Lower-Body Power Relationships to Linear Speed, Change-of-Direction Speed, and High-Intensity Running Performance in DI Collegiate Women's Basketball Players

Strength Training Frequency and Athletic Performance in High School Girls Basketball Players

This study investigated the effects of a six-week strength training intervention on the physical fitness of female high school athletes, with a focus on training frequency. Twenty-three female high school basketball athletes were recruited and split into two groups: one group participated in strength training once per week (S1), while the other participated in two training sessions per week (S2). The groups were not random as training sessions were voluntary, and some participants were only able to train once per week. Participants were tested before and after the intervention, and the data included: age, body height, body mass, body fat percentage, grip strength, leg/back dynamometer (LBD) strength, a seated medicine ball throw (MBT), a vertical jump (VJ), 505 tests from each foot, 0-5, 0-10, and 0-20 sprint times, and multistage fitness test shuttles. Data were analyzed by a two (time) x two (group) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA; p < 0.05). When significant F ratios were detected in any ANOVA calculations, post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted using the Bonferroni adjustment procedure. There were significant main effects for time that indicated the following: increased body height, body mass, grip strength, LBD strength, MBT distance, and VJ height, faster 505 times, and slower 0-5 and 0-10 m sprint times (p ≤ 0.021). There were no significant time by group ANOVAs or between-group main effects. These performance changes occurred irrespective of training frequency. High school girls who participate in at least one strength training session per week can improve their strength (grip, LBD), power (MBT, VJ), and change-of-direction speed (505).

Ground Reaction Forces, Asymmetries and Performance of Change of Direction Tasks in Youth Elite Female Basketball Players

The magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in a change of direction (COD) have increased interest in scientific research in recent years. This present study aimed to investigate the magnitude of asymmetries in an elite youth female basketball sample (n = 18, age = 17.79 ± 0.67 y) and determine its directionality using force platform technology. Participants performed 70° and 180° COD tests analyzing the following variables: time, ground contact time (GCT) and ground reaction forces (GRF) along the anterior-posterior, mediolateral, and vertical axes. Inter-limb asymmetries were evident in both COD tests, with substantial differences observed between limbs (p < 0.01). The asymmetry values ranged from 3.02% to 24.31% in COD 180° and from 1.99% to 21.70% in COD 70°, with anterior-posterior GRF consistently exhibiting the highest asymmetry magnitude. Additionally, the directionality exhibited variability between the tests, indicating poor agreement and suggesting the independent directionality of asymmetries across tasks. Moreover, players required more time to complete the COD 180°, the GCT was noticeably longer for the COD 180° than for the COD 70°, and GRF varied across the axis, suggesting that players adapt uniquely to the specific demands of each task. The utilization of force platforms presents a comprehensive approach to assess asymmetries and COD variables performance variables which are "angle-dependent", which could have important implications for COD screening and effective training interventions.

Correlations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration and maximal speed performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to determine the associations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration, as well as maximal speed performance.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), and Web of Science. The studies that were included in this review must meet the following criteria: (1) well-trained individuals over the age of 18 years old; (2) Pearson's correlation coefficients between sprint time and horizontal jump distance were provided; (3) the sprint distance was limited to 0-100 m. The quality of the studies was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index test. A random-effects model was used to determine the effect sizes, and heterogeneity between studies was examined using the Q statistic and I².

Results

From the identified 2,815 studies, 27 studies were included in this study (two from reference lists). The sprint time of the sprint acceleration phase was moderately and negatively correlated with the standing long jump (r =  - 0.45, z = 7.48, p < 0.001), single leg standing long jump (r =  - 0.48, z = 3.49, p < 0.001) and horizontal drop jump distance (r =  - 0.48, z = 3.49, p < 0.001), and was largely and negatively correlated with multiple jump distance (r =  - 0.69, z = 6.02, p < 0.001). Out of five studies assessed the standing triple jump, three studies reported significant positive association with the sprint acceleration performance. The sprint time of maximal speed phase was very largely and negatively associated with standing long jump distance (r =  - 0.73, z = 4.44, p < 0.001) and multiple jump distance (r =  - 0.76, z = 6.86, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This review indicates the moderate to very large associations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration and maximal speed performance, and the highest magnitude of associations between them is found in the multiple jump. Moreover, compared to the sprint acceleration performance, there are greater associations between maximal speed performance and standing long jump and multiple jump distance.

Alternatives to common approaches for training change of direction performance: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Research focuses heavily upon the effect of strength and power training on change of direction performance. The objective of this scoping review is to highlight alternative approaches to training change of direction.

METHODS

Four databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus) were searched with no date restrictions. To be included studies must (i) investigate change of direction performance following an intervention or investigate the relationships between variables of interest and change of direction performance; (ii) recruit participants > 18 years old; (iii) recruit participants involved in competitive sport. The majority of included studies investigated the effect of strength and/or power training, or, relationships between strength and/or power variables with change of direction performance.

RESULTS

Despite fewer studies, alternative training methods resulted in greater improvements (compared with strength and/or power) in change of direction performance, with smaller training durations. Few studies included reactive agility as an outcome measure.

CONCLUSION

Despite much of the literature focusing on strength and/or power, there are alternative training modalities that demonstrate merit for improving change of direction performance. Future studies should investigate the effect of alternative training interventions on reactive agility performance, to provide a more valid indication of transfer to competition.

Relationships between Lower-body Power, Sprint and Change of Direction Speed among Collegiate Basketball Players by Sex

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant relationships exist between absolute and relative lower-body power and selected measures of speed among male and female collegiate basketball players. Archived performance testing data from 29 (male = 14; female = 15) NCAA division II collegiate basketball players were used for this analysis. These measures included lane agility, 10-yard sprint, and shuttle run time (sec). A Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine if significant relationships existed between measures of lower-body power and linear sprint time, change of direction speed (CODS), and shuttle performance. Statistical significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. A significant large correlation was found between absolute power and lane agility (r = 0.54, p = 0.05) among male players. No significant correlations were found between absolute or relative power for 10-yard sprint times, lane agility, or shuttle run performance (p > 0.05). Females showed no significant correlations between relative power and lane agility (r = -0.25, p = 0.37) or 10-yard sprint (r = -0.47, p = 0.08), but did show a significant large correlation (r = -0.64, p = 0.01) between relative power and shuttle run performance. Generating high amounts of relative power is vital in intermittent team sports such as basketball. In particular, this study provided evidence that relative power in female collegiate basketball players is significantly related to shuttle run ability.

Effect of Pre-Season Training on Physiological and Biochemical Indices in Basketball Players—A Systematic Review

The pre-season period in basketball includes all the physiological attributes that the players need to work on and develop, in order to sustain a full season workload. The monitoring of the effectiveness of pre-season training is based on a variety of biochemical and physiological indices; however, it is still unclear how pre-season training affects those markers. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of pre-season training on biochemical and physiological markers. A search was performed in five large scientific databases (Pubmed (Medline), Scopus, Science-Direct, Sport-Discus (EBSCO), Semantic Scholar) and produced 7081 results, which after removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulted in 28 published scientific articles being included in this review. The most important findings suggested that the majority of the studies used a 6- or an 8-week pre-season training protocol, because these protocols have shown significant positive effects over the years. In addition, the plyometric training protocols that were used by many studies have been found to be beneficial for basketball athletes for many physiological parameters. Furthermore, the evaluation of biochemical markers can be a very useful tool in monitoring and managing fatigue, which is an essential part of modifying the training process, in order to maximize performance.

Relationship between Performance and Inter-Limb Asymmetries Using Flywheel Resistance Device in Elite Youth Female Basketball Players

The purposes of this study were to quantify inter-limb asymmetries from unilateral jumps, change of direction (COD) speed, and flywheel resistance skill tests and to examine their relationship with physical performance in a sample of elite youth female basketball players. Eleven female basketball players (age = 17.56 ± 0.60 year; body mass = 75.13 ± 12.37 kg; height = 1.83 ± 0.08 m; BMI = 22.42 ± 2.28; sports experience = 6.31 ± 1.73 year; years post-peak height velocity = 4.79 ± 0.68 year) performed a battery of fitness tests in the post-season consisting of the Single Leg Countermovement Jump in vertical (SLCJ-V), horizontal (SLCJ-H), and lateral (SLCJ-L) directions, 135° and 90° COD tests, and four skills (acceleration step, deceleration step, sidestep, and crossover step) with an flywheel resistance device. The results showed significant differences between the higher performing and lower performing limbs across all tasks (p < 0.05). The mean asymmetry index values ranged from 1.26% (COD 135°) to 11.75% (SLC-V). Inter-limb asymmetries were greatest during the flywheel resistance skills. Spearman’s correlations (ρ) for all tests were only significant for inter-limb asymmetries during the sidestep test and reduced performance in SLCJ-L (ρ = −0.61; p = 0.046) and all COD deficits (ρ range = −0.72 to −0.81). The findings of the present study showed that inter-limb asymmetries are task-specific in female youth basketball players and suggest that the use of flywheel devices can be included in the battery of tests to detect inter-limb asymmetry.

Change of Direction Speed Tests in Basketball Players: A Brief Review of Test Varieties and Recent Trends

Change of direction speed (CODS) is essential for basketball performance, extensively assessed by various tests. This review aimed to summarize the CODS test varieties for basketball players on publications until 2019 and identify recent trends regarding what types of tests have gained attention in the 2010s. Electronic literature searches were conducted using three databases with relevant keywords. 104 studies were found eligible, conducting CODS tests 159 times in total with 48 test varieties. To facilitate distinctions between the tests, each test was categorized into one of three types based on the distinctive movement characteristics and changing angles as follows: Defensive (involving lateral shuffling), 180°-turn (exerting only 180°-turns), and Cutting (performing diagonal- or side-cut). We then counted the number of publications and adopted times reported per year for each test, and calculated the adoption rate for each categorized test type. The first CODS test performed in basketball players was the T-Test, reported in 1991, and this was the most commonly adopted test (44/159 times). The 2010s saw abrupt increases in the number of publications (1990s-2000s-2010s: 5-9-90) and test varieties (4-7-44). The adoption rates in the 2010s were similar among the three types (i.e., Defensive/180°-turn/Cutting: 37%/30%/33%), with the Cutting type gradually increasing over the last three decades (1990s-2000s-2010s: 0%-9%-33%). These results suggest that while CODS performances in basketball players are increasingly studied with various tests, recent studies give equal weight to all of the three categorized test types, with increasing adoption of the Cutting type, to assess specific CODS performances.

Effects of Plyometric, Strength and Change of Direction Training on High-School Basketball Player's Physical Fitness

The study aim was to compare the effects of a 7-week plyometric, strength and change of direction (COD) training program on basketball-specific performance measures in high-school players. Forty male players were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: plyometric (PG, n = 10), strength (SG, n = 10), COD (CODG, n = 10), and control group training (CG, n = 10). Two training sessions were performed at weekly intervals before basketball training. Performance of the counter movement jump (CMJ), Abalakov jump (ABKJ), 10 m zig-zag sprint, 20 m in line sprint (measurements at 10 and 20 m), and sit and reach flexibility test (SRFT) was assessed before and after the intervention. A 4 (group) × 2 (time) repeated measures analysis of variances (ANOVA) was conducted for each variable. Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used when the interaction was significant. Significant (all p < 0.05) time x group interaction was noted for SRFT, CMJ, ABK, sprint, and zig-zag 10 m, in favor of the experimental groups compared to the control group. However, improvements in physical fitness were similar between the three experimental groups. In conclusion, 7 weeks of specific plyometric, strength and COD training produced similar medium to large improvements in physical fitness of high-school basketball players.

Lower-body power, linear speed, and change-of-direction speed in Division I collegiate women's volleyball players

Volleyball players need to sprint and change direction during a match. Lower-body power, often measured by jump tests, could contribute to faster movements. How different jumps relate to linear and change-of-direction (COD) speed has not been analyzed in Division I (DI) collegiate women’s volleyball players. Fifteen female volleyball players completed the vertical jump (VJ), two-step approach jump (AppJ), and standing broad jump (SBJ). Peak power and power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM) were derived from VJ and AppJ height; relative SBJ was derived from SBJ distance. Linear speed was measured via a 20-m sprint (0–10 and 0–20 m intervals); COD speed was measured using the pro-agility shuttle. Pearson’s correlations (p < 0.05) calculated relationships between the power variables, and speed tests. There were no significant relationships between the power variables and the 0–10 m sprint interval. Greater VJ height (r = -0.534) and P:BM (r = -0.557) related to a faster 0–20 m sprint interval. This be due to a greater emphasis on the stretch-shortening cycle to generate speed over 20 m. However, although a 20-m sprint may provide a measure of general athleticism, the distance may not be specific to volleyball. This was also indicated as the AppJ did not relate to any of the speed tests. Nonetheless, VJ height and P:BM, and SBJ distance and relative SBJ, all negatively correlated with the proagility shuttle (r = -0.548 to -0.729). DI women’s collegiate volleyball players could develop absolute and relative power in the vertical and horizontal planes to enhance COD speed.

Relationships between Playing Time and Selected NBA Combine Test Performance in Division I Mid-Major Basketball Players

There has been limited analyses of DI mid-major male basketball players, and no analyses of relationships between athletic abilities and playing time in this population. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe and compare backcourt and frontcourt players from one mid-major team and (2) determine if there were relationships between playing time (total minutes, total games played, minutes per game) and select tests from the NBA Combine (height, body mass, standing reach, and wingspan; countermovement [VJ] and approach [AppVJ vertical jump], lane agility drill, ¾ court sprint, and 83.91-kg bench press). A retrospective analysis of data from the 2018 season for a men's DI team (n = 10) was conducted. Performance testing was completed in the pre-season, and playing time metrics were collated by the team's staff over the season. Players were split into backcourt (n = 6) and frontcourt (n = 4) groups and compared via independent samples t-tests (p < 0.05) and effect sizes (d). Pearson's correlations calculated relationships between playing time metrics and the NBA combine test data (p < 0.05). When compared to the backcourt group, the frontcourt group were significantly taller, heavier, had a greater standing reach and wingspan, and performed poorer in the VJ, AppVJ, and ¾ court sprint (d = 1.49-3.45). There were no significant relationships between playing time and any NBA Combine test (r = -0.363-0.511). Basketball-specific skill may have a larger impact on playing time in this mid-major team. However, the mid-major players in this study may have had above-average athletic abilities as measured by NBA combine testing, limiting correlations with playing time.