Garbage time
Meaning
Garbage time in refers to the period at the end of a game when the outcome is no longer in doubt because one team has a decisive lead. During this time the stakes are significantly lower because the result is practically assured.
Coaches often use this time to give bench players or less experienced athletes some playing time, rest key starters, and avoid potential injuries. The level of intensity usually decreases, and the gameplay can become less organized or competitive.
Calculation
The following limits for garbage time were used:
– when there are less then 45 minutes to play and the goal difference is 10 or more
– when there are less than 6 minutes to play and the goal difference is 7 or more
– when there are less than 5 minutes to play and the goal difference is 5 or more
Analyses by others may choose a different definition for garbage time.
Interpretation
Filtering out garbage time allows for less disorted data as for example Adjusted Per 50 Possessions Statistics.