Basketball Season Research Articles

School ties and evaluation outcomes: Evidence from the Korean Basketball League

AbstractThis paper investigates whether evaluation outcomes are influenced by private information and subjective biases when appraisers and appraisees are socially connected. In the Korean Basketball League, school ties between referees and players are commonplace because a large proportion of referees were previously basketball players. Using data from six basketball seasons, we analyze the degree to which referees' decisions are affected when players and referees attended the same school. Our results suggest that players who play under referees with school ties are called for fewer fouls. We also find that the results are driven mainly by high school ties.

Examining the relationship between the decision-making styles of basketball referees and their mental well-being

In this study, the influence of mental well-being on the decision-making styles of basketball referees was examined. This descriptive study was conducted using a screening model. Active field referees within the Turkish Basketball Federation for the 2023-2024 season were included in the study. Due to the ongoing basketball season, the sample was formed using a convenience sampling method. Of the referees participating in the study, 86.4% (n: 342) were male and 13.6% (n: 54) were female. Among these referees, 7.6% were Class A, 14.6% were Class B, 46.7% were Class C, and 31.1% were local referees. The average age of the participating referees was 27.85, with an average refereeing experience of 7.77 years. For data collection, a personal information form, the "Melbourne Decision Making Scale" adapted to Turkish by Deniz (2004), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) developed by Keldal (2015), were utilized. Data analysis involved using t-tests for pairwise comparisons, Pearson's correlation coefficient for determining relationships between variables, and multiple linear regression. The study found no significant difference between referees' genders regarding decision-making styles and mental well-being. A positive and significant relationship was found between referees' age and experience with self-respect in decision-making and mental well-being. A negative relationship was observed between the referees' age and experience with buck-pasing, procrastination, and hypervigilance. There was a positive and significant relationship between basketball referees' levels of mental well-being, self-respect, and vigilant. A negative and significant relationship was found between mental well-being and avoidant, procrastinating, and panic decision-making styles. This suggests a strong relationship between mental well-being and decision-making styles. Key Words: Referee, Basketball, Decision Making, Mental Well-being

Monitoring training load and perceived recovery indicators during the preseason and in-season phases in professional female basketball players.

During the basketball season, it is essential to carefully plan training and recovery activities to optimize players' performance. This study monitored training load and perceived recovery indicators in professional female basketball players across the preseason and in-season phases. Seventeen professional female basketball players (age: 19.6±3.1 years; height: 180.2±5.9 cm; playing position: 8 backcourt, 9 frontcourt) were monitored for eleven consecutive weeks. Each morning, players reported their perceived recovery using a 10-point Total Quality of Recovery (TQR) Scale. After each training session or game, players reported their perceived exertion using the CR-10 Scale, which was multiplied by the duration of the training or game to obtain the session load. Weekly load, monotony, strain, TQR<inf>AM</inf> (morning recovery) and TQR<inf>fw</inf> (recovery at the start of the following week) were calculated. Linear mixed models were performed to assess the effects of season phase (preseason; in-season), playing position (backcourt; frontcourt) and group (senior; under) on load and recovery variables. Weekly load, monotony and strain were higher in the preseason than the in-season phase (all P<0.001, ES: moderate-large). Strain was higher in senior players compared to under (P=0.045, ES: small). Regarding recovery variables, no effects were found for TQR<inf>AM</inf>, while TQR<inf>fw</inf> was higher in the preseason than in-season (P<0.001, ES: moderate) phase. Professional female basketball players experience lower internal loads but poorer perceived recovery during the in-season phase. Practitioners should carefully consider the stress of competition and the cumulative fatigue from high preseason loads during the transition from the preseason to the regular season.

The influence of physical fitness qualities, individual characteristics and contextual factors on youth basketball players' perceived exertion and recovery responses to official games.

This study examined the influence of physical fitness qualities, individual characteristics, and contextual factors on perceived exertion and recovery responses to official games in youth basketball players. Twenty-six males (age: 15.8±1.2 years; 12 guards, 9 forwards, and 5 centers) and 7 females (age: 16.1±0.9 years; 3 guards, 4 forwards) were monitored for an entire basketball season (N.=635 observations). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery (level 1) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered, with players categorized as high and low Yo-Yo and CMJ groups according to test results. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected after each official game. Before the game and the day after, the Total Quality of Recovery (scores) were collected, and the difference between post- and pregame TQR was calculated (TQRΔ). Separate linear mixed models evaluated the effects of sex (M; F), fitness qualities (high Yo-Yo; low Yo-Yo) (high CMJ; low CMJ), playing position (guard; forward; center), game outcome (won; loss) and game location (home; away). Male players reported higher RPE (7.0±0.3) than females (5.5±0.4) (P=0.003, effect size [ES]: moderate). Players with high Yo-Yo performance also reported higher RPE (6.7±0.4) than low Yo-Yo (5.8±0.3) (P=0.049, ES: small). TQRΔ was higher in guards (-1.3±0.2) than forwards (-0.8±0.2) (P=0.041, ES: trivial), and lower after lost games (-0.8±0.2) compared to won games (-1.2±0.2) (P=0.002, ES: small). In youth basketball, postgame perceived exertion and recovery responses are influenced by players' sex, intermittent endurance capacity, and game outcome. Current findings can help youth basketball practitioners to better understand their players' performances and perceptual responses.

Injury risk factors related to sport specialization in high school basketball: a prospective study.

Research that has examined the association between specialization and injury in basketball has been limited to cross-sectional or retrospective studies. To determine whether specialization is a risk factor for injury among high school basketball athletes. Prospective cohort study. Basketball players from 12 high schools participating in the National Athletic Treatment, Injury, and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program (NATION-SP) were recruited prior to the 2022-2023 interscholastic basketball season. 130 athletes (mean age (SD) = 15.6 (1.3); girls' basketball: n=68 (52.3%)). Participants completed a questionnaire prior to the start of their school basketball season that had questions regarding participation in various specialized sport behaviors. During the basketball season, the school's athletic trainer reported all athletic exposures (AEs) and injuries (regardless of time loss) for participating athletes into NATION-SP. Injury incidence (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] were calculated for the specialized sport behaviors previously described. There was no difference in injury risk between highly specialized and low specialized athletes (IRR [95%CI]: 1.9 [0.9, 3.7]). Players who participated in basketball year-round were twice as likely to sustain an injury compared to those who did not play year-round (IRR [95%CI]: 2.1 [1.1, 3.6]). Similarly, players who reported participating in basketball skills camps were at increased risk of injury compared to athletes who did not participate in basketball skill camps (IRR [95%CI]: 2.5 [1.2, 5.7]). Injury risk related to sport specialization in basketball may be specific to certain behaviors such as year-round play and participation in skills camps. Validated measures of comprehensive sport activity are needed to better measure specialization in youth sports to better determine injury risk related to sport specialization and develop injury prevention programs for basketball athletes.

HBCU GO highlights Black female student‐athletes

As college basketball season reached its apex, the women's game was getting more attention than ever. The teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities were leaving it all on the floor in hopes of earning spots in Divisions I and II NCAA tournaments.

Longitudinal Monitoring of Biomechanical and Psychological State in Collegiate Female Basketball Athletes Using Principal Component Analysis.

The growth in participation in collegiate athletics has been accompanied by increased sport-related injuries. The complex and multifactorial nature of sports injuries highlights the importance of monitoring athletes prospectively using a novel and integrated biopsychosocial approach, as opposed to contemporary practices that silo these facets of health. Data collected over two competitive basketball seasons were used in a principal component analysis (PCA) model with the following objectives: (i) investigate whether biomechanical PCs (i.e., on-court and countermovement jump (CMJ) metrics) were correlated with psychological state across a season and (ii) explore whether subject-specific significant fluctuations could be detected using minimum detectable change statistics. Weekly CMJ (force plates) and on-court data (inertial measurement units), as well as psychological state (questionnaire) data, were collected on the female collegiate basketball team for two seasons. While some relationships (n = 2) were identified between biomechanical PCs and psychological state metrics, the magnitude of these associations was weak (r = |0.18-0.19|, p < 0.05), and no other overarching associations were identified at the group level. However, post-hoc case study analysis showed subject-specific relationships that highlight the potential utility of red-flagging meaningful fluctuations from normative biomechanical and psychological patterns. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of advanced analytical modeling to characterize components of and detect statistically and clinically relevant fluctuations in student-athlete performance, health, and well-being and the need for more tailored and athlete-centered monitoring practices.

Dose-Response Relationship for External Workload and Neuromsuclar Performance Over a Female, Collegiate, Basketball Season.

Philipp, NM, Cabarkapa, D, Blackburn, SD, and Fry, AC. Dose-response relationship for external workload and neuromsuclar performance over a female, collegiate, basketball season. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): e253-e263, 2024-The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between external workload exposure and changes in countermovement jump force-time characteristics over the course of an entire basketball season, in a sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, female, basketball players. Data for 12 players were retrospectively analyzed, with external workload being quantified by means of an exponentially weighted, acute, and chronic workload, as well as an acute:chronic workload ratio derived from an inertial measurement unit-based system worn by athletes for all practices and games during the regular season. Countermovement jumps were performed on a total of 26 test days over the span of the in-season competitive period. To statistically analyze these relationships, and to account for multiple observations of the same athletes in a data set, linear mixed-effects models with athlete identity (ID) intercept as the random effect were used. Study findings suggested that associations between external workload exposure and respective force-time characteristics after controlling for the random effect of athlete ID were dependent on the specific metric or metric subgroup used, as well as the type of workload exposure (e.g., acute vs. chronic). Force-time signatures from the braking phase (e.g., average braking force) seemed to be particularly associated with higher degrees of acute workload exposure, whereas strategy-based metrics such as countermovement depth showed significant associations with chronic workload exposure. Furthermore, model results suggested the importance of analyzing neuromuscular responses to external workload on an individual basis, rather than across an entire team. Findings might help practitioners in their selection process related to metrics of interest in monitoring neuromuscular fatigue and readiness.

The Relationship Between Mental Fatigue and Shooting Performance Over the Course of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Basketball Season.

Daub, BD, McLean, BD, Heishman, AD, Peak, KM, and Coutts, AJ. The relationship between mental fatigue and shooting performance over the course of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball season. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 334-341, 2024-The aim of this investigation was to examine the presence of mental fatigue and concurrent changes in shooting performance across various experimental weeks throughout a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball season. Fifteen elite male NCAA Division I collegiate basketball players (age 20.2 ± 1.2 years, height 199.3 ± 7.1 cm, and body mass 93.1 ± 8.6 kg) volunteered for this study. Mental fatigue and basketball shooting performance was evaluated at 4 timepoints with varying seasonal demands: high game volume (GAME), high academic load (ACADEMIC), no games and no academic load (PRACTICE), and standard number of games and academic requirements (TYPICAL). Subjective mental fatigue increased significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) from Pre to Post brief psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-B) measurements at the end of the ACADEMIC week ( p = 0.002, d = 1.51) and from beginning to end of the ACADEMIC week ( p < 0.001, d = 2.21). Ratings of mental effort were significantly increased during the ACADEMIC week ( p < 0.001, d = 1.67). Recovery stress questionnaire (REST-Q) showed significant differences between week GAME and ACADEMIC with an increase in Social Stress ( p = 0.001, d = 0.84), Fatigue ( p = 0.021, d = 1.12), Disturbed Breaks ( p = 0.024, d = 0.57), and Emotional Exhaustion ( p = 0.035, d = 0.75). Lower shooting performance was observed during the ACADEMIC week from Pre to Post ( p = 0.009, d = 0.35) and higher scores Pre to Post in the TYPICAL week ( p = 0.008, d = 0.25). Basketball shooting performance was significantly reduced after increased levels of mental fatigue stemming from added academic stress. In addition, an increase in sport-specific training or games had no effect on subsequent basketball shooting performance. Special consideration should be given by coaches around examination periods because the existence of academic stressors can influence basketball shooting performance.

External Load Fluctuations Across an Amateur Athletic Union Basketball Season.

Kutson, CW, Russell, JL, Strack, D, Coutts, AJ, and McLean, BD. External load fluctuations across an Amateur Athletic Union basketball season. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 592-598, 2024-Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competitions are an important component of the developmental pathway for youth basketball athletes. Despite its relative importance, there is currently a paucity of research investigating the physical demands in AAU basketball. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the physical demands encountered over the course of an AAU basketball season. External training load was quantified using inertial sensors (Catapult T6) from one male AAU basketball team (age: 17.5 ± 0.5 years, height: 197.3 ± 10.0 cm, and mass: 89.4 ± 11.6 kg) over the course of the 2021 AAU season and categorized post hoc into high-, medium-, and low-minute groups based on mean playing minutes. After player categorization, 2 linear mixed models were constructed, one for PlayerLoad (PL) and one for duration, to examine the differences across player category, month of the season, and activity types (practices or games). The results show that the highest training loads were encountered by high-minute players, who had total PLs of 9,766 ± 1,516 AU, 13,207 ± 2,561 AU, and 7,071 ± 2,122 AU during April, May, and June, respectively. Highly variable training loads were also evident over the course of a season, with peak PL values as high as 4,921 AU per week. Practitioners should be aware that AAU basketball players experience variable loads throughout the season, which peak around congested competition/tournament periods. In addition, players with high game minutes accumulate the most load over the course of a season. This information may be used to better inform planning and periodizing strategies during developmental phases.

Vertical Jump Neuromuscular Performance Characteristics Determining On-Court Contribution in Male and Female NCAA Division 1 Basketball Players.

While various quantifiable physical attributes have been found to contribute to athletes' performance, there is a lack of scientific literature focused on examining how they relate to success during competition performance. The aim of this study was to investigate different countermovement jump (CMJ)-derived force-time characteristics and their utility in distinguishing high from low performers within a measure of on-court contribution (i.e., minutes per game played). Twenty-nine collegiate athletes (n = 15 males and n = 14 females) volunteered to participate in this investigation and performed CMJs on dual force plates sampling at 1000 Hz, weekly over the course of their basketball season. The athletes' average of their three best test-days across the season was used for further analysis. To identify their on-court contribution, athletes were divided into groups with high and low minutes per game, based on a median-split analysis. The findings suggest that at the overall group level (i.e., both genders), the modified reactive strength index (mRSI) and braking rate of force development (RFD) revealed the greatest between-group magnitudes of difference, with athletes playing more minutes per game showing greater performance. At the team-specific level, the braking RFD, average braking velocity, and mRSI were shown to be the greatest differentiators between groups for the men's team. The women's high-minutes group displayed greater magnitudes of mRSI and jump height. By identifying the neuromuscular qualities seen in top performers within their respective populations, the attributed physical performance underpinning these qualities may be identified, providing practitioners with insights into physical performance qualities and training methodologies that have the potential to influence basketball performance.

Changes in Energy Expenditure, Dietary Intake, and Energy Availability Across an Entire Collegiate Women's Basketball Season: Erratum.

Changes in Energy Expenditure, Dietary Intake, and Energy Availability Across an Entire Collegiate Women's Basketball Season: Erratum.

Kyrie Irving, vaccine hesitancy, and the politics of rugged individualism

ABSTRACT NBA superstar Kyrie Irving has a well-earned reputation for both his elite talent and his unpredictable public commentary. Such expressions have included references to the Earth being flat, advocacy for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and reluctance to proceed with the 2020 basketball season in the midst of a pandemic and resurgent Black Lives Matter movement. He has become most notorious, however, for his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19, a position that earned him both praise and scorn. We argue in this article that Irving’s stance prioritizes a form of rugged individualism characterized by neoliberal politics and professional sport. His retreat into rugged individualism contributed to delegitimizing public health policies and prompted vocal defenses of his actions from political conservatives who had condemned his earlier forms of activism. The controversy over Irving’s vaccine hesitancy spotlights the rhetorical effect of his ambiguous voice and its implications for democratic contestation. More specifically, it speaks to the challenges of prioritizing the public good under the conditions of neoliberal political culture.

Dynamic Strength Index in Basketball Players: Age and Position Differences, Seasonal Variation and Association with Sprinting and Change of Direction Performance

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the differences in bilateral and unilateral dynamic strength index (DSI) between age categories (seniors and juniors), player positions (guards and forwards), its variation during the basketball season, and its association with sprint and change of direction (CoD) performance. Highly trained basketball players (n = 32) performed bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), bilateral and unilateral isometric squats, 10-m sprint, and 505 CoD test. DSI was calculated from CMJ and isometric peak force, while 10-m sprint and 505 test were used to calculate the CoD deficit. Two-way factorial analysis showed larger isometric peak force in seniors, and larger bilateral DSI in juniors, while guards had higher DSI values and larger peak force in both metrics compared to forwards. Two-way mixed model ANOVA showed a significant increase in unilateral isometric squat and CMJ peak force force (g = –0.08 to –0.64) and increase in bilateral DSI values. Post-hoc analysis showed that isometric squat force significantly increased only in seniors (g = 0.88), resulting in decreased bilateral DSI values (g = 0.52), with bilateral and unilateral DSI values increasing in juniors. Similar trends were observed in guards and forwards, with guards exhibiting a more pronounced increase in all variables compared to forwards. Furthermore, correlation analysis for in-season testing showed moderate associations between isometric squat peak force and CoD ability (r = –0.43 to –0.54; P &lt; 0.001), and weak associations between DSI and CoD ability (r = 0.36 to 0.39; P &lt; 0.05), while associations were not significant for sprint performance. The relationships were lower or absent during pre-season testing. Further interventional studies are needed to determine the usefulness of DSI to guide training related decision-making.

Analysis of In-Season External Load and Sport Performance in Women's Collegiate Basketball.

Brown, FSA, Fields, JB, Jagim, AR, Baker, RE, and Jones, MT. Analysis of in-season external load and sport performance in women's collegiate basketball. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 318-324, 2024-Quantifying and monitoring athlete workload throughout a competitive season is a means to manage player readiness. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to quantify practice and game external loads and to assess the relationship between such loads and basketball-specific performance metrics across a women's collegiate basketball season. Thirteen National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women basketball athletes (age 20.08 ± 1.55 years) wore Global Positioning Systems sensors equipped with triaxial accelerometers for 29 games and 66 practices during the 2019-20 season. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to assess differences in external load between high- and low-minute players and across quarters within games ( p < 0.05). Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficients were run to determine relationships between external loads and metrics of basketball performance. Findings indicated that high- and low-minute athletes experienced different loads during games and practices ( p < 0.001). External loads differed by quarter, such that player load (PL) was highest in Q4 ( p = 0.007), PL·min -1 was highest in Q1 and lowest in Q4 ( p < 0.001), and explosive ratio (i.e., ratio of PL and explosive efforts) was lowest in Q3 ( p = 0.45). Relationships existed between PL·min -1 and field goals ( r = 0.41; p = 0.02) and between the explosive ratio and free throws ( r = 0.377 p = 0.04). These results can be used to inform design of training sessions with the intent to prepare athletes for the demands of the competitive season. It is recommended that future research continue to explore the relationship of sport-specific performance metrics and athlete external load.

The Effects of Workload Difference Between Limbs in Plyometric and Strength Exercises in Reducing Asymmetry in Change of Direction Ability During Basketball Season.

Ujaković, F, and Šarabon, N. The effects of workload difference between limbs in plyometric and strength exercises in reducing asymmetry in change of direction ability during basketball season. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2282-2288, 2023-The topic of interlimb asymmetries has recently been extensively investigated; despite that, intervention for purpose of reducing them have been narrowly examined. The present study investigated the effects of maximal strength and plyometric resistance training program with 3:1 workload ratio (nondominant to dominant side) on change of direction deficit (CoDdef) asymmetry during the basketball season. Thirty-six highly trained male basketball players (19.3 ± 4.9 years) from different age categories (U-17, U-19, and senior) were divided into 2 groups: the control group ( n = 18) and the intervention group ( n = 18). The intervention group performed once-a-week training that consisted of strength (Bulgarian split squats) and jumping (single-leg countermovement jumps [SLCMJs]) part in which nondominant-to-dominant workload ratio was 3:1 during the 8-week period. Preintervention and postintervention testing included single-leg isometric squat, SLCMJ, 10-m sprint, and 505 test. Analysis of covariance results showed a statistically significant difference with large effect size ( p < 0.05; η2 = 0.26) when preintervention asymmetry was included as covariate. Post hoc analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in mean CoDdef asymmetry between preintervention (11.88%) and postintervention (4.47%) testing ( p < 0.01, effect size [ES] = -1.37). Isometric squat strength increased on nondominant side in the intervention group ( p < 0.05; ES = 0.77). No other performance or asymmetry variable showed significant change. In conclusion, a 3:1 workload of nonspecific movement task in favor of nondominant limb is an effective training strategy to reduce CoDdef asymmetry during basketball season.

The last quarter for sustainable environment in basketball: the carbon footprint of basketball teams in Türkiye and Lithuania

Today, the sports industry is one of the most important sources of concern due to its negative environmental effects. Especially due to the intense competition schedule, teams and fans have to travel constantly. In this context, the aim of this study, which aims to fill the gap in the literature, is to calculate the carbon footprints of the teams in the Turkish and Lithuanian national basketball leagues based on their travels in the 2021–22 season. The research was limited to Turkey and Basketball national basketball league teams. In the study, the travel distances of the teams in both countries during the 2021–22 basketball season were used as a data set. In the study, the values used in the carbon footprint calculation of 2022 by the United Kingdom Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting and accepted as the IPCC carbon dioxide emission factor were used. While the carbon footprint, which is obtained by multiplying the emission factor directly by the distance covered by the vehicle type, is presented in tons; The average value calculated for each person was calculated in kg. In the sports sector, basketball is one of the most important sources of transportation-related carbon footprint due to its being one of the team sports and its intense competition schedule. According to the results of this research conducted specifically for Turkey and Lithuania, the total carbon footprint calculated for both countries is 53,029 tons. To make an assessment for both countries, in order to reduce travel based on sports; Arranging league calendars to include less travel, dissemination of green and clean energy-using (electric) vehicles, raising the awareness of club managers, developing environmental assessment policies specific to basketball federations, and increasing cooperation through awareness and training activities seem feasible for sustainable environment and basketball goals.

Epidemiology of injuries and illnesses in elite wheelchair basketball players over a whole season – a prospective cohort study

BackgroundWheelchair basketball is an adaptation of pedestrian basketball and one of the most popular Paralympic sports worldwide. The epidemiology of health problems in wheelchair basketball has been prospectively studied only during the Paralympic Games, the 2018 World Championships, the 2021 South America Wheelchair Basketball Championship, and one season of two American intercollegiate wheelchair basketball teams. The objective of the study was to prospectively monitor and analyze the prevalence, incidence, burden, and characteristics of injuries and illnesses in a wheelchair basketball league during an entire season for the first time.MethodsAll players of the highest German wheelchair basketball league (Bundesliga) were invited to participate in the study. Included players completed the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire once a week during the entire season 2020/21 to report health problems. Exposure was captured by self-reported training time and officially-recorded competition time.ResultsSixty of 117 players (51%, 47 male, 13 female) of the national league participated with an average response of 93%. Seventy health problems (5.5/1000 exposure hours [95% CI: 4.9–6.1]) were reported, including 54 injuries and 16 illnesses. Prevalence of health problems was 60% (95% CI: 48–72). Most injuries affected the shoulder (32% of all injuries), cervical spine/neck (17%), and hand (13%). More overuse injuries (2.9/1000 exposure hours [95% CI: 2.5–3.3]) than acute injuries (1.3/1000 exposure hours [95% CI: 1.0-1.6]) occurred. Of all health problems, 53% were associated with time-loss. The incidences of all health problems, illnesses, injuries, and overuse injuries were higher in women than in men.ConclusionsCharacteristics and frequency of injuries and illnesses during wheelchair basketball season differed from those during major wheelchair basketball tournaments. The high proportion of overuse injuries and the higher injury rates in women should be regarded in the development of individualized prevention measures. Since results from previous studies during major tournaments are only partially comparable to wheelchair basketball league play, further studies should follow.

Poster 368: Effects of Early Sports Specialization on NCAA Basketball Players: Injury, Career Outcomes, and Gender Differences

Objectives: There has been a trend towards single-sport specialization at increasingly younger ages amongst youth athletes. Early specialization has been associated with increased injury rates and reduced career longevity in professional basketball players. However, the effects of early specialization on injury and longevity in college basketball have not been studied. Further, the effects on other important career markers such as recruitment and scholarship attainment are not well understood. The purpose of this study is to determine whether associations exist between early specialization and injury risk, recruitment, scholarship attainment, and career longevity in college basketball athletes. Methods: This study represents a sub-analysis of basketball players from a larger study which surveyed former student athletes from multiple National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) institutions. Former student-athletes from three large Division I institutions as well as other collaborating Division I- III institutions who graduated between 1960 and 2018 were eligible for inclusion in the study. Current basketball athletes were also eligible for participation if they had participated in at least one season of basketball. Athletes were surveyed regarding demographics, age of specialization, time-loss injury history, scholarship attainment, recruitment status, and longevity of college basketball career. Early specialization was defined as narrowing participation to a single sport (basketball) before age 15. For injury history, athletes were specifically queried for sports-related injuries that resulted in greater than 30 days out of sport or were season-ending. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were performed to identify significant differences. Results: One hundred and eight basketball players completed the survey, including 6 current athletes and 102 former athletes. There were 54 males and 54 females. Fourteen athletes were classified as early specializers (before age 15) and 94 athletes were classified as late specializers (age 15 and older). There were no significant differences between early and late specializers in terms of rate of time-loss injury (14.3% vs. 31.5%; p = 0.23), rate of surgery for a sports injury (14.3% vs. 18.5%; p = 1.0), or mean college basketball career length (3.21 years vs. 3.09 years; p = 0.4) (Table 1). There was also no significant difference in scholarship attainment (69.2% vs. 66.3%; p = 1.0) or recruitment status (71.4% vs. 71.2%; p = 0.76) (Table 1). Between females and males, there was no significant difference in rate of early specialization (9.3% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.38). There were no significant differences in rates of injury (30.2% vs. 30.2%; p = 1.0), surgery (23.0% vs 13.0%; p = 0.17), scholarship attainment (72.2% vs. 62.8%; p=0.3), or recruitment (72.2% vs. 79.3%; p=0.4) (Table 2). Females on average had a longer collegiate career length than males (3.95 years vs. 2.89 years; p=0.03) (Table 2). Conclusions: Early specializing college basketball players did not experience increased rates of injury, surgery, or decreased collegiate basketball career longevity. Early specializers were also not more likely to be recruited or to receive a scholarship. These findings suggest that early specialization may not be a risk factor for injury, need for surgery, or attrition in the collegiate basketball population. These findings also suggest that early specialization may not be necessary for recruitment or scholarship attainment in college basketball. Further prospective study evaluating all injury types, including overuse injuries, is warranted to better understand the effects of early sport specialization in this population. [Table: see text][Table: see text]

The Effect of a Coaching Clinic on Student-Coaches’ Behavior During a Basketball Sport Education Season With Preservice Teachers

Purpose: To investigate (a) if a coaching clinic (CC) impacted student-coaches’ behavior and academic learning time during a basketball Sport Education season and (b) if 3v3 game performance improved as a function of the coaching clinic. Method: Preservice teachers (n = 85) were randomly assigned to a CC or a comparison group and taught a 16-lesson Sport Education-based basketball season. The CC group received a coaching clinic in which student-coaches were introduced to core instructional skills, including task organization, task presentation, and delivering congruent feedback. Results: For both groups, coaching time significantly increased from 11.5% to 34.1%, p = .02, as well as cognitive learner involvement, p &lt; .01. CC coaches provided significantly more demonstrations, p &lt; .02. Players in the CC group had significantly greater improvement in 3v3 game play, p = .01. Conclusion: The clinic positively impacted student-coaches’ demonstrations, which likely contributed to improved 3v3 performance.