Per 50 Possessions Statistics
(Offensive, Defensive & Net Rating)
Meaning
Statistics calculated to 50 possessions to fairly compare different teams/players
Offensive Rating: Goals per 50 possessions
Defensive Rating: Goals conceded per 50 possessions of the opponent
Net Rating: Difference between Offensive and Defensive Rating
Calculation
Goals per 50 possessions (Offensive Rating) = Goals / (shots + turnovers – offensive rebounds) * 50
Goals conceded per 50 possessions (Defensive Rating) = Goals conceded / (opponent’s shots + opponent’s turnovers – opponent’s offensive rebounds) * 50
Net Rating = Goals per 50 possessions (Offensive Rating) – Goals conceded per 50 possessions (Defensive Rating)
Interpretation
Allows fair comparisons of the quality of teams, as the factor of fast or slow play is taken out.
Possession is defined as the total time until the opponent gains possession of the ball. A possession can therefore also include several shots.
The aim of every team is logically to use its possessions as well as possible or to prevent the opponent from doing so. Accordingly, the factors for a good offense are a high shooting percentage, few turnovers and as many second chances as possible.