NBA Shot Charts Explained: How to Read and Analyze Shooting Data
Shot charts are one of the most powerful tools in basketball analytics. They show you where a player shoots from, how often, and how efficiently. Here is how to read them and what they reveal about player tendencies.
The basics
A shot chart is a map of the basketball court with dots or colors showing where shots were taken. Red/warm colors indicate above-average efficiency from that zone. Blue/cool colors indicate below-average efficiency. The size of the dot or intensity of the color shows volume — how many shots were taken from that area.
The court is typically divided into zones: restricted area (within 4 feet of the basket), paint (non-restricted), mid-range, above-the-break three, and corner three. Each zone has a league-average efficiency, and players are compared against that average.
What shot charts reveal
Stephen Curry's shot chart is almost entirely red from three-point range and the restricted area, with almost no mid-range shots. This is the analytics-optimal shot profile — threes and layups, nothing in between.
SGA's shot chart is the opposite — heavy mid-range usage with elite efficiency. His shot chart looks like a player from 2005, but his efficiency is modern. He's proof that the mid-range game can still be elite if you're good enough.
Jokic's shot chart shows heavy usage in the paint and the top of the key, with surprisingly good three-point efficiency on low volume. His shot chart reflects his role as a post-up scorer and playmaker.
Where to find shot charts
NBA.com has shot charts for every player under the "Shooting" tab on their player page. Basketball Reference has shot charts in their player stats section. And apps like CleaningTheGlass and PBPStats offer more detailed shot chart analysis with zone breakdowns and percentile rankings.
Using shot charts for scouting
Coaches use shot charts to design defensive game plans. If a player's shot chart shows he's weak from the left corner, the defense can force him to that spot. If a player is elite from mid-range, the defense needs to close out harder on his pull-up jumpers. Shot charts turn abstract tendencies into concrete defensive strategies.