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How Defensive Consistency Stats Separate Reliable Players From Flashy Ones

Defense is most effective when it is consistent, not just flashy.

I track defensive consistency stats because highlight plays can distract from what truly matters. A diving stop looks impressive, but making routine plays every time is what helps teams win.

Why Errors Don’t Tell the Full Story

Errors only reveal the most obvious mistakes. They do not show things like:

  • Poor positioning
  • Late reactions
  • Missed cutoffs
  • Slow decision-making

I use defensive involvement and success rate to see which players handle routine plays smoothly.

Reliability Builds Trust

When the game is close, I trust defenders who are consistent. Stats help identify these players.

When players know we track consistency, they pay closer attention. They make fewer mental mistakes, and the team’s defense improves.

Trust is essential for good defense, and stats help build that trust.

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