An Intervention Study on Velocity, Agility and Jump Ability in Youth Basketball Players in Albania

Abstract

Introduction. An intervention study on youth basketball players during a 6-month fitness training aiming to assess and compare the performance on velocity, agility and jump ability on a frequency twice weekly was performed in Tirana, Albania. 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; velocity 10 m and 20m, agility test 10x5m and drop jump test. 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. Results showed statistical significant improvement with regard to F max (kN), F max (kg N) and power (kg W) at p level =0.05. No statistical improvement were found for contact time and air time between pre and post measurement (p=0.09; p= 0.66). Also it was statistical significant improvement with regard to velocity 10m (seconds), velocity 20m (seconds) and agility 10x5m (seconds) at p level =0.05. Conclusion. The intervention performed in this study was successfully with regards to velocity, agility and jump performance. This study will be a powerful tool for the coaches in order to improve the performance of their players through fitness training in youth. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s1p504