Strength and Speed Profiles Based on Age and Sex Differences in Young Basketball Players

David Mancha-Triguero, Javier García-Rubio, José M. Gamonales and Sergio J. Ibáñez
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David Mancha-Triguero: GOERD Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Javier García-Rubio: GOERD Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
José M. Gamonales: GOERD Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Sergio J. Ibáñez: GOERD Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: Team sports are in continuous evolution, and physical performance is acquiring greater importance in the game. The assessment of physical fitness is the most reliable method for knowing if the athlete’s physical fitness is appropriate. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to identify profiles of physical-physiological demands with different specific tests of physical fitness related to the maximum strength of the lower body and speed. Moreover, some differences based on the sex and age of the players were identified. One hundred and forty-nine basketball players were analyzed (men n = 103 vs. women n = 46, weight: 74.74 ± 11.65 kg vs. 56.89 ± 3.71 kg, height: 184.66 ± 11.67 vs. 164 ± 4 and BMI: 21.7 ± 0.83 vs. 21.6 ± 0.90). The players performed an Abalakov test, a multi-jump test, and a repeat sprint ability test. Each player was equipped with a WIMU PRO device, and photoelectric cells were used. A MANOVA was performed to discover the differences between ages, and a t -test was used regarding sex. The results showed significant differences based on age and sex in variables related to time and Player Load/min ( p < 0.001). The variables related to steps (contact, step, flight) also showed significant differences as a function of age ( p < 0.001) and sex ( p < 0.05). The multi-jump test showed differences based on age ( p < 0.05 except in between jumps), but not on sex. These results confirm the importance of working together on lower body strength and speed skills. In addition, the planning of the work on these abilities must be individualized and according to the characteristics of the athlete.

Keywords: physical fitness; performance profile; jumps; repeat sprint ability tests (RSA); inertial devices; sex differences; age differences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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