How Is True Shooting Percentage Calculated

How is True Shooting Percentage Calculated? A Deep Dive into a Basketball Statistic

True shooting percentage (TS%) is a basketball statistic that attempts to measure a player's shooting efficiency, factoring in field goals, three-point field goals, and free throws. Unlike field goal percentage, which only considers made and missed field goals, TS% provides a more comprehensive picture of a player's overall scoring prowess. Understanding how TS% is calculated is crucial for accurately assessing a player's offensive value. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the formula, its significance, limitations, and how to interpret the results effectively.

Understanding the Components of True Shooting Percentage

Before diving into the calculation, let's break down the key components that contribute to TS%:

1. Field Goals (FG):

This represents the total number of successful field goals made by a player. This includes both two-point and three-point shots. It's a fundamental aspect of offensive efficiency.

2. Three-Point Field Goals (3P):

The number of successful three-point shots made by the player. These shots are weighted more heavily than two-point shots in the TS% calculation due to their higher point value.

3. Free Throws (FT):

The number of successful free throws made by the player. Free throws represent opportunities to score points without taking a shot from the field. Their inclusion in the TS% calculation acknowledges their significance in overall scoring efficiency.

4. Field Goal Attempts (FGA):

The total number of field goal attempts (both two-point and three-point shots) made by the player. This is crucial for normalizing the number of successful field goals.

5. Free Throw Attempts (FTA):

The total number of free throw attempts made by the player. Similar to FGA, this is vital for normalizing the number of successful free throws.

The True Shooting Percentage Formula

The formula for calculating TS% is as follows:

TS% = PTS / (2 * (FGA + (0.44 * FTA)))

Where:

• PTS = Total points scored
• FGA = Total field goal attempts
• FTA = Total free throw attempts
• 0.44 = A constant used to weight free throw attempts. This constant is based on the historical average of points scored per free throw attempt.

Let's break down why the constant 0.44 is used. The value reflects the average points scored per possession resulting from a free throw opportunity. While a free throw is worth one point, the possession leading to the free throw attempt itself is already accounted for within the FGA. The 0.44 accounts for the additional potential scoring opportunity created by the free throw. It's an empirical constant arrived at through extensive data analysis, representing a balanced approach to the value of free throw attempts. This constant can fluctuate slightly depending on the dataset used, but 0.44 is the widely accepted value.

Step-by-Step Calculation Example

Let's illustrate the calculation with an example. Consider a player with the following statistics:

• PTS: 25 points
• FGA: 20 field goal attempts
• FTA: 5 free throw attempts

Here's the step-by-step calculation:

1. Calculate the denominator: 2 * (20 + (0.44 * 5)) = 2 * (20 + 2.2) = 2 * 22.2 = 44.4

2. Divide the total points scored by the denominator: 25 / 44.4 ≈ 0.563

3. Multiply by 100 to express the result as a percentage: 0.563 * 100 ≈ 56.3%

Therefore, this player's true shooting percentage is approximately 56.3%.

Interpreting True Shooting Percentage

TS% provides a valuable metric for comparing players' offensive efficiency. A higher TS% indicates greater scoring efficiency. Generally, a TS% above 60% is considered excellent, while a TS% below 50% suggests room for improvement.

• Above 60%: Elite scoring efficiency. This indicates a player is highly effective at converting their scoring opportunities.

• 55-60%: Very good scoring efficiency. A consistent performer in terms of offensive production.

• 50-55%: Average scoring efficiency. There's room for improvement, but still a productive player.

• Below 50%: Below-average scoring efficiency. Significant improvements in shooting accuracy or shot selection are needed.

Limitations of True Shooting Percentage

While TS% is a valuable tool, it's not without its limitations:

• Doesn't account for playmaking: TS% focuses solely on scoring efficiency and doesn't consider a player's ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates. A player with exceptional passing skills might have a lower TS% but a higher overall impact on the game.

• Doesn't account for offensive rebounds: Offensive rebounds aren't explicitly factored into the calculation, although they contribute significantly to scoring possessions.

• Doesn't account for turnovers: Turnovers are a significant aspect of offensive efficiency, but they are not directly incorporated into the TS% calculation.

• Context is crucial: Comparing TS% across eras or leagues can be problematic due to changes in rules, pace of play, and overall offensive styles.

True Shooting Percentage vs. Other Efficiency Metrics

Several other efficiency metrics exist, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Comparing TS% to these other metrics can provide a more holistic understanding of a player's offensive contribution:

• Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): This metric adjusts field goal percentage to account for the added value of three-point shots. It doesn't consider free throws.

• Offensive Rating: This metric measures the points a player scores per 100 possessions. It offers a broader perspective, including factors like turnovers and assists.

• Player Efficiency Rating (PER): A widely used metric that attempts to capture a player's overall contribution in various aspects of the game, including scoring, rebounding, assists, and defense.

Conclusion: Using True Shooting Percentage Effectively

True shooting percentage is a powerful tool for evaluating a player's scoring efficiency, offering a more comprehensive view than simply looking at field goal percentage. However, it's crucial to consider its limitations and use it in conjunction with other metrics to gain a complete understanding of a player's overall offensive impact. By understanding how TS% is calculated and interpreted, analysts, coaches, and fans can gain valuable insights into player performance and make more informed evaluations. Remember to consider the context, compare players within the same era and league, and utilize multiple metrics to form a complete picture of a player's offensive value. A high TS% is a strong indicator of efficient scoring, but it's only one piece of the puzzle in assessing a basketball player's overall contribution to their team.