Anthropometry and performance of top youth international male basketball players in Spanish national academy

Abstract

The “Century XXI” Project is a seven-year intervention sport program performed among the best Spanish youth basketball players, who were assigned to one of the following intervention groups based on the following criteria: age, position, mature level, and origin in the country. The study was performed (1996-2001) with a total of 90 players. The main purposes of this study were: a) to describe anthropometric and performance characteristics of top youth international male basketballers in the Spanish national academy; and b) to analyze differences among positions. Insummary, the main findings of this study were: a) the anthropometry presented significant differences between groups under (U-) 14 and U-17; and b) in the U-17 group centers presented more arm span. In our study, the most significant changes are in U-16 vs U-14 and U-15 in strength body up values, and the best result in endurance capacity took place in June of the fourth year. Within this context, the results of the present study may be useful for strength and conditioning coaches to plan their programs with youth basketball players.

Decisive Factors for a Greater Performance in the Change of Direction and Its Angulation in Male Basketball Players

“…This study identified differences in anthropometrics’ factors and body composition, mainly in lean mass and BMI. This idea is in accordance with previous studies that confirmed it, and also added that the greatest changes occurred between Under 14–15 and Under 17 categories [ 44 ]. Regarding positions, it must be noted that from early ages there are morphological differences between centers and guards, which serve us as references to be able to select [ 44 ], although early specialization is not recommended.…”

“…This idea is in accordance with previous studies that confirmed it, and also added that the greatest changes occurred between Under 14–15 and Under 17 categories [ 44 ]. Regarding positions, it must be noted that from early ages there are morphological differences between centers and guards, which serve us as references to be able to select [ 44 ], although early specialization is not recommended. In addition, other variables analyzed such as functional movements showed dependency with the age category, as several studies have claimed in young and elite basketball players [ 44 , 45 ], though no differences were observed in the linear sprint or strength tests, with the exception of the vertical f–v profile.…”

“…In addition, other variables analyzed such as functional movements showed dependency with the age category, as several studies have claimed in young and elite basketball players [ 44 , 45 ], though no differences were observed in the linear sprint or strength tests, with the exception of the vertical f–v profile. In contrast with this, research [ 9 ] has shown that improved performance through vertical jumping depends on the level and category of the team sports athlete, and being more significant in basketball players especially between U14 and U17 categories [ 44 ]. Regarding the planned COD tests, increased differences between categories were seen as the cut angle increased, with better performance results in the higher categories.…”

“…Regarding positions, it must be noted that from early ages there are morphological differences between centers and guards, which serve us as references to be able to select [ 44 ], although early specialization is not recommended. In addition, other variables analyzed such as functional movements showed dependency with the age category, as several studies have claimed in young and elite basketball players [ 44 , 45 ], though no differences were observed in the linear sprint or strength tests, with the exception of the vertical f–v profile. In contrast with this, research [ 9 ] has shown that improved performance through vertical jumping depends on the level and category of the team sports athlete, and being more significant in basketball players especially between U14 and U17 categories [ 44 ].…”

Greater Power but Not Strength Gains Using Flywheel Versus Equivolumed Traditional Strength Training in Junior Basketball Players

“…Although strength and conditioning coaches use various methods to develop neuromuscular factors in youth basketball players [24], no studies to date, as far as we know, have investigated the effects of flywheel training on strength and power attributes in young basketball players. It should be recognized that the continuation of habitual team sport practice during puberty was proven to induce substantial improvements in lower body strength per se, without additional resistance training performed [25].…”