Individualization of Intensity Thresholds on External Workload Demands in Women’s Basketball by K-Means Clustering: Differences Based on the Competitive Level

In previous studies found in the literature speed (SP), acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), and impact (IMP) zones have been created according to arbitrary thresholds without considering the specific workload profile of the players (e.g., sex, competitive level, sport discipline). The use of statistical methods based on raw data could be considered as an alternative to be able to individualize these thresholds. The study purposes were to: (a) individualize SP, ACC, DEC, and IMP zones in two female professional basketball teams; (b) characterize the external workload profile of 5 vs. 5 during training sessions; and (c) compare the external workload according to the competitive level (first vs. second division). Two basketball teams were recorded during a 15-day preseason microcycle using inertial devices with ultra-wideband indoor tracking technology and microsensors. The zones of external workload variables (speed, acceleration, deceleration, impacts) were categorized through k-means clusters. Competitive level differences were analyzed with Mann–Whitney’s U test and with Cohen’s d effect size. Five zones were categorized in speed (<2.31, 2.31–5.33, 5.34–9.32, 9.33–13.12, 13.13–17.08 km/h), acceleration (<0.50, 0.50–1.60, 1.61–2.87, 2.88–4.25, 4.26–6.71 m/s2), deceleration (<0.37, 0.37–1.13, 1.14–2.07, 2.08–3.23, 3.24–4.77 m/s2), and impacts (<1, 1–2.99, 3–4.99, 5–6.99, 7–10 g). The women’s basketball players covered 60–51 m/min, performed 27–25 ACC-DEC/min, and experienced 134–120 IMP/min. Differences were found between the first and second division teams, with higher values in SP, ACC, DEC, and IMP in the first division team (p < 0.03; d = 0.21–0.56). In conclusion, k-means clustering can be considered as an optimal tool to categorize intensity zones in team sports. The individualization of external workload demands according to the competitive level is fundamental for designing training plans that optimize sports performance and reduce injury risk in sport.

Evaluating the Efficiency of Off-Ball Screens in Elite Basketball Teams via Second-Order Markov Modelling

In basketball, the offensive movements on both strong and weak sides and tactical behavior play major roles in the effectiveness of a team’s offense. In the literature, studies are mostly focused on offensive actions, such as ball screens on the strong side. In the present paper, for the first time a second-order Markov model is defined to evaluate players’ interactions on the weak side, particularly for exploring the effectiveness of tactical structures and off-ball screens regarding the final outcome. The sample consisted of 1170 possessions of the FIBA Basketball Champions League 2018–2019. The variables of interest were the type of screen on the weak side, the finishing move, and the outcome of the shot. The model incorporates partial non-homogeneity according to the time of the execution (0–24″) and the quarter of playtime, and it is conditioned on the off-ball screen type. Regarding the overall performance, the results indicated that the outcome of each possession was influenced not only by the type of the executed shot, but also by the specific type of screen that took place earlier on the weak side of the offense. Thus, the proposed model could operate as an advisory tool for the coach’s strategic plans.

Aspects Regarding Geographic and Spatial Dispersion Determined by Romanian National Men’s Basketball League (2006-2019)

This article intends to analyze the men’s basketball phenomenon in Romania, at the level of the Romanian National Basketball League (the elite league in Romanian Men’s Basketball). In the first part of this article we will analyze the numeric indicators resulted from the mathematical quantifiers of the participation of men’s basketball teams in the National Basketball League. In the second part we will highlight aspects of geographic and spatial dispersion by using mathematical methods (such as the Euclidean distances). Furthermore, we will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the geographic location of men’s basketball teams from Romania.

Research on the method of constructing the sports marketing management system of college basketball team

Research has shown that the world’s population is currently 7.8 billion, out of which 28% are exposed to the online market. Creating a sports management system for basketball teams will thus have a great impact to the approximately 2.2 billion people using the online platforms. Since marketing is important in almost every field, we will be employing it in school sports. School sports assume a significant role in mental and physiological well-being, particularly in the information age. Its emergence has incredibly helped in the upkeep of a healthy well being and an exponential decrease in non-communicable diseases and chronic illnesses. As one of the sports being played in college institutions, Basketball is fundamental in maintaining an optimal body mass index (BMI) and reducing obesity. It should thus be encouraged. This study’s objective is to oversee the creation of a sports marketing management system (SMMS) for college basketball teams. We explain the procedural processes involved in building the management system. This is because its mere presence and practice are not sufficient to oversee its full potential, marketing is at the core of every successful implementation and it is thus necessary to create this system for this sole purpose. Creating this system, especially in this data age is so important since there are a barrage of platforms to facilitate its use. A previous study has indicated a rise in the utilization of technological gadgets, such as PCs, cell phones, and work stations. Figure 1 indicates these findings. Making a management system that may be utilized with these gadgets will subsequently help access to numerous understudies. It will likewise assist in reaching a large circle of target audience. This is because participants will be not only able to participate on-site but also off-site. This investigation discretely explains the requirement for the SMMS. It procedurally clarifies the procedures required from the conceptualization to its realization and release.

Prediction of Offensive Possession Ends in Elite Basketball Teams

In basketball, the end of the ball possession has been described as one of the most important determinants of successful offensive play by a team. The present study aimed to: (i) investigate outcomes according to the play types of ends of the ball possession; (ii) find the most efficient ball possessions during the game; (iii) predict most efficient ends of the ball possession by time in an elite basketball competition. The sample was composed of 38,640 situations of ends of the ball possession from 240 games of the 2017–2018 regular season of the men’s Euroleague that were quantitatively analyzed. According to the results, the predictive model can be used in modern basketball. The most efficient ends of the ball possession are the 2-point field goals on the fast break (78.2%), cuts (64.8%), pick and roll (P&R) screener (61.5%), and transition and offensive rebound (57.4%) situations. This information allows a better collective understanding of basketball, and it could be a great tool to use for coaches to prove which tactical solutions are to be considered when improving offense and defense strategies. It also contributes to the design of precise practice tasks of the coach that improve the game.

Impact of European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) on the Development of the U16 Men’s Basketball Teams

The main focus of our research was the U16 age group since it is one of the most significant in terms of the young athlete’s future - probably professional - career. It was very helpful in research that this age group was a priority in the Basketball Academy of Debrecen’s program and they were competing in an international basketball league, in the European Youth Basketball League (EYBL). Thanks to the EYBL tournaments we have got a chance to analyze this youth category completely. For primer research we have chosen three teams, two Hungarian, and one Italian, to get an impression why is so important to play basketball at the international level in this age. We have made interviews with the coaches, organizers and the manager of the league to have an international comparison of this age group.

The Non-Sweet Sixteen: Referee Bias Against Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Men’s College Basketball

This study focused on historically Black colleges and universities in men’s college basketball. A review of previous literature revealed that referee bias was a recurring phenomenon, while whiteness studies served as the theoretical frame. The data for this analysis centered on a 16-year period of time. The referees called a statistically significant number of personal fouls per game against men’s college basketball teams from historically Black colleges and universities relative to the number of personal fouls per game that referees called against men’s college basketball teams from predominantly White institutions. These findings suggest that men’s college basketball players were judged differently depending on whether the student-athlete played for a historically Black college and university or a predominantly White institution. The implications for critical and social theories were noted in the study discussion.