Collection and Advice on Basketball Field Tests—A Literature Review

We conducted a review to collect the validated basketball-specific physical field tests and to provide practical advice for their appropriate selection and application. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed via three electronic databases (PubMed, GoogleScholar, and SportDiscuss). Results of 93 studies provided recommendations for seven test packages and eighteen individual tests that have already been validated for basketball players. Although there is a lack of standardized, widely, and systematically used test protocols for testing the fitness levels of basketball players, standardized, normative data from NBA Combine Testing and other basketball-specific tests have the potential to help coaches compare their players with elite basketball players. Our review indicated that agility and reactive agility are fundamental skills in basketball; however, linear sprinting ability should not be considered a determining factor of success for basketball players. Finally, the countermovement jump test can help experts monitor fatigue, loss of explosive force, and interlimb asymmetries. In general, we found that identifying and developing a talented player is a complex task and requires experts from different fields, including trainers, coaches, performance- and movement analyzers, and physiotherapists. We found that during the testing of basketball players, experts always have to normalize their data with anthropometric measures for valid results. Most importantly, although experts always need to define an aim of testing and should follow the protocol of the chosen test, they also have to be open to making adjustments if the actual circumstances require it.

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Field Testing Protocols for Talent Identification and Development in Basketball—A Systematic Review

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11104340 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 4340

Author(s):

Anna Gál-Pottyondy ◽

Bálint Petró ◽

András Czétényi ◽

János Négyesi ◽

Ryoichi Nagatomi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Reactive Power ◽

Influencing Factor ◽

Team Sports ◽

Field Tests ◽

Field Testing ◽

Scientific Data ◽

Quality Of Reporting ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Anthropometric Measures

Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the world. A wide variety of athletic skills can be valuable indicators of a talented player. Testing these skills help trainers and scouts to make the best decisions during both youth and adult player selection of different competitive levels and field positions. However, scientific data regarding the association between field tests results and match statistics is sparse. We conducted a systematic review to logically summarize the physical field tests of athletic abilities and anthropometric measures used in basketball in different player positions at different levels, and to determine whether test results may correlate with match statistics. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed via three electronic databases (PubMed, GoogleScholar, SportDiscus). The CASP checklist was used for checking the quality of reporting for all included articles. Based on 39 studies, it could be supported that the agility, speed and jumping test values seem to be crucial measures for basketball players. Anthropometry appeared to be the strongest discriminative factor between basketball positions, therefore, these values need to be significantly considered during selection. Moreover, the maturity status is also an important influencing factor for U-18 teams. In general, we found that successful players can be identified by their nonplanned agility and reactive power, considering that these factors affect match outcomes the most at the same competitive level.

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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Decreases the Decline of Speed during Repeated Sprinting in Basketball Athletes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136967 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6967

Author(s):

Che-Hsiu Chen ◽

Yu-Chun Chen ◽

Ren-Shiang Jiang ◽

Lok-Yin Lo ◽

I-Lin Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Direct Current ◽

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Fatigue Index ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Jump Test

The purpose of this study was to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve countermovement jump performance, fatigue index and alleviate the speed decline during repeated shuttle sprints in trained basketball players. Thirteen trained basketball players were divided into the tDCS trial and sham trial by the random crossover design. The tDCS trial was stimulated with 2-mA current in the M1 area in the middle of the top of the head for 20 min. For the sham trial, the current was turned off after 5 s, stopping the electrical stimulation. After warming up, the players underwent countermovement jump test, weighted countermovement jump test and then performed 40 × 15-m sprints with with a 1:4 exercise: rest ratio. The jump height, sprinting time, fatigue index, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were analyzed by paired-sample t-test, when significance was discovered by two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. The study results revealed that the tDCS trial significantly increase the countermovement jump performance (p = 0.04), decrease the sprinting time (p = 0.016), and had improved fatigue index during the sprinting process (p = 0.009). However, the heart rate and RPE during sprinting were nonsignificantly different between the trials. This study has identified that tDCS can decrease the speed decline, fatigue index during sprinting and increase countermovement jump performance without affecting heart rate or the rating of perceived exertion.

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Specific Physical Ability Prediction in Youth Basketball Players According to Playing Position

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19020977 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 977

Author(s):

Jelena Ivanović ◽

Filip Kukić ◽

Gianpiero Greco ◽

Nenad Koropanovski ◽

Saša Jakovljević ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Body Mass ◽

Reference Model ◽

Body Height ◽

Field Tests ◽

Physical Characteristics ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Training Programmes

This study investigated the hierarchical structure of physical characteristics in elite young (i.e., U17-U19) basketball players according to playing positions. In addition, their predictive value of physical characteristics was determined for the evaluation of players’ physical preparedness. Sixty elite male basketball players performed 13 standardized specific field tests in order to assess the explosive power of lower limbs, speed, and change-of-direction speed. They were divided into three groups according to playing positions (guard [n = 28], forward [n = 22], center [n = 10]). The basic characteristics of the tested sample were: age = 17.36 ± 1.04 years, body height = 192.80 ± 4.49 cm, body mass = 79.83 ± 6.94 kg, and basketball experience = 9.38 ± 2.10 years for guards; age = 18.00 ± 1.00 years, body height = 201.48 ± 3.14 cm, body mass = 90.93 ± 9.85 kg, and basketball experience = 9.93 ± 2.28 years for forwards; and age = 17.60 ± 1.43 years; body height = 207.20 ± 3.29 cm, body mass = 104.00 ± 9.64 kg, and basketball experience = 9.20 ± 1.62 years for centers. For all playing positions factor analysis extracted three factors, which cumulatively explained 76.87, 88.12 and 87.63% of variance, respectively. The assessed performance measures were defined as significant (p < 0.001), with regression models of physical performance index (PPINDEX). PPINDEX of guards = −6.860 + (0.932 × t-test) − (1.656 × Acceleration 15 m) − (0.020 × Countermovement jump); PPINDEX of forwards = −3.436 − (0.046 × Countermovement jump with arm swing) − (1.295 × Acceleration 15 m) + (0.582 × Control of dribbling); PPINDEX of centers = −4.126 + (0.604 × Control of dribbling) − (1.315 × Acceleration 15 m) − (0.037 × Sargent jump). A model for the evaluation of physical performance of young basketball players has been defined. In addition, this model could be used as a reference model for selection procedures, as well as to monitor the efficacy of applied training programmes within the short, medium and long-term periodization.

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Muscular Strength Spurts in Adolescent Male Basketball Players: The INEX Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020776 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 776

Author(s):

Eduardo Guimarães ◽

José A. R. Maia ◽

Mark Williams ◽

Filipa Sousa ◽

Eduardo Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscular Strength ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Height Velocity ◽

Adolescent Male ◽

Strength Development ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Medicine Ball

Although successful performance in basketball requires high levels of muscular strength during adolescence, its development is confounded by the effects of normal growth. We examine the timing, intensity and sequence of muscular strength according to biological age (years from peak height velocity (PHV)) and hypothesize that young basketball players attain their peak muscular strength spurts around PHV. A total of 160 adolescent male basketballers, aged 11–15 years, were followed bi-annually over 3 consecutive years. The years from attainment of PHV and peak weight velocity (PWV) were estimated and five muscular strength measures (sit-ups, handgrip, seated medicine ball throw, squat jump and countermovement jump) were aligned to years from PHV in 3-month intervals. Strength velocities were estimated using a non-smooth mathematical model. The mean ages at-PHV and at-PWV were 13.90 ± 1.40 years and 13.90 ± 1.79 years, respectively. Maximal velocity in sit-ups was attained 6 months prior to attainment of PHV (intensity = 10.69 repetitions·year−1), whereas maximal velocity in squat jump occurred 6 months after-PHV (intensity = 3.93 cm·year−1). Handgrip strength, seated medicine ball throw and countermovement jump maximal velocity peaked at-PHV (intensity = 8.47 kgf·year−1, intensity = 0.75 m·year−1, intensity = 5.59 cm·year−1, respectively). In general, maximal velocity spurts did not differ in their timing, with the velocities reaching a peak concurrent with PHV and PWV or within 6 months of its attainment. Basketball coaches, as well as strength and conditioning trainers, should consider individual differences in strength development and be aware of rapid periods of growth in stature when planning and designing muscular strength training regimes.

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The Influence of Countermovement Jump Protocol on Reactive Strength Index Modified and Flight Time: Contraction Time in Collegiate Basketball Players

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports7020037 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 37 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Aaron Heishman ◽

Brady Brown ◽

Bryce Daub ◽

Ryan Miller ◽

Eduardo Freitas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Force Plate ◽

Flight Time ◽

Contraction Time ◽

Strength Index ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Arm Swing ◽

Collegiate Basketball ◽

Positive Correlations ◽

The Relationship

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate differences in Reactive Strength Index Modified (RSIMod) and Flight Time to Contraction Time Ratio (FT:CT) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) performed without the arm swing (CMJNAS) compared to the CMJ with the arm swing (CMJAS), while exploring the relationship within each variable between jump protocols. A secondary purpose sought to explore the relationship between RSIMod and FT:CT during both jump protocols. Twenty-two collegiate basketball players performed both three CMJNAS and three CMJAS on a force plate, during two separate testing sessions. RSIMod was calculated by the flight-time (RSIModFT) and impulse-momentum methods (RSIModIMP). CMJ variables were significantly greater during the CMJAS compared to CMJNAS (p < 0.001). There were large to very large correlations within each variable between the CMJAS and CMJNAS. There were significant positive correlations among RSIModFT, RSIModIMP, and FT:CT during both the CMJAS (r ≥ 0.864, p < 0.001) and CMJNAS (r ≥ 0.960, p < 0.001). These findings identify an increase in RSIMod or FT:CT during the CMJAS, that may provide independent information from the CMJNAS. In addition, either RSIMod or FT:CT may be utilized to monitor changes in performance, but simultaneous inclusion may be unnecessary.

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Acute consumption of p-synephrine does not enhance performance in sprint athletes

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2015-0299 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 63-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jorge Gutiérrez-Hellín ◽

Juan José Salinero ◽

Javier Abían-Vicen ◽

Francisco Areces ◽

Beatriz Lara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scientific Information ◽

Monitoring Program ◽

Well Being ◽

Placebo Control Trial ◽

Placebo Control ◽

Jump Height ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Jump Test ◽

The Hours

P-Synephrine is a protoalkaloid widely used as an ergogenic aid in sports. This substance has been included in the World Anti-Doping Agency monitoring program, although scientific information about its effects on performance and athletes’ well-being is scarce. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of p-synephrine to increase performance in sprint athletes. In a randomized and counterbalanced order, 13 experienced sprinters performed 2 acute experimental trials after the ingestion of p-synephrine (3 mg·kg−1) or after the ingestion of a placebo (control trial). Forty-five minutes after the ingestion of the substances, the sprinters performed a squat jump, a countermovement jump, a 15-s repeated jump test, and subsequently performed 60-m and 100-m simulated sprint competitions. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess side-effect prevalence. In comparison with the control trial, the ingestion of p-synephrine did not change countermovement jump height (37.4 ± 4.2 vs 36.7 ± 3.3 cm, respectively; P = 0.52), squat jump height (34.4 ± 3.6 vs 33.9 ± 3.7 cm; P = 0.34), or average 15-s repeated jumps height (31.8 ± 4.1 vs 32.2 ± 3.6 cm; P = 0.18). P-Synephrine did not modify maximal running speed during the 60-m (9.0 ± 0.5 vs 9.0 ± 0.4 m·s−1, respectively; P = 0.55) and 100-m sprint competitions (8.8 ± 0.5 vs 8.8 ± 0.5 m·s−1, respectively; P = 0.92). The ingestion of p-synephrine did not alter the prevalence of headache, gastrointestinal discomforts, muscle pain, or insomnia during the hours following the tests. Acute consumption of 3 mg·kg−1 of p-synephrine was ineffective to increase performance in competitive sprint athletes. Moreover, p-synephrine did not increase the occurrence of side effects after the competition.

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Effects of complex strength training with elastic band program on repeated change of direction in young female handball players: Randomized control trial

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching ◽

10.1177/17479541211062152 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174795412110621

Author(s):

Mehrez Hammami ◽

Nawel Gaamouri ◽

Yosser Cherni ◽

Sabri Gaied ◽

Mohamed Souhaiel Chelly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Young Female ◽

Control Group ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Elastic Band ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Jump Test ◽

Back Extensor ◽

Experimental Group

This study examined the effect of 10-week complex strength training with elastic band program on fitness components in young female handball players. Thirty-eight handball players aged 15.8 ± 0.2 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group or control group. The experimental group performed complex strength training with elastic band twice a week over 10 weeks, which included 8 workshops of progressing set length (number of sets) and band resistance for each specific exercise. Sessions were lasted approximately 35 min. The control group maintained regular in-season training. Tests included handgrip; back extensor; medicine ball throw; 30 m sprint times; Modified Illinois change-of-direction (Illinois-MT); four jump tests (squat jump, countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms and five jump test; static (stork test) and dynamic (Y balance test) balance; and repeated sprint T-test. The experimental group enhanced all strength performance (handgrip right ( p < 0.001), handgrip left ( p < 0.001), back extensor strength ( p < 0.001) and medicine ball throw ( p < 0.001) compared to the controls); sprint performance (5 m ( p<0.001), 10 m ( p < 0.001), 20 m ( p < 0.001), and 30 m ( p < 0.001)); the change of direction (Illinois-MT ( p < 0.001)); jump performance (squat jump ( p < 0.001), countermovement jump ( p < 0.001), countermovement jump with arms ( p < 0.001), and five jump test ( p < 0.01)); and the repeated sprint T-test scores ( p<0.001in all scores). In contrast, no significant difference in both static and dynamic balance performance between experimental group and control group. Ten weeks of complex strength training with elastic band improve fitness components measures in young female handball players then habitual training.

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Dermatoglifía y su relación con el perfil morfo-funcional en un club de fútbol sala masculino profesional de Bogotá

SPORT TK-Revista EuroAmericana de Ciencias del Deporte ◽

10.6018/sportk.433351 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 76-90

Author(s):

Angela Yazmín Gálvez Pardo ◽

Anderson David Cortés García ◽

Daniel Fabricio González Reina ◽

Laura Elizabeth Castro Jiménez ◽

Yenny Paola Argüello Gutierrez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Functional Profile ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Jump Test ◽

Explosive Force ◽

Physical Abilities ◽

Physical Capacities ◽

The City ◽

Sports Selection

Una óptima selección deportiva está formada por la valoración del genotipo (dermatoglifía) y el fenotipo (somatotipo, composición corporal y capacidades físicas). El propósito del estudio fue determinar la relación entre la dermatoglifía y el perfil morfo-funcional en deportistas profesionales de futbol sala en la ciudad de Bogotá. La muestra estuvo conformada por 12 hombres, quienes fueron evaluados antropométricamente, con porcentaje graso de 18,4 ± 5,9; masa músculo-esquelética de 32,4 ± 4,4 kg y un somatotipo endo-mesomórfico. Por medio de la dermatoglifía se determinó predominancia en los diseños dactilares presilla (69,2±23,1), D10 (11,3±3,6), SQTL (140,7±95,1). Por último, se valoró la fuerza explosiva con la prueba de Squat Jump, en la cual la posición de poste logró mayor altura. En conclusión, existe una predisposición hacia las capacidades físicas de velocidad, potencia, coordinación y resistencia, además la fuerza explosiva es mayor en deportistas con menor valor en el componente endomórfico y en el porcentaje de masa grasa. An optimal sports selection is formed by assessment of genotype (dermatoglyph) and phenotype (somatotype, body composition and physical abilities). The purpose of the study was to determine relationship between dermatoglyphics and morpho-functional profile in professional futsal athletes in the city Bogotá. The sample consisted of 12 men, who were anthropometrically evaluated, with a fat % of 18,4 ± 5,9; a musculoskeletal mass of 32,4 ± 4,4 kg and endo-mesomorphic somatotype. Through of dermatoglyphics, predominance was determined in the fingerprint designs L (69,2 ± 23,1), D10 (11,3 ± 3,6), SQTL (140,7 ± 95,1). Finally, explosive force was assessed with the Squat Jump test, in which the post position achieved the greatest height. In conclusion, there is a predisposition towards the physical capacities of speed, power, coordination and resistance, in addition the explosive force is greater in athletes with a lower value in endomorphic component and in percentage of fat mass.

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