A Six Month Intervention Study on Strength Training in Youth Basketball Player in Albania

Abstract

Introduction. The literature concerning the physical preparation for youth basketball players is huge, although the literature concerning basketball strength training is still scare. The aims of this study were; to assess basketball fitness abilities before (PRE) and after (POST) a 6-month fitness training in youth basketball players (twice weekly); to show if there is any statistically improvement on physical fitness parameters after the intervention. Methods. Twenty-eight youth (male) basketball players (age range 17-18 years) participated in this intervention study. They were assessed PRE and POST training through the basketball strength test (izokinetic and izometric dynamometer) tests. The intervention study lasted 6 months (twice weekly) on a fitness gym (strength training). The duration for each training set had lasted for each 45 min (8 fitness machines was used). Results. Regarding physical components after the intervention data show a significant improvement in strength (p=0.001) for isometric and izokinetic performance on youth basketball players. No significant difference was observed for right foot during izokinetic performance (p>0.05). Conclusion. In conclusion, it was found that the fitness training twice weekly could be useful for improving and monitoring physical parameters with regards to strength in youth basketball players. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2p319