What Is Basketball Z?

Basketball Z

A z-score is a statistical value that indicates how far a player’s performance deviates from the league average. It is based on the standard deviation of a player’s production divided by the league mean. Variation in a player’s metrics can be caused by a number of factors including sampling variability, effects of teammates, aging and changes in strategy.

In sports analytics there are many terms that have specific meanings in the context of the game of basketball. For example, a player’s dribble is said to “behind the glass” when they are close enough to the basket that their shot can rebound off of it. Coaches also often tell their players to get to the window when they are looking for a layup or dunk opportunity.

Additionally, the court on which the game of basketball is played has a variety of different definitions as well. Back court refers to the guards on a team, for example: The team’s back court really carried them tonight. Front court can also refer to the team’s post players. For example: The team’s front court had a tough time penetrating the defense tonight. Other commonly used terms in the sport of basketball include: