Measuring Decrement in Change-of-Direction Speed Across Repeated Sprints in Basketball: Novel vs. Traditional Approaches

Associations Between Sprint Mechanical Properties and Change of Direction Ability and Asymmetries in COD Speed Performance in Basketball and Volleyball Players

This study aimed to assess the associations between sprint force-velocity profile variables with change of direction (COD) performance and to investigate the impact of these variables on asymmetries in COD speed performance. Ninety-nine participants (volleyball players: n = 44, basketball players: n = 55) performed 40 m sprints for Fv relationship calculation, two COD tests (Modified Agility T-test and 505 test). A partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationships between the variables. The V0 was the most influential variable; it was negatively associated with COD performance variables (β = -0.260, -0.263 and -0.244 for MAT, 505-D and 505-ND, respectively), and F0 (β = 0.169, 0.163) was associated with the COD performance variables (COD deficit D and COD deficit ND, respectively), slightly larger than the effects of Fvslope (β = -0.162, -0.146), DRF (β = -0.159, -0.142) and Pmax (β = -0.162, -0.146). For COD deficit imbalance, the DRF (β = -0.070) was the most influential variable followed by Fvslope (β = -0.068), F0 (β = 0.046) and gender (β = 0.031). V0 and RFmax were the critical variables for improving COD performance that includes linear sprints, while DRF, Fvslope, F0 and Pmax collectively influence 180° COD performance. Meanwhile, DRF and Fvslope were important factors for asymmetries in COD speed performance. It is recommended to use the Fv profile to diagnose different COD movement patterns and then develop training plans accordingly for team sports played on smaller courts, such as basketball and volleyball.

Transforming performance: The impact of an 8-week complex training program on strength, power, and change of direction in female basketball athletes

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effect of complex training on the strength, power, and change of direction (COD) performance of college female basketball athletes.

METHODS

This design used experimental and randomized studies. A total of 32 female basketball players volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly allocated to a complex training group (CT group: n = 16) and a resistance training group (RT group: n = 16). The CT group performed CT and the RT group completed RT for 8 weeks. The CT and RT programs were developed based on the linear periodization theory, which required participants to train 2 times a week in the first 4 weeks and 3 times a week in the following 4 weeks. All participants were tested using the 5-0-5 COD test, Illinois agility test (IAT), one-repetition maximum back squat (1RM BS) test, and countermovement jump (CMJ) test before and after the 8-week training period.

RESULTS

Two-way repeated measure ANOVA showed a significant group × time interaction for the 5-0-5 COD, IAT, 1RM BS, and CMJ results after the intervention compared with that before the intervention (P < .05) in the CT group (effect size = 0.86-4.04). CT compared with RT caused remarkably larger enhancements in the IAT (P < .001) and CMJ (P = .040) scores.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the implementation of CT could be a promising and innovative intervention for enhancing the strength, power, and COD performance of female basketball players.

The discriminative, criterion, and longitudinal validity of small-sided games to assess physical fitness in female basketball players

The validity of small-sided games (SSG) for assessing physical fitness was evaluated in 21 female basketball players from senior (n = 8), under-18 years (n = 6), and under-16 years (n = 7) age categories. Players underwent fitness testing (countermovement jump [CMJ], agility T-test, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test [YYIRT1]) and 3vs3-SSG before and after a 6-week preseason. Player demands were monitored during SSG using local positioning system and heart rate technology. Regarding discriminative validity, senior players produced better CMJ, agility T-test, and YYIRT1 performance (p  < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 1.72-2.25), and more distance and PlayerLoad (p  < 0.05, ES = 1.53-2.47) during SSG than under-18 players following the preseason. For criterion validity, total distance and distance completing high-intensity decelerations during SSG were significantly (p  < 0.05) correlated with CMJ (r = 0.44-0.66), YYIRT1 (r = 0.43-0.63), agility T-test (total distance only, r=-0.51), and RSA test performance (r=-0.49 to -0.52) among all players combined following the preseason. Regarding longitudinal validity, significantly better agility T-test and YYIRT1 performance (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 0.88-0.93) alongside lower heart rate during SSG (p = 0.001, ES = 0.88) were evident for all players combined following the preseason. These results partially support the validity of 3vs3-SSG to assess physical fitness in female basketball players.

The Acute Demands of Repeated-Sprint Training on Physiological, Neuromuscular, Perceptual and Performance Outcomes in Team Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Repeated-sprint training (RST) involves maximal-effort, short-duration sprints (≤ 10 s) interspersed with brief recovery periods (≤ 60 s). Knowledge about the acute demands of RST and the influence of programming variables has implications for training prescription.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the physiological, neuromuscular, perceptual and performance demands of RST, while also examining the moderating effects of programming variables (sprint modality, number of repetitions per set, sprint repetition distance, inter-repetition rest modality and inter-repetition rest duration) on these outcomes.

METHODS

The databases Pubmed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched for original research articles investigating overground running RST in team sport athletes ≥ 16 years. Eligible data were analysed using multi-level mixed effects meta-analysis, with meta-regression performed on outcomes with ~ 50 samples (10 per moderator) to examine the influence of programming factors. Effects were evaluated based on coverage of their confidence (compatibility) limits (CL) against elected thresholds of practical importance.

RESULTS

From 908 data samples nested within 176 studies eligible for meta-analysis, the pooled effects (± 90% CL) of RST were as follows: average heart rate (HRavg) of 163 ± 9 bpm, peak heart rate (HRpeak) of 182 ± 3 bpm, average oxygen consumption of 42.4 ± 10.1 mL·kg-1·min-1, end-set blood lactate concentration (B[La]) of 10.7 ± 0.6 mmol·L-1, deciMax session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) of 6.5 ± 0.5 au, average sprint time (Savg) of 5.57 ± 0.26 s, best sprint time (Sbest) of 5.52 ± 0.27 s and percentage sprint decrement (Sdec) of 5.0 ± 0.3%. When compared with a reference protocol of 6 × 30 m straight-line sprints with 20 s passive inter-repetition rest, shuttle-based sprints were associated with a substantial increase in repetition time (Savg: 1.42 ± 0.11 s, Sbest: 1.55 ± 0.13 s), whereas the effect on sRPE was trivial (0.6 ± 0.9 au). Performing two more repetitions per set had a trivial effect on HRpeak (0.8 ± 1.0 bpm), B[La] (0.3 ± 0.2 mmol·L-1), sRPE (0.2 ± 0.2 au), Savg (0.01 ± 0.03) and Sdec (0.4; ± 0.2%). Sprinting 10 m further per repetition was associated with a substantial increase in B[La] (2.7; ± 0.7 mmol·L-1) and Sdec (1.7 ± 0.4%), whereas the effect on sRPE was trivial (0.7 ± 0.6). Resting for 10 s longer between repetitions was associated with a substantial reduction in B[La] (-1.1 ± 0.5 mmol·L-1), Savg (-0.09 ± 0.06 s) and Sdec (-1.4 ± 0.4%), while the effects on HRpeak (-0.7 ± 1.8 bpm) and sRPE (-0.5 ± 0.5 au) were trivial. All other moderating effects were compatible with both trivial and substantial effects [i.e. equal coverage of the confidence interval (CI) across a trivial and a substantial region in only one direction], or inconclusive (i.e. the CI spanned across substantial and trivial regions in both positive and negative directions).

CONCLUSIONS

The physiological, neuromuscular, perceptual and performance demands of RST are substantial, with some of these outcomes moderated by the manipulation of programming variables. To amplify physiological demands and performance decrement, longer sprint distances (> 30 m) and shorter, inter-repetition rest (≤ 20 s) are recommended. Alternatively, to mitigate fatigue and enhance acute sprint performance, shorter sprint distances (e.g. 15-25 m) with longer, passive inter-repetition rest (≥ 30 s) are recommended.

The Reliability and Sensitivity of Change of Direction Deficit and Its Association with Linear Sprint Speed in Prepubertal Male Soccer Players

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the reliability and sensitivity of a change of direction deficit (CoDD) and to establish its relationship with linear sprint speed.

METHODS

In total, 89 prepubertal male soccer players participated in this study (age = 11.7 ± 1.2 years, maturity offset = -2.4 ± 1.0). Participants performed the 505 CoD speed test and the 20 m linear sprint speed test with a split interval at 5 m and 10 m. The CoDD was calculated as the mean 505 CoD time-the mean 10 to 20 m time interval. To evaluate the reliability of CoDD, the 505 CoD speed test, and 20 m linear sprint speed were performed twice, one week apart. The sensitivity of CoDD was identified by comparing the values of the typical error of measurement (TEM) and smallest worthwhile change (SWC).

RESULTS

Results of the reliability analysis indicated an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3.1) < 0.50 (0.47) and a TEM expressed as the coefficient of variation > 5% (10.55%). The sensitivity analysis showed that the ability of the CoDD measure to detect small performance changes is "marginal" (TEM (0.12) > SWC0.2 (0.04)). However, good absolute and relative reliability were observed for the 505 CoD speed test (ICC3.1 = 0.75; TEM < 5%). Alike CoDD, the ability of the 505 CoD speed test to detect small performance changes was rated as "marginal" (TEM (0.07 s) > SWC0.2 (0.04 s)). The CoDD revealed a large association with the 505 CoD speed test (r = 0.71). However, non-significant associations were detected between the CoDD and 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m linear sprint speed intervals (r = 0.10 to 0.16, all p > 0.05). Likewise, non-significant correlations between the 505 CoD speed test and 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m linear sprint speed intervals were observed (r = 0.14 to 0.20, all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The CoDD displayed poor reliability and limited ability to detect small changes in performance in prepubertal male soccer players. Due to its limited practical utility, practitioners are advised not to consider CoDD scores during the assessment of prepubertal male soccer players.

Effects of a Flexible Workout System on Performance Gains in Collegiate Athletes

ABSTRACT

Walts, CT, Murphy, SM, Stearne, DJ, Rieger, RH, and Clark, KP. Effects of a flexible workout system on performance gains in collegiate athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1187-1193, 2021-Although research on the topic of periodization is abundant, investigations into different flexible periodization strategies in collegiate athletes are limited. Furthermore, how state of readiness (SOR) and workout autonomy affect training improvements is largely unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a flexible periodization (FP) program would elicit significantly greater performance gains compared with a nonflexible periodization (NP) program (significance set p ≤ 0.05). A total of 32 male and female intercollegiate lacrosse players completed performance measures of vertical jump, sprinting speed, change of direction, and strength in bench press and deadlift. After pretesting, subjects were matched and randomly assigned to either FP (n = 17, age = 19.4 ± 1.4 years, height = 1.72 ± 0.10 m, mass = 72.29 ± 13.73 kg) or NP (n = 15, age = 19.9 ± 1.5 years, height = 1.72 ± 0.08 m, mass = 71.68 ± 13.55 kg) training groups. Both groups trained 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The NP group completed all workout volume and intensity as prescribed by a certified strength and conditioning coach. However, the FP group modified workout volume and intensity based on a daily SOR questionnaire. Although appreciable pretest to posttest improvements were observed for the entire subject cohort, multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a series of ANOVA tests demonstrated no statistically significant between-group differences for pretest to posttest changes on any of the performance tests (range of p values: 0.17-0.95). Although FP does not seem to be more effective than NP for eliciting performance gains, it may provide greater opportunities for autonomy while eliciting equivalent improvement levels. Therefore, flexible periodization based on SOR may be a viable training strategy.