Researching and analyzing home-field/court advantages involves examining various statistical factors and trends. Here are some key steps:
1. Compile Records
Gather data on each team's home and away records over multiple recent seasons. Simple win-loss records at home vs. away can reveal if a team tends to perform significantly better at home.
2. Analyze Scoring Differences
Look at the average points/runs scored and allowed by each team at home compared to on the road. Consistent scoring advantages at home can indicate a real home-court edge.
3. Assess Streak Data
Track lengthy home and away winning/losing streaks for teams. Dramatic disparities in sustained streaks at home vs. away can highlight the homefield impact.
4. Examine Pace Stats
In sports like basketball, analyze tempo/pace factors like possessions per game at home vs. away to see if teams tend to control pace better at home.
5. Look at Specific Metrics
In sports with advanced analytics, dig into home/away splits for key statistical metrics - e.g. offensive/defensive ratings, effective FG% in basketball, etc.
6. Gauge Intangible Factors
Aspects like fan support, travel distances, altitude, court/field dimensions, etc. can create unique home advantages that should be considered.
7. Identify Outliers
See if certain teams seem to wildly over or underperform their expectations at home compared to normal, which could signal underrated factors.
By comprehensively analyzing the objective data along with more qualitative advantages, you can better measure and account for home-field effects when handicapping games.
1. Compile Records
Gather data on each team's home and away records over multiple recent seasons. Simple win-loss records at home vs. away can reveal if a team tends to perform significantly better at home.
2. Analyze Scoring Differences
Look at the average points/runs scored and allowed by each team at home compared to on the road. Consistent scoring advantages at home can indicate a real home-court edge.
3. Assess Streak Data
Track lengthy home and away winning/losing streaks for teams. Dramatic disparities in sustained streaks at home vs. away can highlight the homefield impact.
4. Examine Pace Stats
In sports like basketball, analyze tempo/pace factors like possessions per game at home vs. away to see if teams tend to control pace better at home.
5. Look at Specific Metrics
In sports with advanced analytics, dig into home/away splits for key statistical metrics - e.g. offensive/defensive ratings, effective FG% in basketball, etc.
6. Gauge Intangible Factors
Aspects like fan support, travel distances, altitude, court/field dimensions, etc. can create unique home advantages that should be considered.
7. Identify Outliers
See if certain teams seem to wildly over or underperform their expectations at home compared to normal, which could signal underrated factors.
By comprehensively analyzing the objective data along with more qualitative advantages, you can better measure and account for home-field effects when handicapping games.