Assessment of the Multi-Location External Workload Profile in the Most Common Movements in Basketball

Improving the Jump Shots of U12 Junior Basketball Players by Implementing a Combined Program of Plyometric and Coordination Exercises Using MyVert Technology

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the implementation of an experimental program with combined plyometric and coordination exercises for a time interval of 6 months aimed at improving the jump shots of U12 junior players through the use of information technologies. One hundred seventeen female basketball players, aged between 10 and 12 years (U12), participated in this study. The study subjects were divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG), with 60 (51.3%) subjects, and the control group (CG), with 57 subjects (48.7%). The 6-month experiment program implemented in the experimental group included exercises that combined coordination exercises with plyometric exercises in the execution of throwing skills and skills specific to the basketball game by using the MyVert portable smart sensor. This study included an initial test and a final test, in which three motor tests adapted to the specifics of the basketball game were applied in order to evaluate jump shots: a throw-after-step test, a standing shot test and a shot-after-dribbling test. Only the results of the experimental group showed statistically significant progress (p < 0.05) between the final and initial testing in all three motor tests for the following parameters: maximum jump height (cm), average jump height (cm), power (watts/kg) and successful shots (no). The gains of the control group were not statistically significant in any test. It should be noted that the number of throws scored in the basket of the experimental group increased significantly, a fact highlighted by the very large size of Cohen's value > 3 in all the tests of this study. The results of the experimental group as a result of the implementation of the experimental training program using MyVert technology were superior to the results of the control group. The practical implications of the present study will contribute to the optimization of the athletes' training methodology in order to improve the physical and technical levels in relation to the peculiarities of age and training level.

Kinetic and Kinematic Characteristics Underpinning Change of Direction Performance in Basketball: A Comparative Study Between Sexes and Tests

ABSTRACT

Baena-Raya, A, Díez-Fernández, DM, Martínez-Rubio, C, Conceição, F, and López-Sagarra, A. Kinetic and kinematic characteristics underpinning change of direction performance in basketball: A comparative study between sexes and tests. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): e182-e188, 2024-This study (a) evaluated the sex-specific kinetic and kinematic outcomes underpinning change of direction (COD) performance, (b) compared these outcomes across 3 different COD tests, and (c) examined the sex-specific and test-specific outcome most strongly related to COD performance in basketball players. Thirty young basketball players (17 males and 13 females) competing at the national level were assessed for the modified 505 test, modified T test, and V-cut test. The Local Positioning System technology (WIMU PRO, Realtrack Systems S.L., Almería, Spain) was used to measure the maximum values of acceleration (ACC max ), deceleration (DEC max ), velocity (VEL max ), and centripetal force (CentF max ) in each COD test. Male players displayed greater ACC max , VEL max , DEC max , and CentF max outputs for each section of the 505 test, T test, and V-cut test (all p < 0.05), resulting in a faster COD performance than females across tests (all ES > -1.42; 95% CI = -3.45 to -0.57). The 505 test demanded significantly greater kinematic outputs than T test and V-cut test for both sexes ( p < 0.01). The ACC max explained ∼26-58% of the variability in COD time for males across tests ( p < 0.05) and 40% in females' modified 505-test time ( p < 0.05). Likewise, in females, DEC max explained 38% of the modified T -test time variability, whereas VEL max explained 53% in the V-cut test time (both p < 0.05). These findings suggest that (a) COD data should not be used interchangeably across sexes, (b) test specificities should be considered for designing COD training, and (c) the kinematic outcomes explaining COD performance might vary across sexes.

Training Load in Different Age Category Soccer Players and Relationship to Different Pitch Size Small-Sided Games

This study sought to evaluate the training load in different age category soccer players associated with distinct pitch size small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty-four soccer players (eight in each age category: U-12, U-15, and U-23) performed three consecutive 4 vs. 4 ball possession SSGs (SSG1: 16 × 24 m; SSG2: 20 × 30 m; and SSG3: 24 × 36 m) all with 3 min duration and 3 min rest. Subjects carried ultra-wideband-based position-tracking system devices (WIMU PRO, RealTrack System). Total distance covered increased from SSG1 to SSG3 in all age categories and predominantly in running speeds below 12 km·h⁻¹. Moreover, distance covered in 12–18 km·h⁻¹ running speed was different in all performed SSGs and age categories. Residual or null values were observed at 18–21 km·h⁻¹ or above running speed, namely in U-12, the only age category where metabolic power and high metabolic load distance differences occurred throughout the performed SSGs. Edwards’ TRIMP differences between age categories was only observed in SSG2 (U-12 < U-15). The design of SSGs must consider that the training load of the players differs according to their age category and metabolic assessment should be considered in parallel to external load evaluation in SSGs. Wearable technology represents a fundamental support in soccer.