Lineup Types and Key Variables for Success in Men's Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball

Understanding team performance dynamics in wheelchair basketball (WB) is crucial for optimising lineup compositions for different game situations. This study aimed to investigate the impact of lineup composition and game time on performance in men's WB at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Through the analysis of 588 lineups from 42 matches, key game-related statistics (GRS) that differentiated winning from losing lineups were identified. Seventy different lineup types (LTs) were clustered and categorised based on players' functional classification (FC) and their performance across time windows was examined. Discriminant analysis revealed that field goal efficiency, assists, and minimising opponent assists were crucial for success, regardless of game balance, emphasising the importance of both offensive and defensive efficacy. Clustering categorised LTs into three distinct groups, with those featuring predominantly intermediate-point players (2.0-3.5) exhibiting superior performance, particularly during extended playing time (over 10 minutes), indicating a strategic advantage for these compositions in sustaining high-level play. Top-ranked teams typically showed greater roster depth and a wider variation of LT utilisation. This research highlights the significance of strategic lineup composition, emphasising the sustained effectiveness of lineups with intermediate FC players. The findings provide valuable insights for coaches, aiding in data-driven decisions for lineup selection, game strategy optimisation, and functional player development within the specific demands of WB.