Abstract
The weekly training management and competition loads are important aspects to optimize the performance of professional basketball players. The objectives of the study were (a) to describe the weekly external load (EL), as well as the internal response (IR), of elite basketball players over two consecutive seasons with a different head coach and (b) to compare weekly loads of different competitive densities. The data were collected from 27 elite players from the same team competing in the Spanish first division league (ACB) and EuroLeague during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 seasons. EL was measured using microsensor technology to determine PlayerLoad values, expressed in arbitrary units (AU). Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) was used for IR quantification. Comparisons between the two seasons and of weeks with different competitive densities were made. The inter-week load variability was moderate-high for both seasons. The highest EL values were measured during the weeks with three games (W3) (W3 > W0 > W2 > W1), while the most demanding week for players’ IR was observed during weeks with no competition (W0). Additionally, higher EL (d = 0.31) and IR (d = 0.37) values were observed in season 2018–2019 compared to 2017–2018. The results obtained in this study contributed new data on the internal and external load required by professional basketball players in weeks with different number of games and showed that different coaching strategies may demand a different external and internal workload in consecutive seasons. Furthermore, the results highlighted the need to carry out an adequate load management program.
Highlights
Leading European teams usually participate simultaneously in two competitions, a national or regional one (e.g., ACB League in Spain or VTB League in the Baltic countries) and an international one (e.g., EuroLeague, EuroCup or Champions League) during the season
ResultsThe mean PL values measured during seasons S17–18 and S18–19 were 3023 ± 855 arbitrary units (AU) and 3323
The mean PL values measured during seasons S17–18 and S18–19 were 3023 ± 855 AU and AU, variability of Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE)
Summary
Leading European teams usually participate simultaneously in two competitions, a national or regional one (e.g., ACB League in Spain or VTB League in the Baltic countries) and an international one (e.g., EuroLeague, EuroCup or Champions League) during the season. This means that during nine months, a team reaching the play-offs in EuroLeague and domestic finals could play around. Sometimes teams have to play at congested periods of four or five games in ten days [1] and an adequate load distribution strategy is essential [2]. It is important to follow an adequate load distribution strategy together with an appropriate recovery process to have the maximum players available for each game and to reduce injury risk [3].
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