Professional Male Basketball Players Research Articles

Basketball-Specific Small-Sided Games Training during Ramadan Intermitting Fasting: Do Changes in Body Composition, Sleep Habits, and Perceived Exertion Affect Technical Performance?

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an additional small-sided games (SSGs) training program during Ramadan intermitting fasting (RIF) on technical performance depending on changes in body composition, sleep habits, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Twenty-four professional male basketball players from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT; n = 12) or an active control group (CON; n = 12). Both groups completed a four-week SSG training program (three sessions per week). During the first and fourth weeks of the SSGs training, the two groups were evaluated to detect changes in technical performance, dietary intake, body composition, sleep quality index (PSQI) survey outcomes, RPE, heart rate (HR), and blood lactate concentration [La]. During the fourth week of the RIF period, body composition, dietary intake, sleep latency, sleep duration, and HR significantly decreased only for INT (p < 0.001). However, RPE significantly increased (p < 0.001), and technical performances were negatively affected (p < 0.01). MANCOVA (adjusted for the percentage of change in sleep duration, body mass, and RPE) showed no significant differences in either group. In conclusion, our results showed that the technical performance of professional basketball male players was significantly affected at the end of RIF independently of changes in RPE, sleep habits, and body composition.

Construct Validity and Reliability of a New Basketball Multidirectional Reactive Repeated Sprint Test.

The objective of this study was to investigate the construct validity and reliability of a new reactive multidirectional repeated sprinting test (RRSA5COD) in basketball players. Forty male basketball players were divided into two groups: Professional (PRO; n = 20) and Semi-professional (SEMI; n = 20). Participants completed the yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-YoIR1), the squat jump (SJ), the counter movement jump (CMJ), the single leg drop jump (DJ), the 20-m sprint test, the planed multidirectional repeated sprinting test (PRSA5COD), and the RRSA5COD test. Reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT), total time (TT), best time (BT), and fatigue index (FI) were assessed. Heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded, while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration (LA) were measured post-tests. The reliability of the RRSA5COD test was also assessed between two attempts with one week between them. The RRSA5COD results demonstrated to be reliable with most of the variables showing ICC > 0.80. BA Bonferroni post hoc revealed a significant better TT in favor of RRSA5COD (p < 0.001; ES = 0.15; small), and in favor of PRO (p < 0.001; ES = 0.006; small). The result showed a significant better performance in favor of PRO in all physical fitness tests. In conclusion, it was found that the RRSA5COD discriminates between professional and semi-professional male basketball players, and the results were demonstrated to be reliable.

Bilateral Symmetry of Jumping and Agility in Professional Basketball Players: Differentiating Performance Levels and Playing Positions

Although functional asymmetry is very common and normal in professional athletes, the better interlimb symmetry between dominant and nondominant sides (bilateral symmetry) could contribute to successful performance in basketball. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of bilateral symmetry of the one-leg jumping and agility performances in differentiating basketball players according to their (i) playing position (guards, forwards, and centers) and (ii) performance levels (first division vs. second division). The participants were 102 professional male basketball players, with all members of the teams competing in the two highest national divisions at the moment of testing (height: 194.92 ± 8.09 cm; body mass: 89.33 ± 10.91 kg; 21.58 ± 3.92 years of age). Performance levels (first division, N = 58 vs. second division, N = 44) and playing positions (guards, N = 48; forwards, N = 22; centers, N = 32) were observed as dependent variables. We measured one-leg jumping capacities (running vertical jump and lay-up vertical jump), basketball-specific preplanned agility (CODS), and basketball-specific reactive agility (RAG), all executed on dominant and nondominant sides. Accordingly, the bilateral symmetry of jumping and agility was calculated by calculating the ratio of the corresponding performances on the dominant and nondominant sides. Factorial analysis of variance (performance levels × positions) indicated that the bilateral symmetry of one-leg jumping differentiated players according to their playing position, with better bilateral symmetry among guards (F-test = 6.11 (medium effect size) and 5.81 (small effect size), p &lt; 0.05 for lay-up and running-jump symmetry, respectively). Performance levels significantly differed in the bilateral symmetry of lay-up jump, with better symmetry for first-division players (F-test = 10.11 (medium effect size), p &lt; 0.001), which was mostly influenced by significant differences among guards. Playing positions and performance levels did not differ in bilateral symmetry of the CODS and RAG. The study reveals the importance of bilateral symmetry of the sport-specific performance in differentiating playing positions and performance levels in basketball. Further studies in other multidirectional sports and other sport-specific performances are warranted.

Is physical fitness related with in-game physical performance? A case study through local positioning system in professional basketball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and external load determined by local positioning system (LPS) in a simulated basketball game. Fourteen professional male basketball players performed a lane agility drill, 20-m maximal sprint speed, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump, and repeated sprint tests. Player movements during games (two games of 4 × 7 min) were measured using a portable WIMUPRO LPS and six ultra-wideband antennas. Distance covered, and distance covered in different speed zones, accelerations, and decelerations were recorded. The results obtained showed significant relationship between (a) distance at high decelerations (&gt;−2.0 m s−2) and 20-m maximal sprint speed ( r = 0.669, p = 0.049); (b) 20-m maximal sprint speed and maximal speed in simulated games ( r = 0.576, p = 0.031); (c) CMJ height and sprint distance (&gt;24.1 km h−1) covered in simulated games ( r = 0.772, p = 0.001); and (d) high decelerations and 20-m maximal sprint speed ( r = 0.669, p = 0.049) and best time in the RSA test ( r = −0.731, p = 0.039). Coaches and strength and conditioning coaches must adjust their training to optimize speed and jumping ability, as they are reflected in physical performance in-game. Players who reach higher speeds (i.e. RSAbest and 20-m sprint time) and CMJ height in field tests may be affected by greater deceleration load in specific training and competition (eccentric contraction). Since hamstring muscles suffer great strain during deceleration, they are more prone to injury, thus these players may require a specific training program to decrease performance losses and risk of injury.

Ain't Just Imagination! Effects of Motor Imagery Training on Strength and Power Performance of Athletes during Detraining.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of motor imagery (MI) training on strength and power performances of professional athletes during a period of detraining caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Thirty male professional basketball players (age, 26.1 ± 6.2 yr) were randomly assigned to three counterbalanced groups: two MI training groups, who completed imagery training by mentally rehearsing upper and lower limb resistance training exercises loaded with either 85% of one repetition maximum (85%1RM) or optimum power loads (OPL), or a control group. For six consecutive weeks, although all groups completed two weekly sessions of high-intensity running, only the MI groups performed three additional MI sessions a week. Maximal strength and power output were measured through 1RM and OPL assessments in the back squat and bench press exercises with a linear positioning transducer. Vertical jump and throwing capabilities were assessed with the countermovement jump and the seated medicine ball throw tests, respectively. Kinesthetic and visual imagery questionnaires, and chronometry and rating of perceived effort scores were collected to evaluate MI vividness, MI ability, and perceived effort. Physical performances improved significantly following both MI protocols (range, ~2% to ~9%), but were reduced in the control group, compared with preintervention (P ≤ 0.016). Moreover, interactions (time-protocol) were identified between the two MI groups (P ≤ 0.001). Whereas the 85%1RM led to greater effects on maximal strength measures than the OPL, the latter induced superior responses on measures of lower limb power. These findings were mirrored by corresponding cognitive and psychophysiological responses. During periods of forced detraining, MI practice seems to be a viable tool to maintain and increase physical performance capacity among professional athletes.

The Business End of the Season: A Comparison Between Playoff and Regular-Season Workloads in Professional Basketball Players.

To quantify and compare the internal workloads experienced during the playoffs and regular season in basketball. A total of 10 professional male basketball players competing in the Italian first division were monitored during the final 6 weeks of the regular season and the entire 6-week playoff phase. Internal workload was quantified using the session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) method for all training sessions and games. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (day type × period) was utilized to assess differences in daily s-RPE between game days, days within 24 hours of games, and days >24 hours from games during the playoffs and regular season. Comparisons in weekly training, game, and total workloads were made between the playoffs and regular season using paired t tests and effect sizes. A significant interaction between day and competitive period for s-RPE was found (P = .003, moderate). Lower s-RPE was apparent during playoff and regular-season days within 24 hours of games than all other days (P < .001, very large). Furthermore, s-RPE across days >24 hours from playoff games was different than all other days (P ≤ .01, moderate-very large). Weekly training (P = .009, very large) and total (P < .001, moderate) s-RPE were greater during the regular season than playoffs, whereas weekly game s-RPE was greater during the playoffs than the regular season (P < .001, very large). This study presents an exploratory investigation of internal workload during the playoffs in professional basketball. Players experienced greater training and total weekly workloads during the regular season than during the playoffs with similar daily game workloads between periods.

Systematic Review of Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Injuries and Treatment Outcomes in Women's National Basketball Association and National Basketball Association Players.

Background:Athletes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) are subject to high injury rates given the physical demands of the sport. Comprehensive data regarding injury patterns and rates in these athletes are limited.Purpose:To summarize available data on orthopaedic and sports medicine–related injuries through 2020 in professional female and male basketball players.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A search was conducted using PubMed and Embase through April 5, 2020, to identify injury studies regarding WNBA and NBA players. Studies were included if the injury or surgery was considered a direct consequence of game play including musculoskeletal/orthopaedic, concussion, ophthalmologic, and craniomaxillofacial injuries. Systematic reviews, screening studies, or studies without sufficient WNBA or NBA player subgroup analysis were excluded.Results:A total of 49 studies met inclusion criteria, 43 (87.8%) of which detailed musculoskeletal injuries. The lower extremity represented 63.3% of studies. A majority (59.2%) of studies were level 4 evidence. The source of data was primarily comprehensive online search (n = 33; 67.3%), followed by official databases (n = 11; 22.4%). Only 3 studies concerned WNBA athletes compared with 47 that concerned NBA athletes. The lowest return-to-play rates were cited for Achilles tendon repairs (61.0%-79.5%). Variability in return-to-play rates existed among studies even with similar seasons studied.Conclusion:The majority of literature available on orthopaedic and sports medicine–related injuries of NBA and WNBA athletes is on the lower extremity. The injuries that had the greatest effect on return to play and performance were Achilles tendon ruptures and knee cartilage injuries treated using microfracture. The reported outcomes are limited by heterogeneity and overlapping injury studies. There are limited available data on WNBA injuries specifically.

Caffeine Ingestion Improves Performance During Fitness Tests but Does Not Alter Activity During Simulated Games in Professional Basketball Players.

To examine the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on physical performance during fitness testing and activity during simulated games in basketball players. A double-blind, counterbalanced, randomized, crossover study design was followed. A total of 14 professional male basketball players ingested a placebo (sucrose) and caffeine (6mg·kg-1 of body mass) in liquid form prior to completing 2 separate testing sessions. Each testing session involved completion of a standardized 15-minute warm-up followed by various fitness tests including 20-m sprints, countermovement jumps, Lane Agility Drill trials, and a repeated-sprint-ability test. Following a 20-minute recovery, players completed 3 × 7-minute 5-vs-5 simulated periods of full-court basketball games, each separated by 2minutes of recovery. Local positioning system technology was used to measure player activity during games. Players completed a side-effects questionnaire 12 to 14hours after testing. Players experienced significant (P < .05), moderate-very large (effect size = -2.19 to 0.89) improvements in 20-m sprint, countermovement jump, Lane Agility Drill, and repeated-sprint-ability performance with caffeine supplementation. However, external workloads completed during simulated games demonstrated nonsignificant, trivial-small (effect size = -0.23 to 0.12) changes between conditions. In addition, players reported greater (P < .05) insomnia and urine output after caffeine ingestion. Acute caffeine supplementation could be effective to improve physical performance during tests stressing fitness elements important in basketball. However, acute caffeine supplementation appears to exert no meaningful effects on the activity completed during simulated basketball games and may promote sleep disturbances and exert a diuretic effect when taken at 6mg·kg-1 of body mass in professional players.

Influence of Korean professional male basketball players' characteristics on preventive health behaviors during COVID-19

Background and objective: The whole world is suffering extensive damage from COVID-19, and even the world of sports cannot escape this situation. Preventive behavior against COVID-19 is crucial to minimizing this damage. Therefore, this study analyzed data examining preventive behaviors of all Korean professional basketball players, providing empirical evidence of the relationship between preventive health behavior and Big-5 factors depending on socio-demographic variables. Material and methods: Using an online survey, data were collected from 106 players registered with the Korean Basketball League in the 2019-2020 season. Results: Married players and those with more years of experience were more thorough in managing injuries and preventing infections. Among the Big-5 personality traits, conscientiousness had a significant effect on COVID-19 prevention and health management behavior. Players low on neuroticism demonstrated higher performance in terms of injury management behavior. Conclusions: These results provide critical insight regarding the preventive health behavior of professional sports players. The findings can serve as basic data for enhancing COVID-19 preventive behavior of male basketball players, and as a reference for a decrease in damage in professional sports leagues from COVID-19 and normal management and maintenance.

The effects of defensive style and final game outcome on the external training load of professional basketball players.

This study aimed to analyse the influence of different contextual factors (i.e., defensive style and game outcome) on basketball players’ external load during games-based drills using ultrawideband (UWB) technology. Fourteen male professional basketball players belonging to an elite reserve Spanish club (ACB) participated in this study. The games-based drills consisted of one bout of 10 min played 5vs5 in which players were instructed to use man-to-man defence (MMD) and/or zone defence (ZD). In addition, the final game outcome (i.e., winning or losing) of the game-based drill was registered. External load variables per minute were recorded: total distance covered, distance covered in different speed zones, distance covered while accelerating and decelerating, maximum speed, steps, jumps and player load. A two-way ANOVA with the Tukey post hoc test was used to assess the impact of defensive style and final game outcome and the interaction of both factors on the external load encountered by basketball players. No meaningful differences (unclear) were found in the external loads between playing with MMD and with ZD and between winning and losing teams except for greater distance at high-speed running (18.0–24.0 km·h-1) in winning teams (p < 0.05, ES = 0.68, moderate). A significant interaction between defensive style and final game outcome was found for high decelerations (> -2 m·s-2) (p = 0.041; ES = 0.70) and jumps (p = 0.037; ES = 0.68). These results could potentially help coaching staff in prescribing an appropriate workload during basketball-specific game-based drills, and ultimately enhance the match performance.

Managing Load to Optimize Well-Being and Recovery During Short-Term Match Congestion in Elite Basketball

First, to compare load during short-term match congestion (ie,≥2-match weeks) with regular competition (ie,1-match weeks) in elite male professional basketball players. Second, to determine changes in well-being, recovery, neuromuscular performance, and injuries and illnesses between short-term match congestion and regular competition. Sixteen basketball players (age 24.8 [2.0]y, height 195.8 [7.5]cm, weight 94.8 [14.0]kg, body fat 11.9% [5.0%], VO2max 51.9 [5.3]mL·kg-1·min-1) were monitored during a full season. Session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) was obtained, and load was calculated (s-RPE × duration) for each training session or match. Perceived well-being (fatigue, sleep quality, general muscle soreness, stress levels, and mood) and total quality of recovery were assessed each training day. Countermovement jump height was measured, and a list of injuries and illnesses was collected weekly using the adapted Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems. Total load (training sessions and matches; P < .001) and training load (P < .001) were significantly lower for ≥2-match weeks. Significantly higher well-being (P = .01) and less fatigue (P = .001) were found during ≥2-match weeks compared with 1-match weeks. Total load and training load were lower during short-term match congestion compared with regular competition. Furthermore, better well-being and less fatigue were demonstrated within short-term match congestion. This might indicate that coaches tend to overcompensate training load in intensified competition.

The Effect of Wearing a Customized Mouthguard on Body Alignment and Balance Performance in Professional Basketball Players.

The present study examined the influence of a customized mouthguard on body alignment and balance performance in professional basketball players. Twenty-three professional male basketball players, aged 25.8 ± 8.6 years old, were voluntarily assigned to participate in three treatments, including no treatment (no mouthguard), acute treatment (wearing a mouthguard), and repeated treatments (8 weeks follow-up). Body alignment status, such as spinal and pelvic posture and balance performance, were measured at each time point using a 3D Formetric III (Germany) and a postural control device (Posturomed 202, Germany), respectively. A repeated MANOVA analysis with a Bonferroni post hoc test was applied, and the adjusted p-value was set at 0.02. No significant treatment effect was observed in body alignment (p = 0.302). However, univariate analysis showed a significant difference in pelvic torsion, where it was decreased after acute and repeated mouthguard treatments compared to no treatment (p < 0.001). Kyphotic angle also increased significantly following 8 weeks of treatment compared to no treatment (p < 0.001) and acute treatment (p < 0.002). There was a significant treatment effect on balance performance (p < 0.001). Both static and dynamic balance performance improved following 8 weeks of treatment (p < 0.001). Our study revealed that a customized mouthguard provides a benefit to balance performance. Notably, repeated treatment impacts on balance performance more than acute treatment. Although our findings did not show a significant effect on body alignment, some positive results, such as pelvic torsion and kyphotic angle, may provide substantial information for developing future longitudinal studies with large sample sizes.

Is There Any Association Between Foot Posture and Lower Limb-Related Injuries in Professional Male Basketball Players? A Cross-Sectional Study.

Several studies have shown that foot posture is related to the incidence of ankle sprains in athletes and in nonathletic populations, but this association has not previously been considered in basketball players. This study investigates the relationship between foot posture and lower limb injuries in elite basketball players. Two hundred twenty participants were recruited as a convenience sample. The players had a mean age of 22.51 ± 3.88 years and a body mass index of 23.98 ± 1.80. The players' medical records were accessed from the preceding 10 years, and injuries were recorded according to their location (knee, foot, and/or ankle). In addition, the Foot Posture Index (FPI) was scored for each player, and their playing positions were noted. An average FPI score of 2.66 was obtained across all players, with guards presenting a significantly lower average FPI of -0.48 (P < 0.001) compared with the rest of playing positions, indicating a more supinated foot. However, center players presented an average FPI of 5.15 (P < 0.001), indicating a more pronated foot. The most common injuries observed were lateral ankle sprain (n = 214) and patellar tendinopathy (n = 126). Patellar tendinopathy was more common in supinated feet (30.08%) compared with 20.7% and 19.8% in pronated and neutral feet, respectively. The most common lower limb injuries observed in basketball players were lateral ankle sprain and patellar tendinopathy. Patellar tendinopathy was more commonly associated with the supinated feet. Guard players tended to have a more supinated foot, whereas centers presented a more pronated foot.

Cold Water Immersion as a Strategy for Muscle Recovery in Professional Basketball Players During the Competitive Season.

Despite prior studies that have addressed the recovery effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) in different sports, there is a lack of knowledge about longitudinal studies across a full season of competition assessing these effects. To analyze the CWI effects, as a muscle recovery strategy, in professional basketball players throughout a competitive season. A prospective cohort design. Elite basketball teams. A total of 28 professional male basketball players divided into 2 groups: CWI (n = 12) and control (n = 16) groups. Muscle metabolism serum markers were measured during the season in September-T1, November-T2, March-T3, and April-T4. Isokinetic peak torque strength and ratings of perceived exertion were measured at the beginning and at the end of the season. CWI was applied immediately after every match and after every training session before matches. All serum muscular markers, except myoglobin, were higher in the CWI group than the control group (P < .05). The time course of changes in muscle markers over the season also differed between the groups (P < .05). In the CWI group, ratings of perceived exertion decreased significantly from the beginning (T1-T2) to the end (T3-T4). Isokinetic torque differed between groups at the end of the season (60°/s peak torque: P < .001 and ηp2=.884; and 180°/s peak torque: P < .001 and ηp2=.898) and had changed significantly over the season in the CWI group (P < .05). CWI may improve recovery from muscle damage in professional basketball players during a regular season.

The Effect of Ankle TheraBand Training on Dynamic Balance Index Among Elite Male Basketball Players

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of ankle TheraBand resistance training on dynamic balance index among elite male basketball players. Methods: This was a randomized trial performed on 24 male professional basketball players without lower extremity injury. The participants were selected using purposeful sampling and were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 8, including: (1) high-intensity resistance training using TheraBand (80% - 95% 1RM), (N = 8); (2) moderate-intensity resistance training using TheraBand (65% - 80% 1RM), (N = 8); and (3) control group with regular basketball training (N = 8). The groups were trained in three sessions for 8 weeks. Trial and error table for TheraBand resistance from American Physical Therapy Organization (APTA) 2012 was used to measure maximum 1RM in each participant. In addition, the dynamic balance index in the APSI (anterior - posterior stability index), MLSI (medial-lateral stability index) and OSI (overall stability index) were measured using Biodex stability system. Covariance analysis was used to analyze the data (P < 0.05). Results: Results showed that the high-intensity resistance training and moderate-intensity resistance training significantly improved dynamic stability index in the anterior - posterior axis, medial - lateral axis and overall axis (P = 0.0001). No significant changes were observed in the anterior - posterior and medial - lateral axes after a detraining period (4 weeks), “durability rate”. However, the overall axis values of the dynamic balance index in the moderate intensity training group indicated a higher durability rate than the high intensity resistance training group after detraining (P = 0.02). Conclusions: It can be concluded that the high and moderate intensity resistance training improved dynamic balance index, and even moderate intensity resistance training was effective after a period of detraining, so it can be recommended for basketball players.

Ankle Sprain Versus Muscle Strain Injury in Professional Men’s Basketball: A 9-Year Prospective Follow-up Study

Background:Ankle sprain is the most common injury in basketball players. However, in our routine clinical evaluation, we observe a high frequency of muscle injury. Currently, no reliable information is available regarding the magnitude of these types of injury.Purpose:To describe the type and rate of muscle injuries in male basketball players and discuss clinical management and prevention strategies.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:A total of 59 professional male basketball players were evaluated over 9 seasons (2007-2015). All injuries during the study period were registered through use of a validated electronic medical record system.Results:We analyzed 463 injuries, of which 207 resulted in time loss and 256 required medical attention, for a total exposure time of 42,678 hours for the 59 players involved in the study. Muscle strains and ankle sprains accounted for 21.2% (n = 98) and 11.9% (n = 55) of all injuries, respectively. The global incidence rate was 10.8 injuries per 1000 player-hours (95% CI, 9.9-11.9). The global injury burden was 53.9 days lost due to injuries per 1000 hours for a total exposure time. The incidence rate of muscle strains (2.3; 95% CI, 1.9-2.8) was higher than that of ankle sprains (1.3; 95% CI, 1-1.7). The incidence rate for muscle injuries for the entire study period was 1.8 times higher (95% CI, 1.28-2.49) than that for ankle sprains.Conclusion:In this study, muscle injuries were more commonly observed compared with ankle sprains. Prevention strategies for muscle injuries may be worth discussing.

Well-Come Back! Professional Basketball Players Perceptions of Psychosocial and Behavioral Factors Influencing a Return to Pre-injury Levels.

The psychological factors influencing a return to sport has gained increased research attention. In the current investigation, we explored professional basketball players’ perceptions of the psychosocial and behavioral factors facilitating a return to performance equal to or exceeding previous performance standards. We also sought to describe athletes’ experiences – both positive and negative – of returning to sport following injury recovery. Ten Italian professional male basketball players (age range 22–36 years), were retrospectively interviewed in relation to three time-periods: (1) from the commencement of rehabilitation to their first official competition, (2) the first official competition, and (3) the 6-months following the initial competition. Qualitative content analysis of the data revealed numerous themes across the three time periods. In regards to Period 1, participants indicated that social support, investment in rehabilitation and training programs, coping skills and motivation were fundamental in reaching pre-injury performance levels. During their first official game (i.e., Period 2), athletes reported that realistic performance expectations, focusing on the performance, positive emotions, motivation, arousal and social support facilitated their return to sport. Athletes, however, also described a predominance of factors that hindered their return to pre- injury levels (i.e., low confidence in personal abilities, decrements in skill execution and dysfunctional physical sensations). Moreover, participants typically described a substandard level of performance during their first competition back following injury. In recounting experiences during the 6 months following their first official game, basketballers reported improvements in skill execution and highlighted the importance of coping skills, motivation and social support. The process of restoring self-confidence in one’s ability to successfully perform was perceived as crucial in enabling participants to move beyond a mere return to sport to a return to high performance – that is, to reach a level of proficiency equal to or exceeding previous performance standards. Findings support the relevance of cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses highlighted in the Integrated Model and suggest the importance of addressing psychological factors throughout the return-to-sport process. Finally, results from the present study hold a number of practical implications for athletes’ aiming to achieve a return to pre-injury levels.

The relationship between postural stability, core muscles endurance and agility in professional basketball players

Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between postural stability, core muscle endurance and agility in basketball players. Materials and Methods: 21 professional male basketball players [age: 17.±0.63 (years), body weight: 78.69±9.22 (kg), height: 186±7 (cm), BMI: 22.72±2.26 (kg/cm²)] were included to this study. Three balance variables were measured using Biodex Biosway™. Core muscle endurance was measured using three core endurance tests proposed by Mcgill. Agility was assessed by Hexagonal Obstacle Test (HOT). Results: The analysis results showed that postural stability is associated with HOT (r: 0.457). In addition, the postural stability was related to extension muscle endurance test and side bride test (respectively, r: -0.501 and r: -0.468). There is no correlation between HOT and core muscle endurance test in basketball players. Conclusion: OThe athletes with good postural stability were better core muscle endurance and agility. It is important to apply exercise programs that enhance postural stability and increase core muscle endurance to improve sportive success.

Relationships between the digit ratio (2D:4D) and game-related statistics in professional and semi-professional male basketball players.

The primary aim of this study was to examine relationships between digit ratio (2D:4D) and game-related statistics in professional and semi-professional male basketball players. The secondary aim was to quantify differences in mean 2D:4Ds between starting and reserve players. Using a cross-sectional design, 93 male basketball players from the professional Australian National Basketball League and the semi-professional South Australian Premier League were measured in-season for height, mass, and 2D:4D, with game-related statistics collected end-season. Linear relationships between right and left 2D:4Ds and game-related statistics were quantified using nonparametric partial correlations, and differences in mean 2D:4Ds between starting and reserve players were quantified using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). All partial correlations and ANCOVAs were adjusted for playing experience, body size, and competitive standard. 2D:4D was a weak to moderate negative correlate of points scored and assists-to-turnovers ratio, indicating that males with lower 2D:4Ds were generally better offensively as they recorded more points and assists relative to turnovers. The difference in mean 2D:4D between starting and reserve players was negligible. 2D:4D was favorably correlated with open-skill sports performance, as evidenced by the better offensive statistics of male basketball players with lower 2D:4Ds. These results probably reflect the organizational benefits of prenatal testosterone and indicate that 2D:4D may be a useful complement to traditional physical, physiological, skill, and behavioral predictors of basketball success.

The Effects of Rapid Strength and Shooting Training Applied to Professional Basketball Players on the Shot Percentage Level

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of explosive strength and shooting exercises, which were applied for eight weeks before the season in basketball sport branch, on shot percentage level of elite male basketball players. The study was conducted on 13 professional male basketball players (age average; 26.92 ± 3.04) who are actively playing in the Turkish Basketball Super League. The players were taken into pre-season camp for 12 weeks. At the end of the first four weeks, shooting tests (pre-tests) were applied to the players. Through the last eight weeks of the camp, condition improving practices were continued together with technique-tactic exercises. Through the last eight week of the camp explosive strength exercise program was applied covering 75-80 % of the condition exercise with a frequency of 4-6 times a week. After the explosive strength exercises, shooting exercises (a total of 100 shots in 5 sets, each set 20 shots) were conducted. At the end of the eight-week camp period, the pre-season tests were repeated (post-tests). The shooting tests of the players (pre-tests and post-tests) were conducted in two different numbers and under three different formats, which are, standing free throw, jump shot, and jump shot against defense (1x1). Each player was told to shoot 100 shots in the first test and 10 shots in the second. Totally 8580 shots were analyzed in pre-tests and post-tests. SPSS 18.0 program was used in the analysis of the data, and the significance level was accepted as p<0.01-0.05. In both shooting tests, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in p<0.01 level between the average values of pre-tests and post-tests under three formats (standing free throw, jump shot, and jump shot against (1x1) defense). According to the data obtained from the study, it can be concluded that eight-week explosive power exercises have a positive effect on shooting performances particularly at their positions in the game of elite male basketball players.