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

Rubén Portes, Sergio L. Jiménez, Rafael M. Navarro, Aaron T. Scanlan and Miguel-Ángel Gómez
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Rubén Portes: Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea De Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Sergio L. Jiménez: Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea De Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Rafael M. Navarro: Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea De Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Aaron T. Scanlan: Human Exercise and Training Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton 4701, Australia
Miguel-Ángel Gómez: Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Technical University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-10

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.

Keywords: sex; gender; team sports; accelerometer; local positioning system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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