You might be looking at NBA box scores and came across a stat for “BA.” You wonder, what is BA in basketball stats? BA in basketball means “block against” and refers to the number of times a player’s or a team’s shot get blocked during a game. It’s a new stat, and not all basketball websites have this on their platform.
A high BA stat is a weakness and tells you that there’s something wrong with your game. It might be your release; you are slow or how you protect the ball. We prepared this material to help improve your game and be a better player.
What Does BA Mean in Basketball Stats?
When an offensive player’s shot gets stuffed, it deflates the ego. After the dizzying crossover, you are ready for the poster dunk. But, a defensive player comes out of nowhere and swats away your moment of glory. Consider this a stat under your belt where you receive a block against you and count as block stats for the opposing team.
If you are a player with a high BA stat, there’s something wrong with how you play the game. Consult your coach or trainer on how to improve your game. There are reasons you often get blocked. Work on your game to prevent you from getting blocked by your opponents.
Many people make a big deal when your shot gets blocked in basketball. It lowers your morale and boosts the other team’s confidence since they prevented you from making points. You’ll feel hesitant to shoot the ball.
Tall basketball players and high leapers are known for their blocking prowess. They are essential to the team because they provide a good defense. And a good defense offers opportunities for the offense that wins basketball games.
A good shot blocker positioned underneath the basket intimidates many players. They alter the shot of driving players; the opponent is forced to shoot awkwardly when they go to the hoop. The percentage of missing a shot is great, which is good for the team.
While shot blockers can erase the points from their adversary, they can also have a negative outcome for their team. They may contact the shooter resulting in foul and free throws for the other team. Or the referee might call it as a goaltend and award the points.
Some NBA players block shots after the referee’s whistle to prevent the player from getting into a rhythm. Kevin Garnett is good at this, and he even trash-talks to get inside the skin of his rival.
Why are There BA Stats?
A fan may wonder what is BA in basketball stats for. Players, coaches, and trainers have an important use for this detailed information.
BA is a weakness that a player needs to improve to avoid getting blocked and be better. The coach can provide inputs, and the trainer can devise a routine to develop the player’s game. There are reasons why your shots are getting blocked.
You Don’t Protect the Ball
When driving to the hoop, you don’t protect the ball. Use your hands, arms, and body to avoid the ball from getting swatted or blocked by your opponent. Create some space by getting in contact or bumping them hard to protect the ball.
Look at Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and Jammal Murray of the Memphis Grizzlies; both stand about 6’3” tall, but they seldom get blocked or lose the ball from their jump shots or drives.
Basketball is a game of smarts and skills.
You are too Slow
Don’t be a slowpoke. Your opponent can read your moves and block your shots. Step on the gas when you drive and dazzle them with your crossover.
You’ll get blocked if you have a slow-release in your three- or two-point jump shots. Observe the quick release of the great shooters in the NBA; this is why they don’t get blocked.
Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors stands only about 6’2,’’ but defenders don’t stand a chance to block his shot because of his quick release. And he turns on the nitro when he drives to the basket leaving his opponents dead in their tracks.
Squats and leg exercises will make your legs strong. Include some weights in your ankle when you jog to help you increase speed. Practice the quick release to avoid getting blocked.
You Don’t Fake or Switch Direction
Faking is vital to keep your guard off balance. Once your opponent is off his defensive posture, you are a step ahead and can do your play. Either you make your shot or be gifted with foul shots or an and 1.
Switching directions when driving inside the paint is essential to confuse your opponent. Use your euro step or sidestep for an easy layup or dunk.
Examples of BA Stats
You feel good when you block a shot in basketball, but it reduces your morale when you are the recipient of a block. People talk about those who made the most blocks in the NBA but are you aware of those NBA players who got blocked a lot. The NBA stats don’t lie, and you’ll be surprised with the list we came upon the five most blocked players in the organization.
| Rank | Name | Last Team Played | NBA Season | Number of BA |
| 1 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs | 1997-2016 | 1485 |
| 2 | Carmelo Anthony | Los Angeles Lakers | 2003 to present | 1353 |
| 3 | Zach Randolph | Memphis Grizzlies | 2001-2019 | 1322 |
| 4 | Shareef Abdur-Rahim | Sacramento Kings | 1996-2008 | |
| 5 | Pau Gasol | Los Angeles Lakers | 2001-2021 | 1211 |
Pau Gasol is over 7’ tall, and Duncan, Randolph, and Abdur-Rahim are about 6’8” and above. Despite their height and skill, they still got blocked over 1,000 times during their NBA career.
Carmelo Anthony is still playing for the Lakers, and with the number of shots he’s taking, he’ll likely get blocked more.
The BA stat of a player is the ratio of blocks against a player while on the court to the entire team’s blocks.
Other Basketball Stats to Know
Other Basketball Stats to KnowIf you are a basketball coach, tracking and recording statistics is vital to determine your team’s strengths and weaknesses. But you can’t shadow everything, so you pick what’s important and focus on them.
It’s not just the points, rebounds, and assists you look at. We believe that here are the other stats to consider:
Turnover (TO) Differential/Assist (AST)-To-Turnover (TO) Ratio
Earn points from TOs, and if your team has more TOs than your opponent, it’s most likely you lose the game. Look at the team’s assists and compare this to the turnovers recorded. The rule of thumb for the assist-to-turnover ratio is 2:1. If your team turned over the ball five times, the players should have made at least ten assists.
AST-to-TO ratio is important because it means that your team is passing the ball for good looks at the basket rather than throwing it away. Players are getting high percentage shots.
More shots mean more chances of scoring points against your opponent and winning the game. If your team is having an off-shooting night, it’s better to have more FGA than the other team.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (EFG%)
EFG% shows which team is shooting better, give more credit to 3-point shots than 2-pointers since it yields 1.5 times more. EFG% is derived from the formula:
EFG% = (2Pt + 1.5 x 3Pt) / FGA
A good EFG% limits the other team’s fast-break opportunities, allowing your team to set up the defense and cut fouls. If you have about the same EFG% as the other team, instruct your players to have more FGA.
Looking for more basketball stats? Check out our ultimate guide to basketball statistics here.
Wrapping Things Up: What is BA in Basketball Stats?
Basketball blocks make the game more exciting. Fans look up to the players who made the block, and the coaches frown on the blocked players.
A player needs to know the importance of what is BA in basketball stats to be good in his game. A high BA stat means that you often get blocked, and there’s something wrong with how you play on the court. You are not helping the team; the goal is to have more points when the clock expires.
Think about how you move on the court, ask for inputs from your coach, trainer, and teammates. Are you protecting the ball? Do you create separation? Are you quick on your release?
There are basketball greats that got blocked over 1,000 times during their NBA career, but they adjusted and excelled in their game.
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