A Narrative Review of the Dominant Physiological Energy Systems in Basketball and the Importance of Specificity and Uniqueness in Measuring Basketball Players

Abstract

Basketball playing entails the repetitive performance of short intense actions using lower limb explosive power. As such, it is important to measure this capability in basketball players, especially among young players, and to optimize training programs and game plans. After presenting an in-depth understanding of the specific physiological requirements when playing basketball, as well as the type of movements required, the aim of this review is to better understand the importance of the physiological energy systems in basketball, to examine the contribution of each energy system and, accordingly, to heighten awareness of the importance and dominance of the alactic anaerobic physiological system in basketball for actions requiring high-level explosive power. This review of the literature depicts the horizontal and vertical physical movements and physiological requirements entailed in playing basketball and presents eight standardized anaerobic alactic measurement tools relevant to the game. As some of these tests suit a number of ball games, the findings of this review article are important for making the order of the elements unique to basketball as well as additional parameters to consider when testing basketball players. By reliably and validly testing the anaerobic alactic capabilities of basketball players, test results can be used for training purposes and for improving game outcomes. Despite the fact that much of the information in this review is familiar to coaches, highlighting the specific needs of basketball will help them choose the most suitable tools and also shed light on new directions for developing basketball-specific assessment tests.

The Use of Sleds as a Unique Training Technique for Anaerobic Performance Development among Young Basketball Players

“…Due to their high relevance to the game of basketball, such training should be integrated into the training regimen of basketball players in general [20]. Yet trainers should note that prolonged submaximal strength training sessions could lead to increased muscle mass and decreased explosive power [1,[20][21][22]-which could hinder, rather than improve, acceleration, agility, and maximum speed in athletes.…”

“…Finally, the significance of explosive strength in basketball was highlighted in a review article, whereby a strong relationship was seen between explosive strength and most actions performed by basketball players on the court, such as sprints, direction changes, stops, and jumps [1][2][3][4]. Players with a stronger lower body were found to possess better explosive power and, therefore, minimize ground-contact time-while still producing maximal eccentric force in subsequent jumps, allowing them to secure rebounds faster [23].…”

“…Anaerobic fitness plays a fundamental role in the performing of short and intense activities, which are common in sports such as sprinting, gymnastics, and various ball games [1,2]. The anaerobic system is based on metabolic processes that occur in active muscle cells and rely on local carbohydrate stores (without the use of oxygen) [1].…”

“…Anaerobic fitness plays a fundamental role in the performing of short and intense activities, which are common in sports such as sprinting, gymnastics, and various ball games [1,2]. The anaerobic system is based on metabolic processes that occur in active muscle cells and rely on local carbohydrate stores (without the use of oxygen) [1]. Moreover, the anaerobic system is divided into two pathways: (1) the ATP-CP (a lactic) pathway, which primarily provides energy for performing short and intense activities (0-10 s) such as sprints, jumps, and throws [1,3].…”

“…The anaerobic system is based on metabolic processes that occur in active muscle cells and rely on local carbohydrate stores (without the use of oxygen) [1]. Moreover, the anaerobic system is divided into two pathways: (1) the ATP-CP (a lactic) pathway, which primarily provides energy for performing short and intense activities (0-10 s) such as sprints, jumps, and throws [1,3]. This pathway entails the breakdown of both ATP molecules and stored energy molecules known as creatine phosphate (CP), which is found in muscles in small quantities; and (2) the glycolytic pathway, which supplies the energy needed for performing intense or prolonged activities [2,4].…”