Reflections on the changes observed in the structure of motor skills in young athletes

Abstract

Purpose. The main objective of the study was to discern what trends are present in the structure of motor skills in young athletes by analyzing a group of basketball players within a context of their sports-specific training. Methods. Data were collected over a five-year period between 2006-2010 from 82 young Polish basketball players aged 15-16 years. In order to determine their motor skill level, the International Physical Fitness Test (IPFT) was administered. basic somatic parameters, such as height, weight, and body mass index, were also recorded. Results. Analysis of the significant differences between the mean IPFT scores for each year found relatively few statistically significant changes. No statistically significant changes were noted for somatic build. For motor skill level, an upward trend was found for speed, lower limb strength, arm strength, hand strength, abdominal endurance, and agility. Total IPFT scores for each subsequent year indicated a systematic improvement of the participants' general physical fitness levels. Conclusions. Despite only few of the results being statistically significant, the general trend of the changes in physical fitness levels is easily observed. Apart from the issue around the selection of surrounding selecting individuals to play in competitive sports, and in particular in which specific sports discipline, it was found that the training loads (such as the one used in boys basketball) have in most cases a positive impact on general physical fitness.

The competitive activity structure of highly skilled basketball players on the basis of factor analysis methods

“…Hopkins [17] and Koryahin et al [18] proposed an algorithm for selecting the most optimal test tasks for determining the level of various aspects of preparedness of qualified basketball players [8] with the use of multidimensional statistical analysis methods, which is based on the hierarchy of both indicators of athletic preparedness and their significance from the point of view of test theory. A similar study was conducted by Karpowicz and Karpowicz [19] among young Polish basketball players aged 15-16 years observed for a long time.…”

Training Effect of Special Basketball Exercises

“…The obtained results extend and supplement the data that increase of efficiency of a training process is possible on the basis of deep analysis of influence of physical activity on an organism of athletes (Karpowicz & Karpowicz, 2013;Bosco et al, 1983;Robert et al, 2017).…”

Study of the Technical Training System of Young Athletes

“…When mastering basketball techniques, the level of development of agility (coordination of movements) and the ability to apply the techniques in situations that are constantly changing during the game are of great importance (Afonshin et al, 2016;Ferreira et al, 2014;Karpowicz et al, 2013;Cooper & Sirvent, 2009;Sporiš et al, 2006).…”

“…The coaches of children and youth sports schools do not pay enough attention to the importance of technical training in their practice. Practically, the age characteristics of athletes as well as the development of their physical qualities are not sufficiently considered (Colibaba & Bota, 1998;Karpowicz, К. & Karpowicz, М.…”