Statistic•Basketball
Turnovers (TOV)
A turnover occurs when the offence loses possession before completing its attack.
giveaways
Plain definition
A turnover gives possession to the opposition without the offence completing its intended attack. It can result from a bad pass, a violation, a lost dribble or defensive pressure. Each turnover ends one possession and may create a transition opportunity at the other end.
Derived terms
TOV%
Turnover Percentage: an estimate of the share of possessions that end in a turnover.
Why it matters
Turnovers are central to assessing offensive discipline and ball security. Too many can erase the benefit of accurate shooting or high shot volume. Defensively, forcing turnovers is also a powerful way to create easy points and influence the pace of the game.
Practical example
A point guard attempts a risky transition pass, but a defender intercepts it. The offence loses the ball without attempting a shot, so a turnover is recorded.
Related terms
Statistic•Basketball
Steals (STL)
A steal is credited when a defender legally takes the ball and causes an opponent's turnover.