Comparing the External Loads Encountered during Competition between Elite, Junior Male and Female Basketball Players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare external loads (EL) between elite, junior, male and female basketball players. Male (n = 25) and female players (n = 48) were monitored during 11 competitive matches (3 matches per team). EL was measured using local positioning system and microsensor technology to determine total, high-intensity (14–21 km·h−1), and sprint (>21 km·h−1) distance (m) covered, total (n) and relative (n·min−1) accelerations and decelerations, ratio of accelerations:decelerations, and total (arbitrary units [AU]) and relative (AU·min−1) player load. EL was compared between sexes overall and according to each playing position (guards, forwards, and centers). Males covered larger (p < 0.05) high-intensity and sprint distances, and completed more (p < 0.05) decelerations than females; while female players experienced a greater (p < 0.05) ratio of accelerations:decelerations. Greater decelerations (p < 0.05) were observed for males in the guard position compared to females, while more (p < 0.05) accelerations·min−1 were apparent for females in the forward position compared to males. The current findings indicate differences in EL, particularly the high-intensity and acceleratory demands, exist between elite, junior, male and female basketball players during competition and are affected by playing position. These outcomes can be used in developing sex- and position-specific training plans, and in turn improving the physical preparedness of junior basketball players for competition demands at the elite level.

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

“…Although multiple investigations have measured the PL and PL/min during official games and games-based drills in basketball (Schelling and Torres, 2016 ; Fox et al, 2018 ; Vázquez-Guerrero et al, 2018 , 2019a , b ; Pino-Ortega et al, 2019 ; Conte et al, 2020 ; Fernández-Leo et al, 2020 ; García et al, 2020 ; O'Grady et al, 2020 ; Portes et al, 2020 ; Ransdell et al, 2020 ), no study has assessed the external load imposed during single basketball-specific activities measured via TMA. To the best of our knowledge, a similar approach was previously used only in netball, with two official games analyzed via TMA and IMUs, revealing that on average the highest PL was registered during off-ball guarding actions (Bailey et al, 2017 ).…”

“…The index takes into account the instantaneous rate of change of acceleration and divides it by a scaling factor of 100 (Nicolella et al, 2018 ). The reliability of PL (within-device CV = 0.91–1.05%, between-device CV = 1.02–1.90%) has been previously assessed (Boyd et al, 2011 ) and this metric has been widely used in basketball (Schelling and Torres, 2016 ; Fox et al, 2017 , 2018 ; Pino-Ortega et al, 2019 ; Vázquez-Guerrero et al, 2019a , b ; Conte et al, 2020 ; García et al, 2020 ; Lukonaitienė et al, 2020 ; Portes et al, 2020 ; Ransdell et al, 2020 ; Russell et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Furthermore, these devices are usually small and lightweight and can be easily integrated in custom-made straps or vests, which makes them comfortable for the players (Fox et al, 2017 ). In addition, IMUs provide objective data available immediately after a training session or game, thus resulting as an easier and faster tool to collect and process data than TMA (Portes et al, 2020 ). Due to these advantages, IMUs are one of the main technologies adopted by basketball practitioners and sport scientists (Schelling and Torres, 2016 ; Pino-Ortega et al, 2019 ; Vázquez-Guerrero et al, 2019a , b ; García et al, 2020 ; Portes et al, 2020 ; Ransdell et al, 2020 ).…”

“…In addition, IMUs provide objective data available immediately after a training session or game, thus resulting as an easier and faster tool to collect and process data than TMA (Portes et al, 2020 ). Due to these advantages, IMUs are one of the main technologies adopted by basketball practitioners and sport scientists (Schelling and Torres, 2016 ; Pino-Ortega et al, 2019 ; Vázquez-Guerrero et al, 2019a , b ; García et al, 2020 ; Portes et al, 2020 ; Ransdell et al, 2020 ). However, IMUs are much more expensive than TMA, which limits their applicability in several contexts, such as non-elite practice (Fox et al, 2017 ).…”

A comparison of multidimensional qualities discriminant of selection in elite adolescent Australian basketball athletes

“…It is unclear if or how selection is influenced by the sex and age of athletes in a SPP. In this regard, basketball research has identified differences in match demands between sex [9,10] and age groups [11]. In turn, these variations in match demands between cohorts are likely underpinned by differences in anthropometric and physical attributes between sexes and age groups.…”