Basketball Performance Research Articles

Gender-Specific Association of the Sprint Mechanical Properties With Change of Direction Performance in Basketball

Baena-Raya, A, Jiménez-Reyes, P, Romea, ES, Soriano-Maldonado, A, and Rodríguez-Pérez, MA. Gender-specific association of the sprint mechanical properties with change of direction performance in basketball. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2868-2874, 2022-We evaluated the gender-specific associations between the mechanical variables derived from the horizontal force-velocity (FV) profile (i.e., theoretical maximal force [ F0 ], velocity [ V0 ], maximal power output [ Pmax ], peak ratio of the effective horizontal component [ RFpeak ], and the force application technique index [ DRF ]) and the change of direction (COD) performance for basketball players. Seventy-one players (23 women and 48 men) were assessed for the horizontal FV profile and COD using the modified 505 and V-cut tests. The FV profile parameters were significantly higher for the men than those for the women. The F0 , RFpeak , and Pmax were strongly associated with performance in the 505 test (women rrange = -0.72 to -0.82; men: rrange = -0.67 to -0.75; p < 0.001) and the V-cut test (women rrange = -0.68 to -0.76; men rrange = -0.45 to -0.50; p < 0.001), as well as with a lower COD deficit (women rrange = 0.58 to 0.75 ( p < 0.01); men rrange = 0.49 to 0.54; all p < 0.001). For the women, a 1 N·kg -1 increase of the F0 was associated with -0.20 seconds and -0.56 seconds in the 505 and V-cut tests, respectively, and 0.16 seconds for the COD deficit. In the men, it was associated with -0.13 seconds and -0.37 seconds in the 505 and V-cut tests, respectively, and 0.10 seconds for the COD deficit. F0 , RFpeak , and Pmax are the most determinant sprint mechanical properties to successfully COD and reduce the COD deficit. The horizontal FV profile assessment is recommended for diagnosing and prescribing a training program for basketball players.

Addressing opposition quality in basketball performance evaluation

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was twofold: (i) to explain the relationships between basketball indicators and opposition quality; and (ii) to utilise regression models in the evaluation of basketball team performances that account for opposition quality. Opposition quality was represented in absolute terms without considering a team’s own quality (OQ) and relative terms as the difference between the quality of a team and their opponents (RQ). Game-related indicators of all the 92 games of the Basketball World Cup 2019 were analysed. Regression analysis was used to model performance indicators in terms of OQ and RQ. Correlations between opposition quality and basketball indicators were statistically low in both terms. However, higher correlations were found between assists, two-point field goal accuracy, defensive rebounds and RQ. Two-point field goal attempts (2 PA) exhibited a negative relationship considering opposition quality. Most of the variables showed higher correlations with RQ than OQ. Offensive rebounds and personal fouls were influenced more by OQ than by RQ. Subsequently, teams over-performing or under-performing when addressing opposition quality could be recognised. This allowed trends in performance and consistency of performance to be evaluated. Evaluation scores were more consistent in absolute terms rather than relative terms.

Neuromuscular Adaptations and Enhancement of Physical Performance in Female Basketball Players After 8 Weeks of Plyometric Training.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week in-season plyometric training (PT) program on the physical performance and neuromuscular adaptations of female basketball players. Twenty-seven elite female basketball players (aged 21.0 ± 2.6 years) were assigned between an experimental group (n = 15) who substituted a part of their usual training with biweekly PT, and a control group (n = 12) who maintained their standard basketball training. Analyses of variance and co-variance assessed changes in 10, 20, and 30 m sprint times, ability to change direction (T-test) and jumping ability [squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ)] with electromyographic assessment of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris muscles during jumping and meassurement of the isokinetic strength of the knee muscles. After 8 weeks of the plyometric program the experimental group enhanced change of direction performance (Δ = −3.90%, d = 0.67) and showed a greater thigh cross sectional area (Δ = 9.89%, d = 0.95) relative to controls. Neural adaptations included significant improvements of EMG parameters for the vastus medialis muscle during Squat Jumping (Δ = 109.3%, d = 0.59). However, trends to improvements of sprinting times and jumping performances did not reach statistical significance. In addition, there were no gains in the peak torque and the average power of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles at either slow or moderate test speeds. We conclude that 8-weeks of PT (72–126 jumps) was insufficient to improve many of the variables associated with basketball performance in our subject-group. Further studies of female basketball players, extending the program period and increasing the intensity and speed of jumps are recommended in the search for more significant results.

Does anodal tDCS improve basketball performance? A randomized controlled trial

Shooting precision as well as dribbling and agility are crucial components of performance in basketball. We examined the effects of anodal tDCS over the dominant primary motor cortex in supporting these basketball specific abilities. Fifty-two sports students were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with two interventions. Twenty minutes of anodal 1 mA tDCS/sham tDCS were applied over the primary motor cortex of the dominant hemisphere. Basketball shooting precision (basketball shooting accuracy test) and basketball specific dribbling and agility (Illinois ball-dribbling test) were tested prior and after each intervention. Basketball shooting precision and basketball specific dribbling and agility improved after real tDCS but not after sham tDCS. ANOVAs show significant intervention*time effects on both the shooting accuracy test (F 1,51 = 5.6; P = 0.022) and on the Illinois ball-dribbling test (F 1,51 = 4.5; P = 0.038). Anodal 1 mA tDCS over the dominant primary motor cortex is effective in supporting short-term performance in basketball. However, the available data is insufficient for application of this novel method within the framework of conventional sports training.

Association of the vertical and horizontal force-velocity profile and acceleration with change of direction ability in various sports

This study aimed to assess the association of the mechanical variables derived from the force-velocity (FV) profile (i.e. theoretical maximal force [F 0], velocity [V 0] and maximal power output [P max]) with change of direction (COD) performance in soccer, basketball and tennis players. Fifty-four male athletes (soccer n = 23; tennis n = 16; basketball n = 15) were assessed for the vertical (Vrt) and horizontal (Hzt) FV profiles, COD with the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) legs, using the modified 505 test, and sprint. Hzt FV profile parameters showed stronger associations with performance than Vrt FV profile in the three sports. Specifically, the Hzt parameter most strongly associated with COD performance was F 0 in tennis (r = −0.83; p<0.001) and P max in soccer and basketball (r = −0.79; p<0.001). Associations between sprint times and COD test ranged from (r = 0.73–0.82) in soccer players, (r = 0.74–0.87) in tennis players and (r = 0.62–0.85) in basketball players, respectively (p<0.05). Considering the whole sample and the random effect of the type of sports, an improvement in sprint acceleration (i.e. one N/kg increase in F 0 and one W/kg in P max) was associated with −0.15 s and −0.04 s to complete the 505 test, respectively. In conclusion, our results suggest the potential usefulness of assessing the Hzt FV profile to maximize acceleration capabilities through training interventions which, in turn, may translate into improved COD performance. However, further longitudinal and experimental research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Muscular Strength Spurts in Adolescent Male Basketball Players: The INEX Study

Although successful performance in basketball requires high levels of muscular strength during adolescence, its development is confounded by the effects of normal growth. We examine the timing, intensity and sequence of muscular strength according to biological age (years from peak height velocity (PHV)) and hypothesize that young basketball players attain their peak muscular strength spurts around PHV. A total of 160 adolescent male basketballers, aged 11–15 years, were followed bi-annually over 3 consecutive years. The years from attainment of PHV and peak weight velocity (PWV) were estimated and five muscular strength measures (sit-ups, handgrip, seated medicine ball throw, squat jump and countermovement jump) were aligned to years from PHV in 3-month intervals. Strength velocities were estimated using a non-smooth mathematical model. The mean ages at-PHV and at-PWV were 13.90 ± 1.40 years and 13.90 ± 1.79 years, respectively. Maximal velocity in sit-ups was attained 6 months prior to attainment of PHV (intensity = 10.69 repetitions·year−1), whereas maximal velocity in squat jump occurred 6 months after-PHV (intensity = 3.93 cm·year−1). Handgrip strength, seated medicine ball throw and countermovement jump maximal velocity peaked at-PHV (intensity = 8.47 kgf·year−1, intensity = 0.75 m·year−1, intensity = 5.59 cm·year−1, respectively). In general, maximal velocity spurts did not differ in their timing, with the velocities reaching a peak concurrent with PHV and PWV or within 6 months of its attainment. Basketball coaches, as well as strength and conditioning trainers, should consider individual differences in strength development and be aware of rapid periods of growth in stature when planning and designing muscular strength training regimes.

The relationship between free-throw accuracy and performance variables in male wheelchair basketball players

We investigated the relationship between the free-throw accuracy and performance variables among fourteen elite male wheelchair basketball players. Participants performed 20 basketball free-throws. Basketball performance variables were the phases of the pre-shoot routine: (a) time taken, (b) minimum angle when taking the ball back, (c) angle at ball release, (d) angular displacement during the forward arm swing, and (e) angular velocity at ball release on the elbow, shoulder, and hip. A significant negative correlation was observed between the free-throw accuracy and mean pre-shot time, suggesting that participants with a shorter pre-shot time showed a higher free-throw accuracy. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between the free-throw accuracy and variability of angular velocity of the hip at the time of ball release, indicating that the consistency of hip movement is an important factor in free-throw accuracy. In contrast, there were no relationship between the free-throw accuracy and player’s classification point defined as International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, and experience of wheelchair basketball. These data suggest that the routine duration and trunk movement are related to free-throw accuracy in wheelchair basketball.

The Association Between Sleep and In-Game Performance in Basketball Players.

To investigate the associations between sleep and competitive performance in basketball. A total of 7 semiprofessional, male players were monitored across the in-season. On nights prior to competition, sleep duration and quality were assessed using actigraphs and sleep diaries. The data were accumulated over 1 (night 1), 2 (nights 1-2 combined), 3 (nights 1-3 combined), and 4 (nights 1-4 combined) nights prior to competition. Performance was reported as player statistics (field goal and free-throw accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers) and composite performance statistics (offensive rating, defensive rating, and player efficiency). Linear regression analyses with cluster-robust standard errors using bootstrapping (1000 replications) were performed to quantify the association between sleep and performance. The night before competition, subjective sleep quality was positively associated with offensive rating and player efficiency (P < .05). Strategies to increase subjective sleep quality the night before competition should be considered to increase the likelihood of successful in-game performance, given its association with composite performance metrics.

The Effects of Repeated Sprint Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Strength, Anaerobic and Aerobic Performance in Basketball

Repeated sprint training is usually performed in team sports, but its combination with blood flow restriction has a lake datum existing on the intense response to this type of training. This study aims to determine the acute effect of repeated sprint training in combination with blood flow restriction on the strength, anaerobic and aerobic performance in basketball. Twenty-four basketball players participated in current study were divided into two groups. They performed twelve on-court sessions; each consists of 3 sets of 8 repetitions of 20-sec and 4-min rests. Strength (1-RM bench press and half-squat), anaerobic, aerobic measurements were tested before the beginning of the study and two days followed by the training intervention period. The results presented a small increase in upper maximum strength (bench press) and anaerobic (Suicide Run) variables (ES 0.2 to 0.5) in (RST-BFR) group. In addition, there is a large increase in lower body maximum strength (half-squat) and aerobic capacity (VO2max) variables. In comparison, the control group reported a small increase only in the aerobic capacity (VO2max) (ES = 0.26), otherwise trivial effect size was observed in other variables. The t-test reported a significant difference between both groups (p < 0.05) after the (RST) with blood flow restriction on the lower body maximum strength (half-squat) and the aerobic capacity (VO2max) measured variables.

Home Court Advantage in Basketball – A Case Study of Žalgiris Kaunas Basketball Team

The actual venue where a basketball game is played needs to be considered (Volossovitch 2017) when looking at the effectiveness of a team’s performance playing in front of home crowd. Clarke (2005), Gomez and Pollard (2011) and Bray and Widmeyer (2008) explored the home court advantage topic and argued that this exists and is influenced by various factors (such as familiarity with environment, crowd support and loud arena, shooting percentages, absence of travel, etc.). A top division professional basketball team from Lithuania (Žalgiris Kaunas) was selected for this study using a convenience sample method (Veal and Darcy 2014). A case study approach (which incorporated comparisons between and an analysis of certain statistical categories such as: points scored per game; points allowed per game; free throws – made and attempted per game; 3 points shots – made and attempted; assists and turnovers) were used as part of this investigation into Žalgiris Kaunas basketball team and the games they played at home during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 seasons. From a methodological point of view, a three stage approach was employed. First stage was an exploratory analysis of relevant data available in the public domain for the selected team /club. Second stage comprised of an initial analysis that consisted of statistical calculations (averages per game and per season) and comparisons between Žalgiris Kaunas and their opponents while a discussion and concluding analysis – as a third stage – was drawn by interpretation of data. Similar to findings from literature, playing at home in front of full capacity crowd was beneficial for Žalgiris Kaunas as their performances improved for the statistical categories previously mentioned, alongside with being victorious in 11 out of the 19 home games that were scrutinised for the purpose of the research. Keywords: home court advantage, basketball performance indicators, basketball analytics, attendance, Žalgiris Kaunas

Impact of the Relative Age Effect on Competition Performance in Basketball: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

Performance in basketball is multifactorial. One of the modifying factors is the “Relative Age Effect—RAE”. However, its impact depends on the sample characteristics and sport context. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the RAE on basketball competition performance by analysing peer-reviewed articles published until July 2020. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses systematic search guidelines, nine studies were identified in four databases: Sport Discus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Moreover, a study quality analysis using “Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology” guidelines was carried out. The results confirmed an impact of the RAE on competition performance in basketball (56% measurements) and a higher influence of the RAE on short-term collective performance (54% measurements). Statistical parameters were affected, especially in men and U14-U18 categories. No impact of the RAE reversal and no influence of the RAE on long-term collective performance were found. There was a higher impact of the RAE in men (71%), the U14-U18 categories (44%), and at the national level (40%) was identified. The RAE has a variable influence on basketball performance according to developmental constraints. Nevertheless, the findings should be considered based on the sport context due to the heterogeneity and variability of the identified results.

Modeling Player and Team Performance in Basketball

In recent years, analytics has started to revolutionize the game of basketball: Quantitative analyses of the game inform team strategy; management of player health and fitness; and how teams draft, sign, and trade players. In this review, we focus on methods for quantifying and characterizing basketball gameplay. At the team level, we discuss methods for characterizing team strategy and performance, while at the player level, we take a deep look into a myriad of tools for player evaluation. This includes metrics for overall player value, defensive ability, and shot modeling, and methods for understanding performance over multiple seasons via player production curves. We conclude with a discussion on the future of basketball analytics and, in particular, highlight the need for causal inference in sports.

Training load, recovery and game performance in semiprofessional male basketball: influence of individual characteristics and contextual factors.

This study examined the effects of individual characteristics and contextual factors on training load, pre-game recovery and game performance in adult male semi-professional basketball. Fourteen players were monitored, across a whole competitive season, with the session-RPE method to calculate weekly training load, and the Total Quality Recovery Scale to obtain pre-game recovery scores. Additionally, game-related statistics were gathered during official games to calculate the Performance Index Rating (PIR). Individual characteristics and contextual factors were grouped using k-means cluster analyses. Separate mixed linear models for repeated measures were performed to evaluate the single and combined (interaction) effects of individual characteristics (playing experience; playing position; playing time) and contextual factors (season phase; recovery cycle; previous game outcome; previous and upcoming opponent level) on weekly training load, pre-game recovery and PIR. Weekly load was higher in guards and medium minute-per-game (MPG) players, and lower for medium-experienced players, before facing high-level opponents, during later season phases and short recovery cycles (all p < 0.05). Pre-game recovery was lower in centers and high-experience players (p < 0.05). Game performance was better in high-MPG players (p < 0.05) and when facing low and medium-level opponents (p < 0.001). Interestingly, players performed better in games when the previous week’s training load was low (p = 0.042). This study suggests that several individual characteristics and contextual factors need to be considered when monitoring training load (playing experience, playing position, playing time, recovery cycle, upcoming opponent level), recovery (playing experience, playing position) and game performance (opponent level, weekly training load, pre-game recovery) in basketball players during the competitive season.

Basketball lineup performance prediction using edge-centric multi-view network analysis

Sports analytics is one of the fast-growing applications of machine learning and data mining. The major goal in sport analytics applications is to make informed decisions to gain a competitive advantage. In this paper, we propose a method to analyse and predict lineup performance in basketball which may assist the team managers and coaches to make informed decisions. The constant lineup change in basketball games makes it vital to always have the best move ready at every moment of the game. A complex decision-making system is very important for the coaches to navigate their team through a season. This system must make the decisions based on the pros and cons of the teams, past results and lineups, and both teams’ performance under similar situations. To create this system, authors have constructed a signed, directed, and weighted network from the results of all matchups and lineups of the teams in NBA from 2007 to 2019. The proposed approach uses machine learning and graph theory to develop a new metric called Inverse Square Metric and edge-centric multi-view networks to predict the performance of a lineup in a given situation. The edge-centric approach provides a deep analysis of any condition between two teams from 16 different perspectives. The average accuracy achieved by ISM and edge-centric multi-view is 68% and 80%, respectively. In the end, the training and test datasets are chosen from different seasons and results are reasonable compared to the baseline methods.

The Relationship Between Athletic Performance and Physiological Characteristics in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between athletic performance and physiological characteristics in wheelchair basketball (WB) athletes with different classification scores. Methods: Twenty-six (24 male and 2 female) WB athletes were involved into the study. The participants were divided into two functional categories (Category A:1.0–2.5 points, category B: 3.0–4.5 points) according to the IWBF rules. Shoulder internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) muscle strengths were evaluated with the ISOMED 2000® isokinetic dynamometer. Handgrip strength was evaluated with hydraulic hand dynamometer. Custom ramp protocol on treadmill was employed to measure aerobic capacity. Anaerobic capacity was evaluated with Wingate anaerobic power test in standard laboratory conditions. The athletic performance was assessed by 20 m Sprint test, Slalom Test, and Zone Shot tests. Results: Category B athletes achieved significantly better results in the measurements of shoulder IR and ER muscle strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, and athletic performance while the grip strength was found similar in the categories. There was a significant correlation between the athletic performance and shoulder IR and ER muscle strength, and aerobic and anaerobic capacities in two categories. There was no significant relationship between grip strength and athletic performance parameters in two categories. Conclusion: It was concluded that athletic performance in WB athletes with different classification scores is related to upper extremity muscle strength, aerobic, and anaerobic capacity. Additionally, upper limb muscle strength, athletic performance, aerobic and anaerobic capacity assessments to be made will contribute positively to the planning of individual training and exercise programs.

Practice Within 24 Hours Of Competitive Play Compromises Performance In Collegiate Basketball

The NCAA regulates collegiate basketball practice schedules, imposing limitations on daily and weekly practice duration. Coaches seldom schedule fewer hours than permitted and commonly maximize participation within those limitations. There is reason to wonder: does maximum engagement correspond to optimal preparation? PURPOSE: To test the effect of pre-game practice on in-game performance in women’s collegiate basketball. METHODS: We analyzed 15 female basketball players on an NCAA D1 team throughout the 2018-2019 season. Heart rate monitors and GPS trackers were worn during all games (n=33) and practices. Data collected were maximum heart rate (HRmax) and total distance moved in games and practices, whether the team won, win-loss margin, and individual athlete rebounds and points scored per game. Paired-samples t-tests, linear regressions, and logistic regressions tested the effect of pre-game practice on in-game performance. RESULTS: The analyzed team won 60.6% of games. When practice was performed within 24hr of a game, winning percentage was 33.3% compared to 70.8% in games without prior practice (p<0.001). Holding constant the opponent’s rank (p<0.001) and whether it was a home game (p<0.001), practicing within 24hr of competition reduced the odds of winning by 98.2% (p<0.001; 95% CI of OR: 0.007 to 0.049) and reduced the win-loss margin by 4.7 points (p=0.001; 95% CI: -7.398 to -1.962). During games, players ran 6,735.1 ± 2,268.4 meters and had a HRmaxof 98.6 ± 9.3. There was no difference in HRmaxduring practices that did and did not occur within 24hr of a game (p=0.598). During games, HRmaxwas elevated 2.4 bpm if practice occurred in the previous 24hr (p=0.045; 95% CI: -4.6 to -0.1) despite no difference in on-court movement (p=0.243). Holding confounding variables constant, practicing within 24hr prior predicted trends for each player to score 1.8 fewer points (p=0.067; 95% CI: -3.7 to 0.1) and accomplish 0.9 fewer rebounds (p=0.079; 95% CI: -1.8 to 0.1). CONCLUSION: These data do not support a "more is better" approach to collegiate basketball practice schedules. When practice occurs within 24hr of a game, despite elevated in-game cardiovascular effort of the athletes, individual and team performances are compromised.

Effects of seat height, wheelchair mass and additional grip on a field-based wheelchair basketball mobility performance test

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of seat height, wheelchair mass and grip on mobility performance among wheelchair basketball players and to investigate whether these effects differ between classification levels. METHODS: Elite wheelchair basketball players with a low (n= 11, class 1 or 1.5) or high (n= 10, class 4 or 4.5) classification performed a field-based wheelchair mobility performance (WMP) test. Athletes performed the test six times in their own wheelchair, of which five times with different configurations, a higher or lower seat height, with additional distally or centrally located extra mass, and with gloves. The effects of these configurations on performance times and the interaction with classification were determined. RESULTS: Total performance time on the WMP test was significantly reduced when using a 7.5% lower seat height. Additional mass (7.5%) and glove use did not lead to changes in performance time. Effects were the same for the two classification levels. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology can be used in a wheelchair fitting process to search for the optimal individual configuration to enhance mobility performance. Out of all adjustments possible, this study focused on seat height, mass and grip only. Further research can focus on these possible adjustments to optimize mobility performance in wheelchair basketball.

Mental rotation and performance in basketball: effects of self-controlled and externally controlled time constraints on the processing and execution of tactic board instructions with varied orientations

PurposeIn sports games, tactical instructions are mostly presented on tactic boards under temporal constraints determined by the length of time outs (e.g., 20–60 s time outs in basketball) and coaches’ instructional behavior. Thus, instructions should be presented in a way that enables fast and errorless information processing. High affordances in visual–spatial transformation (e.g., mental rotation processes) might both impede information processing and decrease execution performance. The aim of this study was to scrutinize the effect of different orientations of visual tactical displays on observation time under self-paced conditions as well as to compare the effects on execution performance to those of externally paced conditions. According to the self-determination theory, self-control over observation time is assumed to increase performance.MethodsIn a mixed-factors design with two factors, 48 participants were instructed to execute a basketball playing pattern, which was presented on a virtual tactic board in one of five different spatial disparities to the players’ on-court perspective. The Self-Paced Group determined the observation time in a self-controlled manner, whereas in the Yoked Group observation times were externally controlled, i.e., the observation time was constrained to match that of the Self-Paced Group..ResultsThe self-controlled time for watching the pattern before execution was significantly shorter and spatial accuracy in pattern execution was significantly higher for low disparity between instruction perspective and on-court perspective. Self-control over observation time did not affect execution accuracy.ConclusionThe orientation effects might be explained by interfering mental rotation processes that are necessary to transform the instructional perspective into the players’ egocentric perspective. According to these results, coaches should align their tactic boards to their players’ on-court viewing perspective.

Specific Body Proportionality and Basketball Performance: A Biomechanical Analysis

Specific Body Proportionality and Basketball Performance: A Biomechanical Analysis

Clustering performance in the European Basketball according to players’ characteristics and contextual variables

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to identify differences in the game performance profiles of basketball players in Euroleague and European national championships; and (ii) to analyse the influence of player-related (e.g. age or court-position) and contextual variables (e.g. distance travelled or game break) in players’ game-related statistics. Archival data from 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons ( n = 16,268 individual game performance records) of Euroleague and European national championships were separately analyzed using a two-step cluster model and then a discriminant analysis to differentiate the obtained groups. The clustering process allowed identifying three and five different performance player profiles for Euroleague and national championships, respectively. The discriminant analysis identified differences in Euroleague playing profiles, particularly related to performers’ age and court-position. In national championships, this trend was not observed. Regardless of the competition, a relationship was perceived between players’ performance and minutes played; conversely, the players’ performance seems to not be affected by contextual variables. The current results provide evidence of different players’ profiles in elite basketball to coaches regarding the influence of player-related and contextual variables. Coaching staffs may account for this information for better management and understanding of their team composition when playing in different competitions.