Effect of the 3-point line change on the game dynamics in girls' minibasketball

Rule modification in junior sport: Does it create differences in player movement?

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of rule modification on player movement during matchplay in junior Australian football (AF).

DESIGN

Quasi-experimental study design.

METHODS

Time-motion analysis was used to record variables pertaining to player movement including total distance covered, high-speed running (HSR) distance (>14.4km/h) and HSR efforts. GPS data obtained from 145 players (7-12 years) were analysed across four junior AF leagues and three age group combinations (U8/U9, U9/U10 and U11/U12). The four leagues were collapsed into two separate conditions (compliant and non-compliant) based on their adherence to a modified junior sport policy. To control for the influence of age and physical maturity, a secondary analysis was performed on an adequately matched U8 subset of data (n=48).

RESULTS

Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between compliant and non-compliant leagues for age and all player movement variables, with participants in the compliant leagues achieving less player movement. Significant differences were also evident between conditions in the U8 subset in total and relative distance and HSR efforts, with moderate to very large differences (29-60%) observed for all player movement variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Rule modifications limits the extent and intensity of player movement in junior AF compared to standard playing conditions. The unintended effect of reduced physical activity with rule modifications should be compensated for with additional activities wherever possible. League administrators and policy makers should consider the objectives of rule modifications and weigh up both positive and negative outcomes.

Performance as a function of shooting style in basketball players under 11 years of age

Shooting style in basketball refers to the height adopted by a player in holding the ball, specifically the height of the hand and the ball with regard to the line of sight before the final extension of the elbow during a shot. The literature differentiates between a high and a low style. This study analyzed shooting frequency in young boys as a function of style and which shooting style had the highest accuracy and success in real games. Participants were 81 boys from eight basketball teams, aged 9-11 years. The sample consisted of 5,740 standard shots in 56 games. The design was nomotethic, follow-up, and multidimensional. The results indicated that low style predominated over the high style, although overall accuracy and efficacy were better using the high style. Various strategies and practical considerations are suggested for teachers and coaches to focus on teaching the high style.

Free-throw accuracy and success as a function of ball weight in 9- to 11-year-old male players

The goal of this study was to analyze whether 9-11 years old children can attain more free-throw accuracy and success by modifying the ball weight in basketball game. The participants were 54 children (age: mean=10.63, SD=0.55 years) from six basketball teams. The participants played four games with each of the following balls: (a) standard ball weight (485 g, 69-71 cm), (b) a lighter ball (440 g, 69-71 cm), and (c) a heavier ball (540 g, 69-71 cm). The procedures adopted in the study were: (a) defining the variables, (b) instructing the observers and obtaining reliability, (c) monitoring the properties of the ball and filming the games, and (d) recording the data from the observation. The results revealed statistically significant differences for free-throw accuracy (χ²=1.76, df=2, p=.050) and success (χ²=5.69, df=2, p=.048). Free-throw accuracy and success were higher with the 440-g ball than with the 540-g ball.

Number of players who gain ball possession as a function of basketball mass among 9-11-year-old male players

This study analyzed whether a ball with a higher (540-g) or lower (440-g) mass than the regulation ball (485-g) resulted in a larger number of participants gaining ball possession during games. Prior studies have indicated that ball handling is facilitated by decreasing the mass of the ball. It was assumed that a greater number of children gaining possession of the ball indicated greater ease of use and more control. Thus, the hypothesis was that the number of participants who gained ball possession would increase when using a ball of lower mass. The participants were 54 boys from six youth basketball teams. Participants played four games with each one of the three different balls and the number of possessions was calculated using videos of each game. The hypothesis was only partially supported: the number of participants who gained possession with the regular ball was similar to that with the 440-g ball and with the 540-g ball, but a greater number of participants gained possession with the 440-g ball in comparison to the 540-g ball. This result suggests balls that differ by more than 65 g may affect actual game outcomes.