Determining the Effectiveness of the 1-4 Offense in College Basketball in Relation to Scoring Averages and Winning Percentages
Graduation Date
Spring 2005
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
This study focused on the effectiveness of the 1-4 Offense in college basketball in relation to winning percentages and scoring averages. The emphasis of defense and the de-emphasis of team offense have caused basketball coaches and their teams to neglect this very important aspect of basketball. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the 1-4 Offense provided a viable option to basketball coaches to increase their team’s scoring output. There is important literature concerning the 1-4 Offense, including vital information from several top college coaches including Jim Saia from UCLA, Kelvin Sampson from Oklahoma University, and Tubby Smith from the University of Kentucky. The methodology consisted of gathering video taped game footage from the Dominican University basketball program. This footage covered 18 league games, 9 home games and 9 away games, from the 2004 season and 18 league games, 9 home games and 9 away games, from the 2005 season. This footage was analyzed to determine whether the 1-4 Offense illustrated a positive or negative change in relation to winning percentage and scoring average. Results showed that an increase occurred in total points as well as the percentage of successful possession from the 2004 season to the 2005 season. Based on this data, it has been determined that the 1-4 Offense is a viable offensive choice and, with added focus, has the potential to increase in productivity.