Increase the Performance Level of Young Basketball Players through the Use of High Intensity Interval Training

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a specific 12-week HIIT methodology for improving aerobic and anaerobic performance in a group of young basketball players. Twenty-two (n=22) players participated in the study. (age 19.1 ± 1.1; height: 185 ± 5.2; body mass: 70.9 ± 6.0). In the pre-season (4 weeks, from July to August), the players performed Pizzolato's 7-minutes test, to evaluate aerobic and anaerobic performance before the start of the season. After 12 weeks of training (in-season), using the Tabata training methodology, the same players repeated Pizzolato's 7-minutes test to look for improvements in performance and evaluate if the distance covered during the test is better, equal, or worse compared to the pre-season. After 12 weeks of training, in the experimental group we found a significant increase in the values of VO2max (p = 0.02) and SAN (p = 0.01) and a significant decrease in the values of HRmax (p = 0.00), such as to be able to attribute them, with a margin of error of 5%, to the benefits produced by a twelve-week mesocycle based on HIIT principles. No differences between groups were found in the control group. The effectiveness of specific High Intensity Interval Training has been revealed in improving aerobic performance in young basketball players.