We are all looking for ways to help our teams be successful and statistics are often an indicator of a team’s success. They are not the only indicator however; there are some intangibles that cannot be shown using statistics.

This week we will focus on five stats to help a team succeed:

5 charges per game. This is a very difficult one to attain, but a sure indicator of success. If a team is able to draw five charges it will indicate several other intangibles are occurring: good help-side defense, a mentality to sacrifice for the greater good of the team, a willingness to defend the basket and make the other team shoot jumpers, and it will show a willingness to be a physical team. Stat-wise it will give fouls to good offensive players, stop the other team from scoring, and get us to the bonus quicker, which will lead to one of our other goals — 20+ free throws a game, detailed below. It also means that we are controlling the tempo the game is played at.

+15 in rebounds. A team that wins the rebounding battle usually will win the game. You can sometimes shoot or dribble too much but you can never rebound too much! You are stopping the other team from scoring by getting defensive rebounds and you can use the opportunity to score on second chance points. The three-point line also leads to longer rebounds so having a guard positioned to run down rebounds is very important.

15 or fewer turnovers per game. Good players play the game under control. They do not try to make special plays, but rather the simple play. The fewer turnovers we have the more shots we get and the fewer easy shots the other team will get.

Shoot 20+ free throws per game. If you are shooting 20+ free throws a game it indicates several things: you are drawing fouls by boxing out and taking charges, being the aggressor and playing physical, getting easy points at the free throw line, and you are getting the other team in foul trouble.

40% FG for your opponent. This stat speaks to defense. Our defense wants to accomplish the following with the goal of holding teams to a lower shooting percentage:

1. Dictate and control the dribble towards the middle
2. High hands to contest shots and take away passing vision
3. Stunt with your voice
4. Multiple shot efforts are needed
5. Defend without fouling

Tailoring your coaching regimen to achieve these goals will lead to greater successes with your players and team as a whole.