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Double Double in Basketball: Basic Information Explained

What is a double double in basketball

A double double is a term that is typically used when a basketball player achieves double digit figures in exactly two of the five primary statistical categories, which comprises points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks, during one particular game or over the course of several different games throughout a season.

Also, the double double gives a general idea of a player’s sole performance during or immediately following at least one basketball game.

So, if a player were to achieve a double double during a certain type of game, most notably within 5 on 5 full court play, that would typically indicate that the player had an above average performance, at least on an individual level.

However, it should be stated as well that even if a player is not able to achieve a double double, this also does not necessarily indicate that a player had a poor or only average performance either.

Furthermore, whenever a player is able to attain a double double, this does not automatically mean that a player’s team will always win the game but it could certainly help increase the chances of winning.

In addition to that, it is noteworthy to mention that whenever a player acquires 10 or more turnovers alongside 10 or more points, assists, rebounds, steals, or blocks, that would usually not be considered a valid double double.

The reason for that is because a turnover is generally considered a negative basketball statistic while points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks are generally considered positive.

Basically, turnovers will harm a player or team’s overall performance while the other statistics will help the player or team’s performance.

What are typical double doubles for perimeter-related basketball positions

In terms of perimeter-related basketball positions, the point guard and shooting guard could potentially achieve double doubles in the points plus assists statistical categories while the small forward could also possibly achieve a double double in the points plus rebounds categories.

Essentially, the point guard and the shooting guard could possibly produce 10 or more points plus 10 or more assists because those types of players will typically have the ball in their hands a majority of the time, which then gives them the opportunity to score points themselves or pass to other teammates, who could then score points as well.

Likewise, the small forward could most likely get 10 or more points plus 10 or more rebounds because that type of player is usually adept at scoring near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court while simultaneously utilizing their height and/or wingspan to grab multiple offensive rebounds or defensive rebounds.

However, in certain instances, the point guard may achieve a double double in the rebounds plus assists categories while the shooting guard might accomplish a double double in the points plus rebounds categories as well.

Additionally, on occasion, the small forward might have a double double performance of 10 or more points plus 10 or more assists.

Moreover, in terms of defense, the point guard, shooting guard, or small forward might complete a more uncommon double double performance of 10 or more points (or rebounds) plus 10 or more steals.

What are typical double doubles for post-associated basketball positions

As it relates to post-associated basketball positions, the power forward or center more than likely could achieve a double double performance that includes 10 or more points plus 10 or more rebounds.

Basically, the power forward or center could potentially generate a double double in reference to points plus rebounds because those particular players commonly have the ability to score near the low post or high post areas (or possibly beyond the three-point line as well) while taking advantage of their above average height and wingspan to collect several rebounds throughout a basketball game.

However, in some cases, it is also possible for a power forward or center to complete double doubles in the points plus assists categories or the rebounds plus assists categories, especially if those players possess higher than average court vision and passing skills to go along with scoring or rebounding.

Furthermore, in reference to defense, the power forward or center could execute an uncommon double double that could includes 10 or more blocks plus double figures in points or rebounds.

An even more uncommon double double for the post-associated basketball positions would be double digits of blocks plus steals or assists.

What are additional terms that are similar to the double double

Additional terms similar to the double double include the triple double, quadruple double, quintuple double, and five by five.

The triple double is a term that is commonly used when a basketball player achieves double digit figures in exactly three positive statistical categories during one basketball game or over the course of several different games throughout a season.

The quadruple double is a term that is typically used when a basketball player achieves double digit figures in exactly four positive statistical categories during one basketball game or over the course of several different games throughout a season.

The quintuple double is a term that is generally used when a basketball player achieves double digit figures in all five positive statistical categories during one basketball game or over the course of several different games throughout a season.

Five by five is a term that describes a player’s performance which includes numerical values of at least 5 within each of the primary statistical categories. So, if a player completes a performance which consists of at least 5 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 blocks, then that player would accomplish a five by five.