National Basketball Team Research Articles

Statistical analysis of two international activities of the Albanian women’s national basketball team U18

Statistical analysis of two international activities of the Albanian women’s national basketball team U18

Hand grip strength and anthropometric characteristics in Italian female national basketball teams.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hand and body dimensions on hand grip strength and to define a reference scale for talent identification in basketball players. Body and hand anthropometric data and the maximal handgrip strength of 109 female Italian basketball National players (Under14-Seniores) were measured. Handgrip strength and arm length trend increased, raising the statistical significant differences only for players from the age of 19 (U20, Seniores) with respect to sub-elite groups (U14, U15) (P<0.05). Handgrip strength showed low positive correlations with height and Body Mass Index but a positive relationships with arm length (r=0.5; P<0.001). Findings underline training and years of practice have effects on increasing handgrip strength. Data show that to select female basketball players by arm length means selecting by handgrip strength. Thus it is possible to suggest that in addition to height, arm length could also be considered a useful parameter in young female talent identification.

Time Analysis of Muscle Activation during Basketball Free Throws

Objective of the study: The study assessed and compared the duration of the muscle activation in a basketball free throw, by players representing a preliminary and specialist stage of training. There was also analysed the accuracy of throws according to the stage of training, and whether individual changes in duration of activation have impact on the accuracy of free throws. Material and methods: Players from national basketball teams second and third league of the AZS Academic Sports Club of Opole University performed twenty free throws shooting to the basket during the research study. During tests, players were equipped with EMG apparatus, which registered the time of muscle activation, when subsequent free throws were performed. Arm muscle (biceps and triceps) activation time was measured from the beginning of muscle activation to the time of completion of their work, and from muscle activation to the time of reaching the rim.Results: Players of specialist stage of training, have 0,30 sec shorter average arm muscle time activation, counted from the beginning of activation to obtain the minimum value, from players of the preliminary stage of training. They also gained average 2 points better result in throw accuracy. Variability coefficient of throws duration was higher by 19.56% at players of the specialist stage of training. In the case of unforced extend duration of muscle activation, 80% of specialists and 40% players of preliminary group, don’t score the basket.Conclusions: It was observed that the basketball players of higher training experience, have lower average time of arm muscle activation. It was demonstrated that in players of the specialist stage of training, missed free throws were mostly caused by longer duration from the beginning of muscle activity to the rim, with players of the preliminary stage it was reverse.

Comparative characteristics of Lithuanian deaf basketball national team players’ body and functional capacity and indices of the game in the world championships

Lithuanian deaf basketball players are the numerous winners in the World and European Championships, as well as in Deaflympics. The latter significant victory of Lithuanian deaf basketball players is the winning of the gold medals in 2015 World Championship. Body and functional capacities of these athletes, as well as their body adaptation to training loads and performed sporting activity is under our continuous observation (Milasius et al., 2007; 2014; Satas et al., 2008; 2010; Dadelienė et al., 2011). Victories of the deaf athletes is an indicator for increasing popularity of this sport. Preparedness and game quality of both groups of athletes (the ones with and without deaf disability) can be established basing on scientific criteria. However, the data of body and functional capacities are still missing, as well as game indicators’ change during three successive World Championships in the scientific studies, dealing with deaf basketball players’ preparation and analyzing their game. The aim of this study was to establish and to evaluate body and functional capacities of the World Champions of 2015, Lithuanian deaf basketball national team players, to provide analysis of their game indicators in the World Championship and to compare them with analogous indices of Lithuanian national team players, who participated in 2007 and 2011 World Championships. Organization and methods of the study. 12 Lithuanian deaf basketball team members, having participated in the 4th World Deaf Basketball Championship in 2015, compiled the group of the investigated. The research on their body and functional capacities was carried out before the championship, while their game activity observation was performed during the championship. Single muscle contraction power (SMCP), anaerobic alactic muscle power (AAMP), psychomotoric reaction time (PRT) and agility were measured. During the research, the test of 5x6 s duration repeated anaerobic alactic work test was carried out. According to decrease of power after each load, percent fatigue index used to be established. Systemic analysis method was applied to perform analysis of Lithuanian deaf basketball national team players’ comparative analysis of 14 game actions during each match of the World Championship, using official records of FIBA. Effectiveness of Lithuanian deaf basketball national team players’ individual play actions in World Championships was given evaluation by Furukawa index. Mathematical statistics methods were applied for the research data analysis. As the research results demonstrated, body development and its capacity of Lithuanian deaf basketball players’ team, which participated in 2015 World Deaf Basketball Championship, was favorable for meeting the requirements raised for contemporary basketball players in technical and tactical aspects, and led to winning the World Championship for three times. In 2015, same to the earlier championships, Lithuanian deaf basketball players exposed well developed muscle and appropriate level of body capacity, their aerobic capacity improved a lot, too. This allowed them to demonstrate perfect game and to win gold medals. Comparative analysis of Lithuanian deaf basketball team’s game indices showed that victory in 2015 championship was conditioned by greater number of successful game actions, the main of them being more precision in three-points, greater number of defensive, offensive rebounds, assists and fast breaks during the game, as well as less number of the players’ turnovers and fouls. Keywords: deaf basketball players, World Championship, body and functional capacities, game actions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15823/sm.2015.32

The Economic Impact Of Sports And Sporting Events On The Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Economy

The sports economy in the Charlotte MSA has grown dramatically in the past twenty-five years. In 1980, attendance was less than 500,000 and total revenue was less than $15 million. In 2011, Charlotte hosted a National Basketball team, a National Football team, two major NASCAR Cup events, several college teams, and a number of other important events. This study calculated the economic impact of sports and sports events in the Charlotte MSA in 2011. NAICS data cannot be readily recast to isolate the sports industry, so this study used primary and secondary data. The data were divided into four categories: Professional and College Sports TeamsSpecial Events (PGA, NASCAR, etc.)Major Amateur and Youth Events (including TEAM Charlotte Swimming, BASS/ESPN Outdoors)Sports Video and Media Productions Once data on the direct output from sporting activities are assembled, the IMPLAN 382 by 382 multiplier matrix was used to calculate the indirect effects and the induced effects of the sporting activities and the employment supported by the estimated economic activity. In 2011, sports and sporting events contributed over $1 billion directly to the regional economy and a total of more than $2 billion when indirect and induced effects are considered. The direct effect amounts to 0.7 percent of the MSA GDP and the total effect is 1.7 percent. This economic contribution supports nearly 14,000 jobs directly and more than 23,000 when indirect and induced effects are taken into account. This corresponds to 0.6 percent and 0.8 percent of total employment, respectively.

The effects of a six-week training program on motor and functional skills of female basketball players

The aim of the study was to determine changes in motor and functional skills of women basketball players caused by the influence of six-week training process. Six-week training process (pre-season period of the junior female national basketball team of Serbia for European Championship) lasted 43 days, involved 53 workouts and 8 matches. The subjects sample included 13 basketball players, average age 17.76 (±0.43). The first testing was conducted at the beginning of the training program and the second at the end of the program that lasted six weeks. Special tests have been used to assess the following abilities: speed, strength, agility, flexibility and endurance. The research findings show that between the arithmetic mean of initial and final testing, in almost all the tests (Sit and Reach, 10 m Sprint, 10 m Flying sprint, 20 m Sprint , T-test, Half-squat jump, YO YO intermittent test) there is a statistically significant difference (p<0.01), while in tests-Counter Movement Jump and Vertical Jump there is a positive difference that is not statistically significant.

A 3-Month Jump-Landing Training Program: A Feasibility Study Using the RE-AIM Framework

Evaluating the translatability and feasibility of an intervention program has become as important as determining the effectiveness of the intervention. To evaluate the applicability of a 3-month jump-landing training program in basketball players, using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. Randomized controlled trial. National and regional basketball teams. Twenty-four teams of the second highest national division and regional basketball divisions in Flanders, Belgium, were randomly assigned (1:1) to a control group and intervention group. A total of 243 athletes (control group = 129, intervention group = 114), ages 15 to 41 years, volunteered. All exercises in the intervention program followed a progressive development, emphasizing lower extremity alignment during jump-landing activities. The results of the process evaluation of the intervention program were based on the 5 dimensions of the RE-AIM framework. The injury incidence density, hazard ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were determined. The participation rate of the total sample was 100% (reach). The hazard ratio was different between the intervention group and the control group (0.40 [95% confidence interval = 0.16, 0.99]; effectiveness). Of the 12 teams in the intervention group, 8 teams (66.7%) agreed to participate in the study (adoption). Eight of the participating coaches (66.7%) felt positively about the intervention program and stated that they had implemented the training sessions of the program as intended (implementation). All coaches except 1 (87.5%) intended to continue the intervention program the next season (maintenance). Compliance of the coaches in this coach-supervised jump-landing training program was high. In addition, the program was effective in preventing lower extremity injuries.

Research application and issues on psychological tests of the men’s national wheelchair basketball team

Research application and issues on psychological tests of the men’s national wheelchair basketball team

The development level of the special endurance of elite Serbian female basketball players based on the results of a modified '30-15ift' intermittent test

The article basically aims to present the applicability of the modified '30-15IFT' test on a sample of the senior women's national basketball team of Serbia. The technology we employed enabled us to acquire a number of parameters about the test as such and the study subjects' endurance. In addition to the level of development of specific indicators of the special endurance of female basketball players, we were interested in the differences between individual player types. The results show that after about 13 minutes of running the subjects on average achieved a maximum speed of 15.5 km/h, with a maximum heart rate of 187.4 beats·min-1, a maximum lactate concentration of 7.8 mmol-1, maximum relative oxygen uptake of 52.2 ml·min-1/kg-1, a maximum minute volume of exhaled carbon dioxide of 3473.5 ml·min-1 and a maximum lung ventilation of 117.6 l·min-1. In the last two variables statistically significant differences were found between individual types of players (guards, forwards and centers). The field '30-15IFT' intermittent fitness test proved to be suitable for assessing the current functional abilities of male and female basketball players and for identifying variations in their fitness in different periods of training. However, some issues concerning the applicability of the test for scientific and research purposes still have to be clarified.

Developmental pathways of Singapore's high-performance basketball coaches

The purpose of this study was to examine the developmental pathways of high- performance basketball coaches in Singapore. Such information is useful in providing information about appropriate training and development programmes for high-performance coaches. Nine head coaches and assistant coaches from several senior and youth national basketball teams participated in structured retrospective quantitative interviews. All coaches had at least a Level 2 coaching certificate (technical), with Level 3 being the highest standard attainable in Singapore. They were experienced coaches at the developmental level (i.e., school or club team) prior to their current appointment. Results are partially consistent with previous studies that: (1) most of the coaches were competitive athletes before coaching, and (2) coaches had engaged in coaching for at least 10 years prior to coaching at the elite level. All participant coaches played a variety of sports in the early stages of sport participation. They also trained and prepared for structured competition from their early primary school days. Participant coaches also acknowledged the importance of informal and non-formal learning opportunities in enhancing their coaching knowledge and skills. Unique to the Singaporean context were the absence of mentoring, the structure of the sporting system, and the support for coach development through the national sporting organisation. The results are discussed in relation to coach education and coach development.

Study on Competition Motivation to the Intention of Adventurous Players

Research on behavioral intention model theory, with the national equestrian team, national basketball team and the 2010 National University Games 120 athletes (including 60 male athletes, the athletes belong to the collective project of 60) as the experimental objects, Started by the method of implicit cues and reward leads the race on the movement of risk behaviors reported.

The Preferred Leadership Personality Type Among the Training Staffs of National Basketball Teams During the West Asian Competition Based on the Training Certificate

The Preferred Leadership Personality Type Among the Training Staffs of National Basketball Teams During the West Asian Competition Based on the Training Certificate

Positional Role and Competitive-Level Differences in Elite-Level Men's Basketball Players

The purpose of the present study was to compare the physical attributes of elite men's basketball players according to age and specific individual positional roles. Forty-five players from 3 national basketball teams (Under-18 years, Under-20 years, and Senior) were measured for anthropometry (height, body mass, percentage body fat), explosive power (5 jumps and vertical jump), speed (5-m, 10-m, and 30-m sprint), agility (T-test), strength (bench press and squat 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), and intermittent high-intensity endurance performance (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test [Yo-Yo IR1]). Data on match frequency, training routines, and playing experience were also collected. Under-18 players were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter and lighter than both Senior and Under-20 players but showed higher (p < 0.05) percentage body fat. Under-20 and Senior players were faster and had better explosive-power and agility (p < 0.05) performances than Under-18 players. Bench press and squat 1RMs were higher in Senior players (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. There were significant difference in the Yo-Yo IR1 performance among groups (Senior > Under-20 > Under-18, p < 0.05). Centers and power forwards were the tallest and the heaviest (p < 0.05). The Yo-Yo IR1 performance was higher (p < 0.01) in point guards than in centers. Point guards showed also better agility and 5- and 10-m performances. Power forwards and centers were stronger than the rest of players' positions in the bench press 1RM (p < 0.01). These results showed the existence of age and positional role differences in fitness performance in men's basketball. Differences were particularly evident in intermittent high-intensity endurance and agility performance. Sprint training possibly should be individualized when dealing with positional roles in elite men's basketball. Strength and conditioning coaches should use Yo-Yo IR1 to assess specific endurance in players of different age and positional role.

In Research of Women's National Basketball Team Players' Perception of Retirement

In Research of Women's National Basketball Team Players' Perception of Retirement

The impact of a 17‐day training period for an international championship on mucosal immune parameters in top‐level basketball players and staff members

This investigation examined the impact of a 17-d training period (that included basketball-specific training, sprints, intermittent running exercises, and weight training, prior to an international championship competition) on salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in 10 subjects (athletes and staff members) from a national basketball team, as a biomarker for mucosal immune defence. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at rest at the beginning of the preparation for the Pan American Games and 1 d before the first game. The recovery interval from the last bout of exercise was 4 h. The SIgA level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and expressed as absolute concentrations, secretion rate, and SIgA level relative to total protein. The decrease in SIgA levels following training was greater in athletes than in support staff; however, no significant differences between the two groups were detected. A decrease in SIgA level, regardless of the method used to express IgA results, was verified for athletes. Only one episode of upper respiratory tract illness symptoms was reported, and it was not associated with changes in SIgA levels. In summary, a situation of combined stress for an important championship was found to decrease the level of SIgA-mediated immune protection at the mucosal surface in team members, with greater changes observed in the athletes.

Junior and Senior Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Comparative Study for Strength and Anaerobic Power

Wheelchair basketball characterized as to whirling to wheels, rebound, pass to shoot over the head and intensive activities. Therefore shoulder rotational muscle strength and anaerobic power components have critical functional role for propulsion. PURPOSE: To compare anaerobic power, isokinetic peak shoulder rotator torques and body composition of above (group I-junior) and below (group II-senior) 22 years old national basketball team players. METHODS: Twenty-eight athletes were participated. To indicate the body composition Futrex - 5000/XL (Futrex Inc 1996) was used. Age, height, body weight, body mass index, lean body mass means were 26.1±2.7 years, 173.4±12.5 cm, 68.5±12.6 kg, 22.38±2.69 kg/m2, 58.49±10.00 kg for group I (n=14) and 19.4±1.9 years, 173.2±11.7 cm, 58.4±6.9 kg, 19.70±2.82 kg/m2, 53.14±7.70 kg for group II (n=14), respectively. To assess the anaerobic power the Wingate Anaerobic test (30 sec) (WANT) protocol was used. Isokinetic muscle strength at the speeds of 60°/ sec and 180°/sec shoulder elevation in scapular plane were performed to the athletes (Cybex Norm, Lumex Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY.) and peak torque (Nm), total work (J), acceleration time (sec) were evaluated. RESULTS: Wingate anaerobic test (30 sec) peak power values were (14.66±1.44, 14.76± 1.83 w/kg), mean power values were (8.63±1.23, 8.98±0.83 w/kg) respectively for Group 1 and 2. There were no statistically significant differences in peak power, mean power between groups (p>0.05). There were statistically significance between groups for left shoulder external rotator peak torque values were 60°/sec: Group I, 27.71±5.45, group II, 23.14±4.46; 180°/sec, group I, 21.35±5.81, group II, 16.35±4.03; acceleration time 60°/sec: Group I 38.14±15.91, group II, 58.64±28.32;180°/ sec: Group I, 119.28±23.77, group II 193.14±85.66; right shoulder internal rotator acceleration time; group I, 26.64±9.55, group II 46.85±23.64, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Since both teams are in national level, and have the similar training program, no differences were found in Wingate anaerobic test between two groups. Isokinetic results indicate that senior team acceleration time better than junior team. It may be concluded that sport skill experience may have an important influence on test results.

Psychometric properties of a Swedish translation of the VISA-P outcome score for patellar tendinopathy

BackgroundSelf-administrated patient outcome scores are increasingly recommended for evaluation of primary outcome in clinical studies. The VISA-P score, developed at the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment in Melbourne, Australia, is a questionnaire developed for patients with patellar tendinopathy and the patients assess severity of symptoms, function and ability to participate in sport. The aim of this study was to translate the questionnaire into Swedish and to study the reliability and validity of the translated questionnaire and resultant scores.MethodsThe questionnaire was translated into Swedish according to internationally recommended guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures. The reliability and validity were tested in three different populations. The populations used were healthy students (n = 17), members of the Swedish male national basketball team (n = 17), considered as a population at risk, and a group of non-surgically treated patients (n = 17) with clinically diagnosed patellar tendinopathy. The questionnaire was completed by 51 subjects altogether.ResultsThe translated VISA-P questionnaire showed very good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97).The mean (± SD) of the VISA-P score, at both the first and second test occasions was highest in the healthy student group 83 (± 13) and 81 (± 15), respectively. The score of the basketball players was 79 (± 24) and 80 (± 23), while the patient group scored significantly (p < 0.05) lower, 48 (± 20) and 52 (± 19).ConclusionsThe translated version of the VISA-P questionnaire was linguistically and culturally equivalent to the original version. The translated score showed good reliability.

Prevalence of Iron Depletion and Anemia in Top-level Basketball Players

Iron depletion, with or without anemia, may have a negative effect on physical and mental performance. Even with current recognition of the problem, its incidence among athletes remains high. Most studies describe iron status in endurance athletes. This study examined the prevalence of iron depletion and anemia among male and female top-level basketball players. Adolescents and adults (N = 103) from 8 national basketball teams were screened for anemia and iron stores status, which included a complete blood count and levels of plasma ferritin, transferrin, and serum iron. Iron depletion, defined by a ferritin level below 20 microg/L, was found among 22% of study participants (15% in males vs. 35% in females, p = .019). Anemia was found among 25% of athletes (18% in males vs. 38% in females, p = .028). Iron deficiency anemia, defined by the presence of anemia, ferritin levels below 12 microg/L, and transferrin saturation below 16%, was found among 7% of players (3% in males vs. 14% in females, p = .043). In summary, a high prevalence of iron depletion, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia was found among basketball players of both genders. We recommend screening ballgame players for blood count and iron store status, and providing nutritional counseling and iron supplementation when necessary.

Assessment of abilities in basketball: a preliminary study.

Understanding the responding at two competitive levels of sports is prerequisite for successful identification and selection of the best athletes. The present study is a preliminary report about scores on 17 cognitive, perceptual, motor, and psychological measures of 13 elite Greek basketball athletes (national team), 20 to 22 years of age, and 15 children on a national basketball team and 14 to 15 years of age. Longitudinal studies must be conducted for the identification of the relationships among these measures and basketball performance and the development of a model for selection of athletes.