Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study provides essential information for wheelchair basketball coaches and players to enhance tactical applications and training for improved performance. By examining the latest trends in sports classification and performance factors influencing game outcomes, this study presents a comparative analysis across different levels of international wheelchair basketball play. METHODS: To achieve this objective, major game factors were examined by analyzing descriptive statistics from each year regarding recent trends in sports class composition and the playing time of each class, followed by group difference tests. A total of 209 official game records from 24 teams participating in major international wheelchair basketball tournaments were analyzed. Group differences were tested in terms of sports class composition, playing time, and performance metrics. RESULTS: First, scoring factors directly affecting game results were compared between groups. The difference test showed that the success rates of 2-point (50.73%) and 3-point (31.41%) shots differed significantly, while the free throw success rate did not. Significant differences were also found in the number of assists (22.94), defensive rebounds (27.38), and steals (5.95). Second, the medal group was compared with the non-medal group. The average sports class composition per quarter was significantly higher in the medal group (1QSC: 14.00, 2QSC: 13.96, 3QSC: 13.98, 4QSC: 13.96) than in the other group (1QSC: 13.89, 2QSC: 13.89, 3QSC: 13.85, 4QSC: 13.88). In terms of playing time differences by class, medal group players showed longer participation: 2.5-point (22:21), 4.0-point (14:46), 3.0-point (19:05), and 1.5-point (16:15). Third, from 2012 to 2022, trends in sports class composition and quarterly playing time have evolved. In 2022, the average playing time of 1.5-point and 4.0-point athletes decreased by about 4 min compared to 2012, while the playing time of 4.5-point athletes increased by approximately 5 min and that of 3.0-point athletes increased by about 2 min.