Adult Basketball Players Research Articles

The reliability and discriminant validity of physical, technical, and perceptual-physiological measures during a game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol.

Activity simulation protocols offer useful applications in research and practice; however, the specificity of such protocols to basketball game-play is currently lacking. Consequently, this study aimed to develop a game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol representative of typical playing durations and assess its reliability and discriminant validity. The simulation protocol was modified from an original version (i.e., Basketball Exercise Simulation Test) to incorporate regular breaks indicative of time-outs, free-throws, and substitutions. Twelve competitive male and female adult basketball players competing in the fourth or fifth Spanish basketball division underwent repeated trials of the simulation protocol (min. 4 to max. 14 days apart) for reliability analyses. In turn, 13 competitive male (fifth division), 9 competitive female (fourth division), and 13 recreational male adult basketball players completed the simulation protocol to assess discriminant validity via comparisons between sexes (competitive players) and playing levels (males). A range of physical, technical, and perceptual-physiological variables were collected during and following the simulation protocol. Several physical and heart rate variables displayed the strongest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.72-0.96; coefficient of variation [CV] = 1.78-6.75%), with physical decrement, technical, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) variables having the weakest (ICC = 0.52-0.75; CV = 10.34-30.85%). Regarding discriminant analyses between sexes, males demonstrated significantly greater physical outputs in several variables and lower RPE compared to females (p < 0.05, moderate-to-large effects). Comparisons between playing levels revealed competitive males had significantly greater physical outputs across many variables, alongside higher mean heart rate and lower RPE than recreational males (p < 0.05, moderate-to-large effects). This study presents a novel game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol replicating actual playing durations and game configurations that might be successfully applied for both training and research purposes. Reliability statistics are provided for several variables to inform end-users on potential measurement error when implementing the simulation protocol. Discriminant validity of the simulation protocol was supported for several variables, suggesting it may hold practical utility in benchmarking or selecting players. Future research on this topic is encouraged examining wider samples of male and female basketball players at different levels as well as additional forms of validity for the protocol.

Vertical Versus Horizontal Training for Improving the Change of Direction Speed in Adult Basketball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Barrera-Domínguez, FJ, Martínez-García, D, Jerez-Mayorga, D, Chirosa-Ríos, LJ, Almagro, BJ, and Molina-López, J. Vertical versus horizontal training for improving the change of direction speed in adult basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—The ability to perform changes of direction (COD) is a complex skill that involves the application of multiple force-orientations, and its execution at maximum speed is crucial in basketball players. The present study aimed to synthesize findings from previous interventions classified according to force-orientation (vertical, horizontal, or mixed) and determine their magnitude of the effect on COD performance in basketball players. A systematic review of the literature was performed in several databases (Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed) following the PRISMA statement and reviewed the quality of the included papers according to the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines Assessment. Sixteen articles with a total of 21 reports were included to analyze the role of force-orientations in COD performance. For the meta-analysis, the standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the chronic changes induced by training and performed an effect size (ES) analysis with a random-effects model. The results showed that all force-orientations generated improvements in COD performance (ES = −0.47 [95% CI −0.57, −0.36], Z = 8.74 [p &lt; 0.01]). It was a mixed force-orientation that produced the greatest changes (ES = −0.91 [95% CI −1.27, −0.55], Z = 4.96 [p &lt; 0.01]), followed by vertical training (ES = −0.45 [95% CI −0.70, −0.20], Z = 3.51 [p &lt; 0.01]). Horizontal training was the least studied and showed the smallest change (ES = −0.10 [95% CI −0.14, −0.07], Z = 5,71 [p &lt; 0.01]). This meta-analysis demonstrates that mixed vertical and horizontally oriented training may be the most optimal because it offers a greater variety of multidirectional stimuli that better prepares the athlete to deal with complex COD in real-game situations.

Visual Information in Basketball Jump-Shots: Differences between Youth and Adult Athletes.

Basketball shooting is a complex skill that requires visual routines and trained players typically evidence a specific oculomotor pattern. This study aimed to examine visual patterns in male novice youth and professional adult players while performing a jump shot. The sample included 20 basketball players grouped as under-16 youth (n = 10) and professional adult (n = 10) players. Each participant completed 50 shots at two distances (long range: 6.80 m; middle range: 4.23 m). Eye tracking glasses were used to obtain quiet eye (QE), the number of fixations, total fixation duration, duration of first and last fixation. An independent t-test was used to assess differences between groups. Shooting accuracy given by % of efficacy indicated that under-16 players attained poorer scores at both distances: long (t = -4.75, p < 0.01) and middle (t = -2.80, p < 0.012) distance. The groups also differed in QE time (long: 600 ms vs. 551 ms; middle: 572 ms vs. 504 ms) and total duration of the fixations (long: 663 ms vs. 606 ms; middle: 663 ms vs. 564 ms) in both long and middle distance shots. Significant differences also occurred in the last fixation (long distance: t = -4.301, p < 0.01; middle distance: t = -3.656, p < 0.01) with professional adult players presenting the value of, on average, 454-458 ms, while youth shooters 363-372 ms. In summary, visual strategy differed between under-16 youth and professional adult basketball players. To support their long-term sport development, it is recommended that youth basketball players focus their attention with longer final fixation before releasing the ball to improve their shot.

Investigating External and Internal Loads in Male Older Adult Basketball Players during Official Games.

This study aimed at assessing the external [Player Load (PL), acceleration (ACC), changes of direction (COD), JUMP, and their relative values (PL/min; ACC/min; COD/min and JUMP/min)] and internal [percentage of the peak heart rate (%HRpeak) and the training load calculated with the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method (sRPE-load)] loads of masters (senior citizen) basketball players during official games. Thirteen male basketball masters players (age: 66.6 ± 2.1 years; body mass: 89.9 ± 8.7 kg; stature: 183.7 ± 4.6 cm) were monitored during an official Lietuvos Krepsinio Veteranu Lyga (LKVL) 65-year game. Beside descriptive analysis, a chi-square goodness of fit test was adopted to assess the differences in the distribution within JUMP, ACC and COD classes of intensities (i.e., low, medium and high). The results revealed PL = 269.9 ± 83.3 AU and PL/min = 6.54 ± 1.29 AU/min. Moreover, significant differences (p < 0.001) in the distribution of the intensity classes were found for JUMP, ACC, and COD, with the lowest intensities as the most frequent. Finally, HRpeak = 81.7 ± 8.1% and sRPE-load = 148.9 ± 69.7 AU were found, with sRPE = ~3 AU. In conclusion, a low external load during an official basketball game was found compared to other basketball populations. Moreover, a high objective internal load did not correspond to a low perceived demand, which might increase the training adherence and motivation during long-term studies.

A Glimpse of the Sports Nutrition Awareness in Spanish Basketball Players.

Basketball is a team sport, with many fans and practitioners worldwide from all ages and levels. In all cases, players accumulate high levels of fatigue, and there is also limited time to recover between games or practices. In particular, nutrition plays a key role in optimizing performance and recovery. However, it is typical to observe erroneous nutritional behaviors among basketball players. It has been theorized that these behaviors are influenced by habits acquired based on the individual’s knowledge. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to conduct a descriptive research of the sports nutrition knowledge and practices in a sample of Spanish basketball players, from athletes under 18 years old (n = 69) to nonprofessional (n = 14) and professional adult players (n = 21). The sample was comprised of 49 men and 55 women. This was a transversal, cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study. All participants (n = 104) completed an anonymous online survey in order to analyze their sports nutrition knowledge and practices. In view of the obtained results, we can conclude that the knowledge of sport-specific nutrition in players under 18 years old, as well as non-professional and professional adult basketball players, is insufficient through all the categories and levels. The lack of professional support and time management difficulties were identified as some of the main barriers.

Does Emotional Intelligence Predict Athletes' Motivation to Participate in Sports?

The relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and successful athletic performance has been previously recognized, but there remains a need to investigate how EI impacts athletes' sports motivation. This cross-sectional study investigated how different EI dimensions related to athletes' motivation among 239 adult basketball players (129 females) aged 18-34 years. Our research participants completed questionnaires that included the self-reported Emotional Intelligence Scale and Sport Motivation Scale II. We found significant correlations between total EI and intrinsic, integrated, identified, and introjected regulation. Higher EI was negatively related to athletes' amotivation. More specifically, the self-reported abilities to perceive emotion and manage others' emotions were significantly related to intrinsic, integrated, and identified regulation, and only managing one's own emotions negatively related to athletes' amotivation.

Effect of fibular repositioning taping in adult basketball players with chronic ankle instability: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Chronic ankle instability presents a high incidence and prevalence in basketbal players. It is important to develop strategies to reduce the functional and mechanical limitations resulting from this condition. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Mulligan's fibular repositioning taping with a placebo taping immediatly after application and after a running test (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test). Sixteen adult basketball players (10 male, 6 female) with chronic ankle instability and mean age 21.50±2.76 years old. Assessment of static postural control (15 seconds of unipedal stance test with eyes closed in a force platform), functional performance (figure-of-8 hop test and lateral hop test) and neuromuscular control (peroneus longus latency time in sudden inversion) in two conditions: Mulligan and placebo. No significant effect was found for the intervention factor in both hop tests (P>0.170), but there was a significant effect for the time factor (P<0.03). For the peroneus longus latency time, there was a significant interaction between factors (P=0.028) and also for time (P=0.042). No significant effect was found for any of the static postural control variables (area, speed and total displacement) (P≥0.10). There was no differences between Mulligan's fibular repositioning taping and Placebo taping in postural control and functional performance in basketball players with chronic ankle instability. However, Mulligan's taping appears to reduce peroneus longus latency time after a running when compared with a placebo taping.

The Accuracy of a Real Time Sensor in an Instrumented Basketball

Integrating sensing devices into sports equipment such as tennis racquets, basketballs and soccer balls has great potential for measuring performance, training athletes and encouraging participation. These innovative, interactive tools provide real time feedback systems for collecting and analysis sports data and could provide effective support for coaches and athletes. The 94fifty™ is an instrumented basketball that has the same specifications as a standard basketball with the addition of a sensor that provides data on shot arc, shot speed, and number of dribbles in real time through a smartphone or tablet device app. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the sensor accuracy in the 94Fifty on measures of shot arc and dribbling in relation to Dartfish™ video analysis software.To measure the shot arc, five adult basketball players were recorded performing 28 shots from various positions for a total of 140 trials. For dribbling 260, 4-12 year old children were video recorded dribbling for 10 seconds each. We compared results using Cronbach's alpha. Shot angle reliability coefficients between the 94Fifty software and Dartfish video analysis alpha = 0.998. No differences were found in the dribbling count between the video analysis and the 94Fifty sensing basketball. While Cronbach's alpha was very high for shot arc, a detailed analysis reveals discrepancies in arc angle on individual shots where 78 out of 140 angles were the same, 59 were within +/-1 degree and three were +/-3.5 degrees.Participants universally enjoyed receiving feedback on their performance. This new technology could redefine the way players are trained and could encourage creative approaches to practice planning and implementation.

The effect of age on positional differences in anthropometry, body composition, physique and anaerobic power of elite basketball players

The main aim of this study was to examine differences in physical and physiological characteristics, with an emphasis on anaerobic power, of male basketball players by age and playing position. Basketball players (n = 101), classified into three age groups: under 15 years (U-15, n = 35, 14.28 ± 0.72 years), under 18 years (U-18, n = 35, 16.23 ± 0.74 years) and older than 18 years (Elite, n = 31, 25.66 ± 5.09 years), participated in this study. The variables under examination were anthropometric characteristics, body composition, physical working capacity test, 3-min step test, Wingate anaerobic test, force–velocity test, sit-and-reach test, handgrip strength test and countermovement vertical jump with arm swing. U-15, U-18 and elite players differed for all aforementioned parameters with the older group scoring better than the younger (η 2 ≥ 0.06, p < 0.048). In Elite group, centers were heavier and taller than guards (22.3 kg and 20.9 cm, respectively) and forwards (14.3 kg and 10.6 cm), and forwards were taller than guards (10.2 cm). Guards’ scores were higher than centers in maximal power (3.61 W kg−1) and in peak power (1.39 W kg−1). Forwards scored higher than centers in mean power (1.25 W kg−1). In the U-18 group, guards were stronger in the relative strength than centers (2.4 kg kg−1). In the U-15 group, centers were taller than guards (17.8 cm) and forwards (9.7 cm), and forwards were also taller than guards (8.1 cm). Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that positional differences, especially in anaerobic power, in male basketball vary by age. Thus, young basketball players should not be regarded as miniature adult basketball players with regard to their physical and physiological characteristics, and their positional specialization.

Reliability of Handgrip Strength Test in Basketball Players

Handgrip strength is important in basketball as various movements rely on the continuous use of wrist and digits flexor muscles when catching, holding, shooting and throwing the ball. Therefore, the assessment of handgrip strength is used in prepubertal, adolescent and adult basketball players. The reliability of handgrip strength may be influenced by several factors including age. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of handgrip strength in basketball players from childhood to adulthood. Male basketball players (n = 90) were assigned into three groups: prepubertal (9.8 ± 0.7yrs), adolescents (14.4 ± 0.6yrs), and adults (26.1 ± 5.6yrs). Each participant performed three maximal isometric contractions on each hand in two occasions, one day apart. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated. The test-retest reliability was high for both preferred (ICC = 0.94 – 0.98) and non-preferred (ICC = 0.96 – 0.98) hands, without differences in reliability among age-groups. The results showed a significant age-related increase (p < 0.05) in absolute and relative handgrip strength irrespective of hand preference. The present results indicate that maximum handgrip strength can be measured reliably, using the Jamar hand dynamometer, in basketball players from childhood to adulthood.

Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Rhythmic, Stationary Basketball Bouncing in Skilled and Unskilled Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of rhythmic, stationary basketball bouncing in skilled and unskilled adult basketball players. Skilled (n=12) and unskilled (n=11) basketball players were asked to bounce a basketball every 700 msec. in as temporally stable and spatially accurate a manner as possible, while keeping their eyes fixed straight ahead. Spatial analyses revealed a lower variability of the ball bouncing point and less deviation from a target point in the performance of skilled players compared to unskilled players. Temporal analyses revealed no significant difference in variability of the interbounce interval in skilled versus unskilled players. However, skilled players had longer and more consistent contact time between hand and ball compared to the unskilled players. These results suggest that longer and more consistent hand contact with the ball play an important role in spatial control of basketball bouncing position.

The Contribution of Stretch-Shortening Cycle and Arm-Swing to Vertical Jumping Performance in Children, Adolescents, and Adult Basketball Players

This study examined from childhood to adulthood: (1) the effects of countermovement (use of stretch-shortening cycle-SSC) and arm-swing (AS) on vertical jumping (VJ) performance and (2) the ability to use the SSC and AS during VJ. Male basketball players (n = 106) were divided according to their age into: children (12.0 +/- 0.23), young adolescents (14.5 +/- 0.41), old adolescents (16.9 +/- 0.27), and adults (21.9 +/- 0.32). Each participant executed three maximal squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps without arms (CMJ) and with arms (CMJA). The contribution of SSC and AS was calculated by the augmentation (difference and percent change) in performance between CMJ and SJ, and CMJA and CMJ, respectively. CMJA performance was significantly (p < .05) higher than CMJ and SJ, and CMJ was higher than SJ within all age-groups. There were no significant differences (p > .05) among children, young and old adolescents, and adults in the percent contribution of SSC and AS to VJ performance. The variability in the contribution of SSC and AS to VJ performance was about twofold higher in children vs. adults. It appears that the ability to use the SSC and AS is not affected by the maturation process in males, trained in basketball.