Came across some interesting statistics this morning about whether or not there actually is such a thing as “home court advantage.”
Studies have confirmed that there really is such a thing as “home court” advantage in sports. In fact, basketball and hockey (both indoor sports) found it more pronounced; less so in baseball and football (both outdoor sports for the most part).
Specifically, the home team was victorious in 53% of professional baseball games, 58% of NFL games (excluding ties), 60% of college football games (excluding ties), 64% of professional hockey games (excluding ties), and 67% of professional basketball games.
Further, studies have found that "offensive (points scored, touchdowns, etc.), not defensive, performances were improved."
Well it makes sense that the home team will feel more comfortable and relaxed at home right?
Well there is also another study that throws a wrinkle into that theory.
One study found that teams may tighten up in BIG games when playing in front of their home crowd. A researcher "concluded that the home team is more likely to lose than to win a 'crucial' game. In professional baseball and basketball, the home team tends to win initial games but lose in the finale."
The researcher contended that this "choking' phenomenon" was due "to the effect of social expectations on the heightened self-consciousness of players."
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