In elite basketball, closely contested games are often decided in the last minute, where a single possession can significantly alter the outcome. The objective of this study was to analyze the offensive patterns and effectiveness of successful play sequences executed during the last minute and overtime periods of the 2022–2023 EuroLeague men’s basketball season. Specifically, we examined how offensive strategies varied based on score conditions and team status (winning, losing, or tied) in games with a score difference of three points or fewer, representing a maximum one-possession margin. The sample consisted of 709 technical–tactical actions performed in one-possession games during the last minute and overtime periods of the men’s EuroLeague 2022–2023 season. An observational methodology was employed using the LINCE PLUS software with a purpose-designed observational instrument. Descriptive analyses and chi-square (χ²) tests were conducted using SPSS 25, and T-Pattern analysis was performed with Theme 6 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that teams leading at the start of the possession executed a higher number of successful actions, primarily through free throws drawn from fouls committed by the opposing team. Additionally, plays involving few or no passes, executed within the first 17 s of possession, and completed by point guards or centers, were associated with higher success rates. While less frequent, fast breaks proved to be more effective than set offenses. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of elite playmakers in late-game situations, as their ability to read defenses and create scoring opportunities plays a crucial role in determining offensive success. The practical implications of this study can assist coaches in optimizing offensive strategies during high-pressure moments in elite men’s basketball by refining late-game decision-making and tactical planning.

The growing trend of analyzing all performance factors involved in a game makes identifying offensive patterns a determining factor in improving tactical performance and decision making during a game. The main objective of this research was to analyze the effectiveness and detect successful patterns on offense at critical moments in the men’s EuroBasket 2022 and women’s EuroBasket 2021. The sample was composed of 509 technical–tactical offensive actions obtained from the last 2 min of the final quarters and overtime from the group stage and final round, whose difference in the final score was equal to or less than five points. For this purpose, observational methodology was employed using LINCE PLUS software through an observational instrument designed ad hoc. Descriptive analysis and chi-square (χ2) tests were performed with SPSS 25, and a pattern analysis (T-Patterns) was performed with Theme 5 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The teams that were losing when performing the offense finished a greater number of plays and with greater effectiveness. Fastbreaks seem to be more effective in the closing minutes, a play characterized by a maximum of three passes and by finishing with individual play such as 1 × 1. In turn, actions finished near the hoop by inside players seem to be more effective when the possession is finished before 17 s. The practical implications described in this research will enable coaches to tailor their strategies and training to the critical moments of the game.

Timeouts are a widely supported strategy in the literature, recognized for directly influencing team performance during basketball games. This study aimed to analyze and define the successful patterns of actions after timeouts (ATOs) during critical moments in the 2022/23 EuroLeague season. The sample was drawn from the last two minutes and overtime of 169 games with a final point difference of 10 points or fewer, totaling 365 ATOs. An observational methodology was used, applying the LINCE PLUS software version 2.1.0 and an ad hoc observational instrument. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests (χ²) were conducted using SPSS 25.0, and T-pattern analysis was performed with Theme 6 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Teams in the lead often concluded successful plays through free throws following opponent fouls, while teams trailing behind attempted to close the gap by committing fouls to force free throws in defense and scoring two-point baskets on offense. The findings offer insights into ATOs strategies that can support coaches and technical staff in training and adapting these actions to meet competition demands during critical game moments. These results may assist in enhancing team performance and decision-making under high-stakes conditions.

Background: Pickleball has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, yet studies exploring its specific characteristics are scarce. This investigation provides a detailed notational analysis of women’s singles pickleball, evaluating the technical and tactical performance indicators in the game. Method: An observational methodology was used to analyze all points from five PPA Tour tournaments. The matches were recorded and coded using LINCE PLUS software, version 2.1.0, with a category system designed for this sport. A descriptive analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS version 25.0, and Theme 6.0 Edu software was used to detect gameplay patterns. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The findings indicate that serving players have a slight advantage, winning 55.1% of points. Most of the points were resolved through unforced errors, accounting for 63.7% of the total, primarily from forehand strokes in short rallies and backhand strokes in medium rallies. The most frequent hitting zones for point termination were near the non-volley zone (35.8%) and behind the baseline (38.6%). Conclusions: This study provides a deeper understanding of performance in women’s pickleball, highlighting technical and tactical patterns that offer guidelines for optimizing strategies and techniques in the sport.

The objective of this research was to define the temporal structure of Olympic boxing in males in the flyweight, middleweight and super heavyweight categories. The participants were boxers of the stated categories, who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Using observational methodology, we analysed all the matches in these categories from the round of 16 (n = 45). To obtain the results, we used different analysis techniques with SPSS: descriptive analysis, Shapiro-Wilk, one-factor ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test and chi-square. The significance level used was p < 0.05. The results define the time structure models for each of the weight categories in the three rounds of combat. With these models, coaches and sport technicians will be able to establish the optimal training loads for their athletes. We found significant differences in the total number of punches and in the ring area where the punches were made, resulting in the flyweight category being where most actions are taken in both cases. In the three weight categories, the differences among the three rounds are minimal. We conclude that most of the combats end in the third round, consuming the total fighting time in the three weight categories.

Despite the growing popularity of women’s basketball in recent years, scientific literature on the subject remains significantly less extensive compared to its male counterpart. The main objective of this research was to analyze successful offensive actions and patterns during critical moments in the Women’s EuroLeague. The sample consisted of 377 technical–tactical actions corresponding to plays with score differences of three points or less (one-possession games) in the final minute and overtime periods of the Women’s EuroLeague during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. This study was based on an observational design, utilizing the LINCE PLUS software together with a customized observation tool. Descriptive statistics and chi-square (χ²) tests were carried out using SPSS version 25, while T-Pattern detection was performed through Theme 5 software. A threshold for statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. The findings indicated that home teams achieved a higher percentage of successful plays compared to visiting teams. Most successful patterns occurred during the final phase of possession (8”–0”), regardless of game location or team result. Additionally, layups, plays involving shots after on-ball screen, and actions following personal fouls demonstrated the highest success rates. The practical implications discussed in this research provide valuable insights for coaches to optimize offensive strategies during high-pressure moments in elite women’s basketball.