Innovative Protocols for Determining the Non-Reactive Agility of Female Basketball Players Based on Familiarization and Validity Tests

Abstract

The aim of this study was to implement a familiarization protocol and to determine the constructive validity of four different non-reactive agility tests on a sample of professional female basketball players (n = 12; age: 18.17 ± 1.90 years). Following the protocol, the participants performed standardized tests three times (the Agility t-test and the Sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with 180° Turns), while the lateral agility, universal agility, frontal agility, and semicircular agility tests were repeated five times each, with a three-minute rest period between each repetition. A single-factor analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) determined significant differences between a series of test repetitions for familiarization. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the samples based on the results of the standardized tests into two groups. A t-test for independent samples determined a significant difference between these groups (p < 0.05) on all four tests (lateral, universal, frontal, and semicircular agility). Pearson’s linear correlation determined a correlation between the results of the standardized agility tests and the lateral, universal, frontal, and semicircular agility tests, with correlation coefficients ranging from r = 0.936 to r = 0.987. A high value was observed for the discriminant analysis (0.821), while the maximum value was observed for the Kendall coefficient of concordance (W = 1). The study confirmed the validity of the applied tests and determined that the results are influenced by the number of series performed during the preparation for testing. In practice, it is necessary to perform two series of universal and frontal agility tests, i.e., four series of repetitions of lateral and semicircular agility tests in professional women’s basketball.

Study on the Impact of Implementing an Exercise Program Using Fitlight Technology for the Development of Upper Limb Coordinative Abilities in Basketball Players

“…Thus, the players were able to respond more efficiently to stimuli and perform complex movements with improved precision and coordination under conditions specific to basketball training. The results of our study are confirmed by previous studies [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], which have examined how the implementation of Fitlight technologies in training methodology contributes to the improvement of athletic performance.…”

“…Sports performance is influenced by the input of specialized informational technology for monitoring the training and condition of athletes. Fitlight is a digital technology adapted to the training and evaluation process in sports, which relies on light simulation and consists of a system of wireless lights (spots) that can light up randomly or be controlled by setting the dedicated software [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Fitlight has great applicability in developing RT and coordination due to the various settings and versatility of the arrangement of the luminous spots according to the specific training and sport practiced [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Improving Agility and Reactive Agility in Basketball Players U14 and U16 by Implementing Fitlight Technology in the Sports Training Process

“…While our study offers a broad analysis of the Fitlight system across various age groups in basketball, Hadzovic [49] zooms in on a specific segment of athletes, highlighting a targeted approach in agility training for professional female basketball players. It introduces innovative protocols for evaluating non-reactive agility, a component crucial in basketball but often less highlighted; in contrast, our contribution lies in our comparative analysis of traditional and modern training methods across various age groups, offering a broader perspective on agility training efficacy in youth basketball.…”

“…Our comprehensive analysis across multiple studies reveals a significant trend towards the integration of advanced technology, like the Fitlight Training System, in sports training, particularly for youth basketball. While studies like Hassan's [8] focus on specific skill enhancements and Hadzovic's [49] on professional female athletes, our research broadens the spectrum by comparing traditional and modern methods across various age groups. This holistic approach, enriched by theoretical insights from Bekris [50] and cognitive perspectives from Silvestri [51], underscores the multifaceted benefits of such training.…”

The Importance of Basketball for High School Students. Part 2 (Utility Dimension Analysis)

“…For talented young basketball players (national teams), power outputs in jumps and accelerations are an important selection indicator for both sexes (Arede et al, 2019). The use of tests for coordination (determining lateral and semicircular agility) in women's youth basketball is supported by (Hadžović et al, 2023).…”