Trends and fluctuations in technical performance in the 2010–2022 FIBA women’s basketball world cup

This study selected the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, totaling 32 games, and aimed to examine the trends, fluctuations, and differences in technical performances of the Women’s Basketball World Cup from 2010 to 2022 using the Grey Model (GM), Kruskal–Wallis test, and coefficient of variation (CV). The results showed that two-point field goal attempts, two-point field goals made, and offensive rebounds exhibited a declining trend with low fluctuation. Assists and blocks both showed an increasing trend and high fluctuation. Three-point field goal attempts and three-point field goals both showed an increasing trend, although the former had moderate fluctuation, while the latter had high fluctuation. Steals showed an increasing trend with low fluctuation, while turnovers showed a declining trend with high fluctuation, while turnovers showed a declining trend with high fluctuation. However, the GM (1,1) models for steals and turnovers exhibited suboptimal fitting performance; consequently, their trend directions are presented as provisional reference estimates rather than definitive conclusions. Furthermore, free throw attempts, free throws made, and defensive rebounds showed an increasing trend with moderate fluctuation. Finally, significant differences were found between game editions in terms of assists ( p < 0.001, large effect) and blocks ( p < 0.05, medium effect). Overall, the study results indicate that technical performance in the Women’s Basketball World Cup exhibit both upward and downward trends. The significant changes occurred between different years of games in terms of team coordination and shot-blocking ability. Additionally, techniques showed three different levels of fluctuation: low, moderate, and high. This study provided a theoretical support for the related longitudinal analysis of basketball techniques. In addition, it can also serve as a potential reference for coaches to optimize training programs and game strategies.