Abstract
Body height is among the most important attributes of basketball players. Whether it differs among the basketball players who compete at the world basketball championship (FIBA-WC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between the basketball players from the teams ranked 1–16 and those ranked below 16th place. The body heights of all players from the last three FIBA-WCs were collected and allocated according to the ranking at the FIBA-WC and analyzed by position in team. An independent sample t-test was conducted to analyze the difference in body height of players ranked 1–16 and players who ranked below 16th place. The players from the first 16 teams were significantly taller at three positions: point guards (Difference = 2.92 cm, p < 0.05), shooting guards (Difference = 2.16 cm, p < 0.05), and small forwards (Difference = 2.49 cm, p < 0.01). Body height seems to be an important factor for the performance of the basketball team at the FIBA-WC. Considering that all players at the FIBA-WC went through rigorous selection process to be in their national teams, body height of the higher-ranked players could be used as a reference value.
Highlights
Basketball has been among the most popular sports in the world [1] whereby the finals in basketball are the closing event of the Olympic games
The main findings of this study indicate that teams with taller players players from the teams ranked below the 16th place, whereby differences in body height were on certain positions were ranked higher at the FIBA-WC
The body height of basketball players seems to play the major role in their overall performance at all positions
Summary
Basketball has been among the most popular sports in the world [1] whereby the finals in basketball are the closing event of the Olympic games. It is a dynamic game where two teams of five players each run back and forth attacking and defending a basket set at the height of 3.05 m. The game is characterized by high-intensity intermittent runs, often requiring planned or unpredictable changes of direction, a variety of specific technical skills and well-developed jumping ability [2,3,4]. Considering the height of the basket and that the winner is who scores more baskets, body height and weight have had the highest priority during the selection process and when establishing an in-court position [9,10].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
