ups, wing plays or drives can all fall into this category of offense that is challenging to defend given that multiple screens must be navigated by defensemen. This type of offense may prove challenging to defend due to multiple screens being set at once and therefore being difficult for defenders.
Defense can create pressure by employing various man-to-man and zone defensive strategies against an opposing offense, thus tiring them out and increasing forced errors.
Defenses often attempt to capitalize on missed shots by collapsing onto them for quick transition baskets or fast breaks, with their goal being to limit opponents from going on scoring runs.
