THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BREAKFAST CONSUMPTION AND BASKETBALL SHOOTING PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore a possible relationship between breakfast consumption and basketball shooting performance. Eighteen male subjects (height=191.5±10.1 cm, mass=93.8±12.1 kg, age=27.5±10.6 years) with considerable amount of basketball playing experience were divided into two groups, with (BF) and without (No-BF) four-day breakfast consumption in a three-week cross-over study design. Subjects completed free throw, 2-point, and 3-point shooting drills on the fourth day of each week. Food intake records were collected during each treatment phase. Paired sample t-tests were used to examine the difference in basketball shooting performance (free throw, 2-point, and 3-point drills) and dietary intake patterns (calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) between BF and No-BF testing weeks. Cohen’s D effect sizes were calculated to determine the magnitude of the breakfast consumption as an experimental factor. The average amount of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that the subjects consumed during the breakfast omission week was significantly lower when compared to the breakfast consumption week. Even though the overall basketball shooting performance was improved during the breakfast consumption week, only the average free throw shooting accuracy revealed statistically significant results. However, the effect sizes for almost all the dependent variables exhibited small to moderate magnitudes. Considering that basketball players are always looking for ways to improve their shooting performance, a well-balanced diet with habitual breakfast consumption may be a beneficial method for individual and team performance enhancement, which can ultimately lead to increased chances of a successful game outcome.