Daniel C. Clay and Aniseh S. Bro
Michigan State University, USA
Citation
C. Clay, D., S. Bro, A. (2015). Previous game success as a determinant of future game performance and outcomes in men’s NCAA basketball. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 46(5), 441-455. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2015.46.441
Abstract
This research examines the motivational effects of past team success (or failure) as a determinant of future game performance. Analyses draw on a data base of 4,495 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball games and detailed player performances over multiple seasons. Findings show that winning percentages are strongly influenced by team success or failure in the previous game-success begets failure and failure begets success, and the effects are exacerbated by the extent of the win or loss. Contributing to the differential winning percentages among teams that either won or lost their previous games are several key basketball performance variables (shooting percentages, rebounding, turnovers, etc.) as they are reflected in both offensive and defensive efficiency ratings.
Keywords: Basketball, Confidence, Efficiency Ratings, Failure, Motivation, NCAA, Outcomes success, Performance