Influence of ball possession and playing position on the physical demands encountered during professional basketball games

Intensity Zones and Intensity Thresholds Used to Quantify External Load in Competitive Basketball: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Despite widespread use of intensity zones to quantify external load variables in basketball research, the consistency in identifying zones and accompanying intensity thresholds using predominant monitoring approaches in training and games remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this work was to examine the external load intensity zones and thresholds adopted across basketball studies using video-based time-motion analysis (TMA), microsensors, and local positioning systems (LPS).

METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception until 31 January 2023 for studies using intensity zones to quantify external load during basketball training sessions or games. Studies were excluded if they examined players participating in recreational or wheelchair basketball, were reviews or meta-analyses, or utilized monitoring approaches other than video-based TMA, microsensors, or LPS.

RESULTS

Following screening, 86 studies were included. Video-based TMA studies consistently classified jogging, running, sprinting, and jumping as intensity zones, but demonstrated considerable variation in classifying low-intensity (standing and walking) and basketball-specific activities. Microsensor studies mostly utilized a single, and rather consistent, threshold to identify only high-intensity activities (> 3.5 m·s-2 for accelerations, decelerations, and changes-in-direction or > 40 cm for jumps), not separately quantifying lower intensity zones. Similarly, LPS studies predominantly quantified only high-intensity activities in a relatively consistent manner for speed (> 18.0 m·s-1) and acceleration/deceleration zones (> 2.0 m·s-2); however, the thresholds adopted for various intensity zones differed greatly to those used in TMA and microsensor research.

CONCLUSIONS

Notable inconsistencies were mostly evident for low-intensity activities, basketball-specific activities, and between the different monitoring approaches. Accordingly, we recommend further research to inform the development of consensus guidelines outlining suitable approaches when setting external load intensity zones and accompanying thresholds in research and practice.

Unique Specific Jumping Test for Measuring Explosive Power in Young Basketball Players: Differences by Gender, Age, and Playing Positions

When playing basketball, players are required to have high explosive power, which requires the ability to move in efficient, specific, and game-specific movement patterns that combine both horizontal and vertical abilities. Differences have been seen between young male and female basketball players in this measure. The aim of this study was to examine differences in players' unique movements by gender, age, and playing positions using a novel test for basketball players. This study included 232 young basketball players, male and female, from a range of Israeli leagues, who were divided into three categories: under-14, under-16, and under-18. Our findings showed that males presented better results than females in all age categories. Moreover, females in the under-18 category presented better results than those in the under-14 category, but not more than those in the under-16 category. Differences in playing positions were only examined between males and females in the under-18 category, where players begin to specialize in playing positions, and here, guards showed better results than forwards and centers. Our conclusions highlight the importance of including unique, sport-specific tests in talent identification and selection processes, as these tests can provide valuable information about a player's skill set and potential for success. The findings are presented in an achievement table of the expected physical fitness results by age and gender for the benefit of basketball coaches and strength and conditioning coaches when assessing their players.

Biomechanics and situational patterns associated with anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the National Basketball Association (NBA)

OBJECTIVES

Perform a comprehensive video analysis of all anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes from 2006 to 2022 to determine the associated biomechanics, injury mechanism and game situation.

METHODS

NBA players diagnosed with an ACL tear from 2006 to 2022 were identified and videos of each injury evaluated by two reviewers. Visual evaluation included assessment of joint kinematics at three time points: initial contact of the injured leg with the ground (IC), 33 milliseconds later (IC+33) and 66 milliseconds later (IC+66). Game situation was assessed qualitatively.

RESULTS

Videos of 38 out of 47 (80.9%) ACL tears were obtained. 9 injuries were non-contact, while 29 involved indirect contact. Between IC and IC+33, average knee valgus increased from 5.1° to 12.0° and knee flexion increased from 12.6° to 32.6°. At all time points, the majority of injuries involved trunk tilt and rotation towards the injured leg, hip abduction and neutral foot rotation. The most common game situations for injury included the first step when attacking the basket following picking up the ball (n=13), landing following contact in the air (n=11) and jump stop (n=5).

CONCLUSION

Three major mechanisms predominate ACL tears in NBA players: the first step following picking up the ball when attacking, landing and jump stops. None of the injuries reviewed demonstrated direct contact to the knee, emphasising the importance of body kinematics in this injury pattern. The increase in knee valgus and knee flexion between IC and IC+33 should be noted as a possible precipitant to injury.

Validity and Reliability of the V-Cut Dribbling Test in Young Basketball Players

PURPOSE

Change of direction while dribbling appears to be of interest for on-court performance in basketball. The study aim was to assess the validity and reliability of the V-cut dribbling test (VcutBk) in young basketball players.

METHODS

Ninety-two young basketball players from 8 to 21 years old (74% male) were classified in relation to peak height velocity (PHV) offset. To examine validity and test-retest reliability, VcutBk was performed in 2 identical sessions separated by 1 week. Participants also performed the V-cut test and linear sprint test with and without dribbling to analyze correlations between tests in different somatic maturity stages.

RESULTS

The relationships of the VcutBk with the other tests and skill-time-related deficits were interpreted from large (r > .51) to very large (r > .71). The comparisons between pre-PHV and post-PHV groups of basketball players showed significant and large effect in the VcutBk (d = 2.04; mean difference = 2.59; 95% CI, 1.86 to 3.32). Also, significant main effects when comparing PHV groups were reported in all skill-time-related deficits (P < .001, ηp2=.13-.28, moderate to large effect size). Test-retest reliability and signal-to-noise ratio analysis did not show substantial between-trials differences in VcutBk. Reliability scores showed high intraclass correlation coefficient (.95) and low coefficient of variation (0.23%).

CONCLUSIONS

The VcutBk seems to be a valid and reliable test to assess change of direction while dribbling. VcutBk performance and skill-time-related deficits seem to be sensitive to somatic maturity. Basketball coaches should consider the VcutBk to assess young basketball players.

Physical Demands of Elite Male and Female 3 × 3 International Basketball Matches

ABSTRACT

Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Rucco, D, Alcaraz, PE, Vaquera, A, Romagnoli, M, and Rampinini, E. Physical demands of elite male and female 3×3 international basketball matches. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): e289-e296, 2023-This study aimed to (1) characterize the physical demands of 3 × 3 basketball games during live playing time and ball possession and (2) assess the differences in physical demands between male and female players. Following an observational design, video footage from 27 games of the International Basketball Federation 3 × 3 World Cup 2019 were analyzed from 104 international 3 × 3 basketball players ( n = 52 male and n = 52 female players) resulting in a total of 216 (104 male and 112 female) individual game samples. Manual frame-by-frame time-motion analyses determined the relative frequency (n·min -1 ) and duration (%) for several physical demands at different intensities, according to sex, during the live playing time and in ball possession phases. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and effect size (ES) analyses revealed small non-significant differences in the intermittent profile of 3 × 3 basketball games according to sex (total movements per minute, male = 39.3 (38.6-40.1); female = 40.2 (39.5-41.0), estimated marginal means with 95% confidence intervals). Female competitions had significantly greater number of low-intensity activities (LIA, small ES) and high-intensity activities (HIA, small ES) performed per minute over longer games ( small ES), whereas male players had more recovery activities ( small ES). During ball possession, male players spent a larger amount of time performing LIA ( small ES) than female players, who displayed both the greatest number of HIA and the highest percentage of playing time performed at high intensity ( small ES). Overall, these findings suggest that basketball coaches should design sex-specific training sessions based on the specific match demands.

Technical-Tactical Demands of 3 × 3 International Basketball Games According to Game Outcome, Player Sex, and Competition Phase

ABSTRACT

Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Scanlan, AT, and Vaquera, A. Technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 international basketball games according to game outcome, player sex, and competition phase. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 403-412, 2023-Despite the popularity of 3 × 3 basketball rapidly growing on a global scale, a paucity of data exist on player demands during competition, particularly considering various factors. This study aimed to quantify the technical-tactical demands of international-level 3 × 3 basketball games according to game outcome, player sex, and competition phase. Overall, 96 players from 24 national teams (48 players across 12 teams in each sex) competing at the 2019 European Basketball Cup 3 × 3 were included in this study. Technical-tactical demands during games including shooting, game-related, and possession-related statistics were retrospectively gathered from public sources or analyzed using video analyses. Linear mixed models and effect size analyses were used to determine differences in demands according to game outcome (wins vs. losses), player sex (males vs. females), and competition phase (group games vs. finals games). Winning teams ( p < 0.05, small-large ) scored more shots, shot more efficiently, secured more rebounds, committed fewer turnovers and fouls, and drew more fouls to shoot free-throws. Differences between sexes ( p < 0.05, small-moderate ) showed male teams shot more efficiently, scored more 2-point shots, and scored more points, whereas female teams attempted more 1-point shots, committed more turnovers, and had more possessions. Considering the competition phase, more blocks were completed during group games, and more points per possession were achieved during finals games ( p < 0.05, small ). This study provides foundation normative values regarding the technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 game-play during an international competition, with reported data able to be used by practitioners in developing precise, sex-specific training and tactical strategies to optimize team success.

STRENGTH AND QUALITY TRAINING OF BASKETBALL PLAYERS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Quality exercise training of young people is a fundamental basic requirement for developing physical fitness in college basketball teaching. Objective: Enhance exercise training in young basketball players. Methods: A random selection of 50 student volunteers was made for this research. The strength and quality of basketball players of different ages were analyzed. The experimental group was subjected to specific strength training, while the control group was subjected to routine physical exercises. The experiment period was 12 weeks, and the specific technical indicators of the athletes were collected before and after the end of the experiment. The collected data were statistically treated and discussed in light of the scientific literature. Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups in the initial test score (P>0.05). The experimental group’s performance in exercise was better than the control group after 12 weeks (P<0.01). The experimental group demonstrated better performance than the control group in the standing jump, 15-meter reentry, and forward jump, corroborating the significantly different data between the two groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: This study aimed to study the unique role of strength training in the physical training of young basketball players. Special strength training positively affects upper limb muscle training in young basketball players. The lower extremities of basketball players showed expressive functional gains with special strength training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Individual characteristics of physical and mental development and their connection with regular physical exercises when playing basketball

Basketball includes a wide range of physical actions with and without the ball, which puts forward certain requirements for motor fitness, moral, volitional and mental qualities, as well as creativity and decision-making skills in rapidly changing and often unforeseen circumstances. The scientific novelty is determined by the fact that in order to categorically define the term of "features of physical and mental development and their connection with regular physical exercise", the authors analysed the works of leading scientists on the theory and methods of physical education, grouped by the authors in accordance with the main concepts. The aim of the article is to study of the phenomenon of physical culture of the student's personality, namely, the targets of the modern system of physical education and the structure of personal physical culture of a person; the humanisation and democratisation of the system of physical education; the development of the concept of the theory of physical culture and its implementation in the conditions of reformation of higher education. The practical significance of the study is determined by the fact that the elements of basketball are included in the programmes of physical education of preschool children, in the curricula for physical culture of all degrees of general secondary education (primary, secondary, high school), in the programme for physical education of higher education institutions.

Effect of Situational and Individual Factors on Training Load and Game Performance in Liga Femenina 2 Basketball Female Players

There is research that has shown how individual characteristics and performance indicators influence the load in basketball; however, studies on the influence of situational variables on performance are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of certain situational and individual variables on the training load (weekly load, game load and pre-game recovery) and the individual performance (statistical game evaluation) of female basketball players of Liga Femenina 2 during competition. The 28 games played by the 13 players of a group B team of the Liga Femenina 2 of the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) during the 2020/2021 season were analyzed. Data on rate of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived performance and recovery were collected through the Quanter mobile application as well as performance statistics from the FEB website. Five mixed linear analyses for repeated measures were performed to evaluate the effect of each situational and individual variable on each dependent variable (weekly load, game load, game RPE, pre-game recovery, and game statistical assessment). The results show how the weekly load increases after playing against a low-level opponent (p < 0.001). In games, the players who play the most minutes and accumulate the most load are also the most valued (p < 0.001). The pre-game recovery worsens as the season progresses (p < 0.001). After playing against a high-level opponent, the pre-game recovery values for the next game are lower (p = 0.031). The results obtained indicate that the situational and individual variables should be taken into account to monitor the workload. These results help coaches and physical trainers to better plan training weeks, taking into account the situational variables studied.

Relationship Between Game Load and Player's Performance in Professional Basketball

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between external and internal loads, and their ratio (efficiency index), with game performance between backcourt and frontcourt professional basketball players.

METHODS

Game loads of 14 basketball players were monitored during 6 games. External load variables measured were total distance (TD); distance >18 km·h-1, commonly known as high-speed running (HSR); and number of accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC) >3 m·s-2, whereas the internal load variable measured was average heart rate (HRmean). The ratio between external and internal load variables was calculated and defined through 4 efficiency indexes (TD:HRmean, HSR:HRmean, ACC:HRmean, and DEC:HRmean). Furthermore, basketball performance was quantified using game-related statistics.

RESULTS

TD presented a small association with basketball performance, whereas the other external load variables and the 4 efficiency indexes calculated showed trivial relationships with game-related statistics. Furthermore, HRmean showed the greatest (small) associations with individual performance (P = .01-.02; r = .19 to .22). Regarding specific positions, the only 2 variables that presented significant differences were DEC (P = .01; d = 0.86) and DEC:HRmean (P = .01; d = 0.81), which showed higher values in backcourt players compared with frontcourt players.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the best performances of basketball players during official competition are not associated with higher game loads. This illustrates the necessity to assess basketball performance from a holistic approach and consider more than just external and internal variables to better understand the players' performance during basketball competition.

Performance Differences in Male Youth Basketball Players According to Selection Status and Playing Position: An Evaluation of the Basketball Learning and Performance Assessment Instrument

The Basketball Learning and Performance Assessment Instrument (BALPAI) has been initially developed and evaluated to assess the performance of students or youth basketball players on the entry level. As it is currently the only observational instrument that allows an overall assessment of players’ in-game performance, it might represent a valuable tool for talent identification and development purposes. To investigate this potential field of application, this study aimed to evaluate the BALPAI regarding reliability and diagnostic validity when assessing youth basketball players within a competitive setting. The study sample comprised N = 54 male youth players (M_age = 14.36 ± 0.33 years) of five regional selection teams (Point Guards, PG: n = 19; Shooting Guards and Small Forwards, SG/SF: n = 21; and Power Forwards and Centers, PF/C: n = 14) that competed at the annual U15 national selection tournament of the German Basketball Federation (n = 24 selected; n = 30 non-selected). A total of 1997 ball-bound actions from five games were evaluated with BALPAI. The inter-rater reliability was assessed for technical execution, decision making, and final efficacy. The diagnostic validity of the instrument was examined via mean group comparisons of the players’ offensive game involvement and performance regarding both selection-dependent and position-dependent differences. The inter-rater reliability was confirmed for all performance-related components (κ_adj ≥ 0.51) while diagnostic validity was established only for specific the BALPAI variables. The selection-dependent analysis demonstrated higher offensive game involvement of selected players in all categories (p < 0.05, 0.27 ≤ Φ ≤ 0.40) as well as better performance in shooting and receiving (p < 0.05, 0.23 ≤ Φ ≤ 0.24). Within the positional groups, the strongest effects were demonstrated among PG (p < 0.05, 0.46 ≤ Φ ≤ 0.60). The position-dependent analysis revealed that PG are more involved in total ball-bound actions (p < 0.05; 0.34 ≤ Φ ≤ 0.53), passing (p < 0.001; 0.55 ≤ Φ ≤ 0.67), and dribbling (p < 0.05, 0.45 ≤ Φ ≤ 0.69) compared to players in other positions. Further differences between players according to selection status and playing position were not detected. The results of this evaluation indicate that the instrument, in its current form, is not yet applicable in competitive youth basketball. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing BALPAI for reliable and valid performance assessments in this context. Future studies should investigate the application of stricter and position-specific criteria to use the observational tool for talent identification and development purposes.

Positional Differences in Physique, Physical Strength, and Lower Extremity Stability in Korean Male Elite High School Basketball Athletes

No studies have measured the physical strength and lower extremity stability of elite male high school basketball players. This study aimed to measure the physique, physical strength, and lower extremity stability of such athletes in Korea and analyze the differences according to their play positions. Overall, 204 male elite basketball players participated and were classified as guard (n = 97), forward (n = 69), and center (n = 38) according to their main playing position. All sub-variables of physique were significantly higher in the forward and center groups than in the guard group, and were significantly higher in the center group than in the forward group. Strength was significantly higher in the forward and center groups than in the guard group. Agility and speed were significantly faster in the guard group than in the forward and center groups. Y-balance analysis showed that the composite score of both feet tended to be higher in the order of center, forward, and guard, and it was significantly higher in the guard group than in the center group. These results could be used as basic data for selecting players, determining positions, and setting specific training goals for players of each position to improve physical strength and prevent injuries.

A Systematic Review on Fitness Testing in Adult Male Basketball Players: Tests Adopted, Characteristics Reported and Recommendations for Practice

Background

As basketball match-play requires players to possess a wide range of physical characteristics, many tests have been introduced in the literature to identify talent and quantify fitness in various samples of players. However, a synthesis of the literature to identify the most frequently used tests, outcome variables, and normative values for basketball-related physical characteristics in adult male basketball players is yet to be conducted.

Objective

The primary objectives of this systematic review are to (1) identify tests and outcome variables used to assess physical characteristics in adult male basketball players across all competition levels, (2) report a summary of anthropometric, muscular power, linear speed, change-of-direction speed, agility, strength, anaerobic capacity, and aerobic capacity in adult male basketball players based on playing position and competition level, and (3) introduce a framework outlining recommended testing approaches to quantify physical characteristics in adult male basketball players.

Methods

A systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify relevant studies. To be eligible for inclusion, studies were required to: (1) be original research articles; (2) be published in a peer-reviewed journal; (3) have full-text versions available in the English language; and (4) include the primary aim of reporting tests used and/or the physical characteristics of adult (i.e., ≥ 18 years of age) male basketball players. Additionally, data from the top 10 draft picks who participated in the National Basketball Association combined from 2011–12 to 2020–21 were extracted from the official league website to highlight the physical characteristics of elite 19- to 24-year-old basketball players.

Results

A total of 1684 studies were identified, with 375 being duplicates. Consequently, the titles and abstracts of 1309 studies were screened and 231 studies were eligible for full-text review. The reference list of each study was searched, with a further 59 studies identified as eligible for review. After full-text screening, 137 studies identified tests, while 114 studies reported physical characteristics in adult male basketball players.

Conclusions

Physical characteristics reported indicate a wide range of abilities are present across playing competitions. The tests and outcome variables reported in the literature highlight the multitude of tests currently being used. Because there are no accepted international standards for physical assessment of basketball players, establishing normative data is challenging. Therefore, future testing should involve repeatable protocols that are standardised and provide outcomes that can be monitored across time. Recommendations for testing batteries in adult male basketball players are provided so improved interpretation of data can occur.

Clinical Trial Registration

This review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and allocated registration number CRD42020187151 on 28 April, 2020.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40279-021-01626-3.

Tracking Systems in Team Sports: A Narrative Review of Applications of the Data and Sport Specific Analysis

Seeking to obtain a competitive advantage and manage the risk of injury, team sport organisations are investing in tracking systems that can quantify training and competition characteristics. It is expected that such information can support objective decision-making for the prescription and manipulation of training load. This narrative review aims to summarise, and critically evaluate, different tracking systems and their use within team sports. The selection of systems should be dependent upon the context of the sport and needs careful consideration by practitioners. The selection of metrics requires a critical process to be able to describe, plan, monitor and evaluate training and competition characteristics of each sport. An emerging consideration for tracking systems data is the selection of suitable time analysis, such as temporal durations, peak demands or time series segmentation, whose best use depends on the temporal characteristics of the sport. Finally, examples of characteristics and the application of tracking data across seven popular team sports are presented. Practitioners working in specific team sports are advised to follow a critical thinking process, with a healthy dose of scepticism and awareness of appropriate theoretical frameworks, where possible, when creating new or selecting an existing metric to profile team sport athletes.

External, Internal, Perceived Training Loads and Their Relationships in Youth Basketball Players Across Different Positions

PURPOSE

To quantify external, internal, and perceived training loads and their relationships in youth basketball players across different playing positions.

METHODS

Fourteen regional-level youth male players (age: 15.2 [0.3] y) were monitored during team-based training sessions across 10 in-season weeks. The players were monitored with BioHarness-3 devices, to measure external (Impulse Load, in Newtons per second) and internal (summated-heart-rate zones [SHRZ], in arbitrary units [AU]) loads, and with the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE, in AU) method to quantify perceived training load. Multiple linear mixed models were performed to compare training loads between playing positions (backcourt and frontcourt). Repeated-measures correlations were performed to assess the relationships between the load models, for all players and within playing positions.

RESULTS

External load (backcourt: 13,599 [2260] N·s; frontcourt: 14,934 [2173] N·s) and sRPE (backcourt: 345 [132] AU; frontcourt: 505 [158] AU) were higher in the frontcourt (P < .05, effect size: moderate), while SHRZ was similar between positions (backcourt: 239 [45] AU; frontcourt: 247 [43] AU) (P > .05; effect size: trivial). The correlations were as follows: large between the external load and SHRZ (r = .57, P < .001), moderate between SHRZ and sRPE (r = .45, P < .001), and small between the external load and sRPE (r = .26, P = .02). The correlation magnitudes were equivalent for external load-SHRZ (large) and SHRZ-sRPE (moderate) across positions, but different for the external load-sRPE correlation (small in backcourt; moderate in frontcourt).

CONCLUSIONS

In youth basketball, small-large commonalities were found between the training dose (external load) and players' responses (internal and perceived loads). Practitioners should carefully manage frontcourt players' training loads because they accumulate greater external and perceived loads than backcourt  players do.

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.

Investigation of readiness and perceived workload in junior female basketball players during a congested match schedule

This study aimed to: a) investigate the differences in workload and readiness between two junior female national basketball teams competing at different European Championships (EC); b) compare workload, readiness and match performance for players with longer and shorter playing times, and; c) examine the relationship between workload, readiness and match performance variables. Under-18 (U18) (n = 10, height = 179.9 ± 6.6 cm, body mass = 70.2 ± 5.1 kg) and under-20 (U20) female national basketball teams (n = 11, height = 178.4 ± 8.8 cm, body mass = 73.0 ± 9.7 kg) were monitored during congested match schedules encompassing 7 matches within 9 days. Daily workload was determined via the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE workload); readiness was measured by heart-rate variability (HRV) and well-being (WB); and match performance was assessed using the efficiency statistic and playing time. Analysis of workload and readiness during the EC showed no statistically significant between-team differences in any variables except WB for the U18 team, which was lower on Day 8 compared to the U20 team (p = 0.03; effect size [ES] = large). Players accumulating longer playing time showed a higher sRPE workload (p = 0.01, ES = moderate) and efficiency statistic (p = 0.04, ES = moderate) while no readiness variable differed significantly (p > 0.05) compared to players with shorter playing time. Trivial-to-small correlations were observed between workload, readiness and match performance variables. The study shows that junior female basketball players were able to cope with a congested schedule of 7 matches in 9 days irrespective of the competition context or individual differences in workload. Finally, combining objective and subjective methods to assess workload and readiness is recommended due to the weak relationships observed between these methods.

Using Metabolomics to Differentiate Player Positions in Elite Male Basketball Games: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The current study compared metabolic profiles and movement patterns between different player positions and explored relationships between indicators of internal and external loads during elite male basketball games.

Methods: Five main players from 14 basketball teams (n = 70) were selected as subjects and defined as backcourt (positions 1–3) or frontcourt (positions 4–5) players. Video-based time motion analysis (VBTMA) was performed based on players’ individual maximal speeds. Movements were classified into high and low intensity running with and without ball, high and low intensity shuffling, static effort and jumps. Saliva samples were collected before and after 40-min basketball games with metabolomics data being analyzed by multivariate statistics. Independent t-tests were used to compare VBTMA.

Results: Frequency, duration, and distance of high and low intensity running and -shuffling were higher in backcourt players, whereas static effort duration and frequency as well as jump frequency were higher in frontcourt players (all p ≤ 0.05). The levels of taurine, succinic acid, citric acid, pyruvate, glycerol, acetoacetic acid, acetone, and hypoxanthine were higher in backcourt players, while lactate, alanine, 3-methylhistidine were higher and methionine was lower in frontcourt players (all p < 0.05). High intensity running with ball was significantly associated by acetylecholine, hopoxanthine, histidine, lactic acid and leucine in backcourt players (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: We demonstrate different metabolic profiles of backcourt and frontcourt players during elite male basketball games; while aerobic metabolic changes are more present in backcourt players, frontcourt players showed lager changes in anaerobic metabolic pathways due to more static movements.

Assessing the External Load Associated With High-Intensity Activities Recorded During Official Basketball Games

Load monitoring in basketball is fundamental to develop training programs, maximizing performance while reducing injury risk. However, information regarding the load associated with specific activity patterns during competition is limited. This study aimed at assessing the external load associated with high-intensity activities recorded during official basketball games, with respect to different (1) activity patterns, (2) playing positions, and (3) activities performed with or without ball. Eleven male basketball players (six backcourt, five frontcourt, age: 20.5 ± 1.1 years, stature: 191.5 ± 8.7 cm, body mass: 86.5 ± 11.3 kg; experience: 8.5 ± 2.4 years) competing in the Lithuanian third division were recruited for this study. Three in-season games were assessed via time-motion analysis and microsensors. Specifically, the high-intensity activities including sprints, high-intensity specific movements (HSM) and jumps were identified and subsequently the external load [PlayerLoad™ (PL) and PlayerLoad™/min (PL/min)] of each activity was determined. Linear mixed models were used to examine differences in PL, PL/min and mean duration between activity pattern, playing positions and activities performed with or without ball. Results revealed PL was lower in jumps compared to sprints [p < 0.001, effect size (ES) = 0.68] and HSMs (p < 0.001, ES = 0.58), while PL/min was greater in sprints compared to jumps (p = 0.023, ES = 0.22). Jumps displayed shorter duration compared to sprints (p < 0.001, ES = 1.10) and HSMs (p < 0.001, ES = 0.81), with HSMs lasting longer than sprints (p = 0.002, ES = 0.17). Jumps duration was longer in backcourt than frontcourt players (p < 0.001, ES = 0.33). When considering activity patterns combined, PL (p < 0.001, ES = 0.28) and duration (p < 0.001, ES = 0.43) were greater without ball. Regarding HSMs, PL/min was higher with ball (p = 0.036, ES = 0.14), while duration was longer without ball (p < 0.001, ES = 0.34). The current findings suggest that external load differences in high-intensity activities exist among activity patterns and between activities performed with and without ball, while no differences were found between playing positions. Practitioners should consider these differences when designing training sessions.

Explaining Positional Differences of Performance Profiles for the Elite Female Basketball Players

The aim of the present study was to explore the differences in technical performances of players considering playing positions by controlling the effect of situational variables in each FIBA female continental basketball competition. Samples of 9,208 observations from 471 games in the America, Africa, Asia, and Europe Championships during 2013-2017 were collected and analyzed by generalized mixed linear modeling. The results showed that Centers from Europe had more 2-point made (ES = 0.69), 2-point attempted (ES = 0.79), and offensive (ES = 0.64) and defensive (ES = 0.48) rebounds than forward. Asian and European guards performed a fewer number of 2-point made (ES = 0.90; 0.91), 2-point attempted (ES = 1.06; 0.98), and offensive (ES = 1.30; 1.23) and defensive (ES = 0.93; 0.94) rebounds than Asian and European centers. African and Asian forward had more 2-point made (ES = 0.48; 0.50), 2-point attempted (ES = 0.50; 0.56) than guards. This study helps to better understand the technical demands of female basketball among different international competitions, which could pave a new way to analyze the development trend of female basketball and promoting specific training plans and game strategies for coaches and players.

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

PURPOSE

To quantify and compare the internal workloads experienced during the playoffs and regular season in basketball.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Training load, recovery and game performance in semiprofessional male basketball: influence of individual characteristics and contextual factors

This study examined the effects of individual characteristics and contextual factors on training load, pre-game recovery and game performance in adult male semi-professional basketball. Fourteen players were monitored, across a whole competitive season, with the session-RPE method to calculate weekly training load, and the Total Quality Recovery Scale to obtain pre-game recovery scores. Additionally, game-related statistics were gathered during official games to calculate the Performance Index Rating (PIR). Individual characteristics and contextual factors were grouped using k-means cluster analyses. Separate mixed linear models for repeated measures were performed to evaluate the single and combined (interaction) effects of individual characteristics (playing experience; playing position; playing time) and contextual factors (season phase; recovery cycle; previous game outcome; previous and upcoming opponent level) on weekly training load, pre-game recovery and PIR. Weekly load was higher in guards and medium minute-per-game (MPG) players, and lower for medium-experienced players, before facing high-level opponents, during later season phases and short recovery cycles (all p < 0.05). Pre-game recovery was lower in centers and high-experience players (p < 0.05). Game performance was better in high-MPG players (p < 0.05) and when facing low and medium-level opponents (p < 0.001). Interestingly, players performed better in games when the previous week's training load was low (p = 0.042). This study suggests that several individual characteristics and contextual factors need to be considered when monitoring training load (playing experience, playing position, playing time, recovery cycle, upcoming opponent level), recovery (playing experience, playing position) and game performance (opponent level, weekly training load, pre-game recovery) in basketball players during the competitive season.