Validity of the V-cut Test for Young Basketball Players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the reliability, usefulness, validity, age-related differences and responsiveness of a 25- m side-step cutting maneuver test (V-cut test). Fifty young male basketball players performed the V-cut test on 2 occasions separated by 5-7 days to assess test-retest reliability and determine a priori usefulness. Twenty subjects also completed both the L-Run and 505 test to analyze the possible relationships among these 3 tests. Furthermore, 33 players performed the V-cut test 4 times throughout the season to analyze responsiveness. Finally, 53 players (U-14 to U-20) were assessed in the V-cut test to examine the age-related differences. Reliability scores showed high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC=0.90) and low coefficient of variation (CV=1.4%). The responsiveness of the V-cut test was good, as the typical short- (1.5-1.7%), mid- (1.6-3.1%) and long-term (3.3%) changes in V-cut performance were higher than the CV. Low (r=0.64; CL90%: 0.34; 0.82) to moderate (r=0.76; CL90%: 0.53; 0.88) relationships were found between the V-cut test with the 505 and L-Run test, respectively. Age-related differences analysis showed better V-cut test performance as age increased in adolescent basketball players. The V-cut test is reliable to assess change of direction ability (CODA) and it could be used to monitor CODA in adolescent basketball players.

Jumping-based Asymmetries are Negatively Associated with Jump, Change of Direction, and Repeated Sprint Performance, but not Linear Speed, in Adolescent Handball Athletes

“…V-cut test. Participants performed a 25-m sprint with four 45° changes of direction, each after a distance of 5 m (Gonzalo-Skok et al, 2015). For the trial to be valid, athletes had to pass the line with each respective foot at every turn, which was clearly marked on the floor.…”

Validity of the RSA-RANDOM Test for Young Soccer Players

“…To accomplish the study aims, four stages of investigation were developed. During stage one, reliability and usefulness of the RSA-RANDOM test during two identical test sessions were determined, with tests separated by 5-7 days [22]. Test reliability was assessed through absolute (typical error of measurement = TEM) and relative (intraclass correlation coefficient = ICC) reliability.…”

“…Several studies have assessed the reliability and validity of different RSA tests in soccer players [17,29,42]. However, the ecological validity of such tests may be increased through the development of alternatives that fulfil the specific requirements presented throughout matches, in addition to considering reliability, usefulness and sensibility (responsiveness) [22,28]. Recent studies have analysed the reliability and usefulness of different tests by calculating the typical error of measurement and the smallest worthwhile change [13,22,30].…”

“…However, the ecological validity of such tests may be increased through the development of alternatives that fulfil the specific requirements presented throughout matches, in addition to considering reliability, usefulness and sensibility (responsiveness) [22,28]. Recent studies have analysed the reliability and usefulness of different tests by calculating the typical error of measurement and the smallest worthwhile change [13,22,30]. However, test responsiveness, or its ability to detect practically relevant changes, is also important [28], especially for detecting small but meaningful changes.…”

Peripheral Muscle Function During Repeated Changes of Direction in Basketball

“…On the contrary, when assessed with the line drill test or V-cut test, the performance of junior players resulted substantially affected by the period of the season. [13][14][15] Thus, monitoring the ability to sustain repeated COD efforts across an entire basketball season might be helpful for periodization purposes.…”