In basketball, a team possession begins when it gains control of the ball and ends when it attempts a field goal, commits a turnover, or the period ends. The typical quantity of these sequences by a team during a contest serves as a key performance indicator. For instance, a high-scoring, fast-paced team will usually exhibit a greater quantity of these sequences than a team that emphasizes deliberate, half-court play.
This metric provides valuable insights into a team’s offensive tempo and efficiency. A higher quantity, coupled with a strong scoring percentage, suggests an effective and aggressive offensive strategy. Examining trends in this figure throughout the history of professional basketball illustrates the evolution of offensive styles, from slower, more deliberate approaches to today’s faster, more dynamic game.