Absence of Monotony and Strain Effects on Referees' Physical Performance During International Basketball Federation World Cup Basketball Competition.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of physical performance indicators and assess the levels of performance monotony and strain experienced by basketball referees. METHODS: The study involved the participation of 12 basketball referees (mean age: 40.0 [4.9] y) affiliated with the International Basketball Federation. The investigation was carried out throughout 2 density tournaments, wherein the maximum heart rate, average heart rate, performance monotony, and performance strain were documented for 3 variables. RESULTS: The findings indicated significant variations in the mean heart rate, maximum heart rate, total distance monotony, total distance strain, the total number of sprints monotony, the total number of sprints strain, calories monotony, and calories strain (P < .05). Decreasing the density of elite-level basketball competitions has been observed to reduce the monotony and strain experienced by referees. However, this action does not increase motion distance or speed zones. CONCLUSIONS: The environmental stressors experienced by senior-level athletes (World Cup) differ from those encountered by younger athletes (World Cup Under 19). Further investigation is required to ascertain the potential effects of competition monotony and strain on decision-making processes and the overall quality of refereeing.

Comparative Effects of Two High-Intensity Intermittent Training Programs on Sub-Elite Male Basketball Referees' Fitness Levels.

This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week short-term training program, comprising repeated sprints or running-based high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT), on the aerobic fitness and repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance of sub-elite basketball referees. Twenty male referees participated in supervised training sessions twice a week. They were randomly assigned to either the RSA-based group (RSAG) or the running-based HIIT group (HIITG). The RSAG conducted 3-4 sets of 8 × 20-m all-out sprints, while the HIITG performed 2-3 sets of 6 × 20-s runs at 90% of their maximal velocity achieved in the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT). Referees underwent a graded exercise test on a treadmill, the 30-15IFT, and an RSA test before and after the training program. Both groups showed significant improvement (~3%) in the fastest (22.6 ± 1.4 vs. 23.4 ± 1.7 and 22.0 ±1.9 vs. 22.4 ± 1.7 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) and mean (21.5 ± 1.2 vs. 22.4 ± 1.4 and 21.3 ± 1.8 vs. 21.7 ± 1.6 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) sprint velocity of the RSA test (p < 0.05). Moreover, positive changes (p < 0.05) were observed in the 30-15IFT maximal velocity (18.6 ± 1.1 vs. 19.3 ± 1.0 and 19.4 ± 0.9 vs. 20.5 ± 0.9 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively). In conclusion, an 8-week training intervention using either RSA or running-based HIIT led to similar improvements in referees' RSA performance and specific aerobic fitness measures. These findings could assist in devising tailored training programs for basketball referees.

Do you even exercise, ref? Exploring habits of Spanish basketball referees during practice and matches.

Background: Basketball referees are a vital part of the organised competition system, although they remain an "outgroup" in sport. While physical development and fitness programming are deemed necessary for basketball officiating excellence, there is a paucity of literature exploring strategies for physical fitness management in this population. Methods: This research was a nationwide cross-sectional, self-administered online survey conducted in 2021. A sample of 628 (531 males, 97 females) referees from 18 regional referee organisations in Spain provided individual responses to gather information on demographic details, level of participation in refereeing, physical fitness practices, and match-day exercise-based regimens. The data were described using summary statistics, and the associations of the assessed variables were subsequently calculated using contingency tables. Results: Our findings reveal that a large fraction of the Spanish basketball referee population focuses on aerobic (83%) and strength (73.6%) activities, while less attention is paid to speed (36.9%) and flexibility (23.2%), and agility, coordination, and balance tasks are somewhat overlooked. No significant differences were observed among the referee categories regarding weekly training days or session duration, with most training for 15-60 min per session. Elite referees were more likely to hire personal trainers and engage in strength and flexibility exercises. Sub-elite referees showed a higher tendency to perform stretching and joint mobility activities post-match, while regional referees did so less frequently. Approximately 30.7% of referees across all competitive levels engaged in re-warm-up (RW-U) activities, with stretching and joint mobility being the most prevalent. Conclusions: Spanish basketball referees participate in routine physical exercise and fitness practices, irrespective of their competition level. While warm-up activities are prevalent, some sub-elite and regional referees do not consistently perform them, and re-warm-up routines are not extensively embraced.

The discriminative, criterion, and longitudinal validity of small-sided games to assess physical fitness in female basketball players.

The validity of small-sided games (SSG) for assessing physical fitness was evaluated in 21 female basketball players from senior (n = 8), under-18 years (n = 6), and under-16 years (n = 7) age categories. Players underwent fitness testing (countermovement jump [CMJ], agility T-test, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test [YYIRT1]) and 3vs3-SSG before and after a 6-week preseason. Player demands were monitored during SSG using local positioning system and heart rate technology. Regarding discriminative validity, senior players produced better CMJ, agility T-test, and YYIRT1 performance (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 1.72-2.25), and more distance and PlayerLoad (p < 0.05, ES = 1.53-2.47) during SSG than under-18 players following the preseason. For criterion validity, total distance and distance completing high-intensity decelerations during SSG were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with CMJ (r = 0.44-0.66), YYIRT1 (r = 0.43-0.63), agility T-test (total distance only, r=-0.51), and RSA test performance (r=-0.49 to -0.52) among all players combined following the preseason. Regarding longitudinal validity, significantly better agility T-test and YYIRT1 performance (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 0.88-0.93) alongside lower heart rate during SSG (p = 0.001, ES = 0.88) were evident for all players combined following the preseason. These results partially support the validity of 3vs3-SSG to assess physical fitness in female basketball players.

Technical-Tactical Demands of 3 × 3 International Basketball Games According to Game Outcome, Player Sex, and Competition Phase.

ABSTRACT: Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Scanlan, AT, and Vaquera, A. Technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 international basketball games according to game outcome, player sex, and competition phase. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 403-412, 2023-Despite the popularity of 3 × 3 basketball rapidly growing on a global scale, a paucity of data exist on player demands during competition, particularly considering various factors. This study aimed to quantify the technical-tactical demands of international-level 3 × 3 basketball games according to game outcome, player sex, and competition phase. Overall, 96 players from 24 national teams (48 players across 12 teams in each sex) competing at the 2019 European Basketball Cup 3 × 3 were included in this study. Technical-tactical demands during games including shooting, game-related, and possession-related statistics were retrospectively gathered from public sources or analyzed using video analyses. Linear mixed models and effect size analyses were used to determine differences in demands according to game outcome (wins vs. losses), player sex (males vs. females), and competition phase (group games vs. finals games). Winning teams ( p < 0.05, small-large ) scored more shots, shot more efficiently, secured more rebounds, committed fewer turnovers and fouls, and drew more fouls to shoot free-throws. Differences between sexes ( p < 0.05, small-moderate ) showed male teams shot more efficiently, scored more 2-point shots, and scored more points, whereas female teams attempted more 1-point shots, committed more turnovers, and had more possessions. Considering the competition phase, more blocks were completed during group games, and more points per possession were achieved during finals games ( p < 0.05, small ). This study provides foundation normative values regarding the technical-tactical demands of 3 × 3 game-play during an international competition, with reported data able to be used by practitioners in developing precise, sex-specific training and tactical strategies to optimize team success.

Physical Demands of Elite Male and Female 3 × 3 International Basketball Matches.

ABSTRACT: Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Rucco, D, Alcaraz, PE, Vaquera, A, Romagnoli, M, and Rampinini, E. Physical demands of elite male and female 3×3 international basketball matches. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): e289-e296, 2023-This study aimed to (1) characterize the physical demands of 3 × 3 basketball games during live playing time and ball possession and (2) assess the differences in physical demands between male and female players. Following an observational design, video footage from 27 games of the International Basketball Federation 3 × 3 World Cup 2019 were analyzed from 104 international 3 × 3 basketball players ( n = 52 male and n = 52 female players) resulting in a total of 216 (104 male and 112 female) individual game samples. Manual frame-by-frame time-motion analyses determined the relative frequency (n·min -1 ) and duration (%) for several physical demands at different intensities, according to sex, during the live playing time and in ball possession phases. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and effect size (ES) analyses revealed small non-significant differences in the intermittent profile of 3 × 3 basketball games according to sex (total movements per minute, male = 39.3 (38.6-40.1); female = 40.2 (39.5-41.0), estimated marginal means with 95% confidence intervals). Female competitions had significantly greater number of low-intensity activities (LIA, small ES) and high-intensity activities (HIA, small ES) performed per minute over longer games ( small ES), whereas male players had more recovery activities ( small ES). During ball possession, male players spent a larger amount of time performing LIA ( small ES) than female players, who displayed both the greatest number of HIA and the highest percentage of playing time performed at high intensity ( small ES). Overall, these findings suggest that basketball coaches should design sex-specific training sessions based on the specific match demands.

Effects of half-time re-warm-up implemented during a simulated match in U14 female basketball players.

Re-warm-up activities are recommended in team sports due to loss of muscle temperature during half-time. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a half-time re-warm-up strategy on female basketball players. Ten players U14, separated into two teams of five players, performed either a passive rest condition or repeated sprints (5×14 m) plus 2 min of a shooting wheel (re-warm-up condition), during the half-time break (10 min) of a simulated basketball match, where only the first three quarters were played. The re-warm-up did not elicit significant effects on jump performance and locomotory responses during the match, except for the distance covered at a very light speed, which was significantly higher than in the passive rest condition (1767 ± 206 vs 1529 ± 142 m; p < 0.05). Mean heart rate (74 ± 4 vs 70 ± 5%) and rate of perceived exertion (4.5 ± 1.5 vs 3.1 ± 1.44 a.u.) were higher in the re-warm-up condition during half-time (p < 0.05). In conclusion, performing re-warm-up activities based on sprints could be a valuable strategy to avoid the reduction of sport performance during prolonged breaks, but given the limitations of the study, these relationships need to be further explored in official competitions.

The Efficacy of Re-Warm-Up Practices during Half-Time: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: The passive nature of rest breaks in sport could reduce athletes' performance and even increase their risk of injury. Re-warm-up activities could help avoid these problems, but there is a lack of research on their efficacy. This systematic review aimed at analyzing the results of those randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided information on the effects of re-warm-up strategies. Materials and Methods: Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from their inception to January 2021, for RCTs on the effects of re-warm-up activities on sports performance. Interventions had to be implemented just after an exercise period or sports competition. Studies that proposed activities that were difficult to replicate in the sport context or performed in a hot environment were excluded. Data were synthesized following PRISMA guidelines, while the risk of bias was assessed following the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: A total of 14 studies (178 participants) reporting data on acute or short-term effects were analyzed. The main outcomes were grouped into four broad areas: physiological measures, conditional abilities, perceptual skills, and sport efficiency measures. The results obtained indicated that passive rest decreases physiological function in athletes, while re-warm-up activities could help to improve athletes' conditional abilities and sporting efficiency, despite showing higher fatigue levels in comparison with passive rest. The re-warm-up exercise showed to be more effective than passive rest to improve match activities and passing ability. Conclusions: Performing re-warm-up activities is a valuable strategy to avoid reducing sports performance during prolonged breaks. However, given that the methodological quality of the studies was not high, these relationships need to be further explored in official or simulated competitions.

Power-Related Determinants of Modified Agility T-test Performance in Male Adolescent Basketball Players.

ABSTRACT: Scanlan, AT, Wen, N, Pyne, DB, Stojanovic, E, Milanovic, Z, Conte, D, Vaquera, A, and Dalbo, VJ. Power-related determinants of Modified Agility T-test performance in male adolescent basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2248-2254, 2021-Although the Modified Agility T-test (MAT) has been advocated for assessing change-of-direction performance in basketball, the power-related attributes emphasized during the test are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the power-related determinants of the MAT in basketball players. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used whereby national- and state-level male adolescent basketball players (n = 24; 17.3 ± 0.5 years) completed a battery of power-related performance tests. The tests administered included the MAT, isometric midthigh pull, 10-m sprint, countermovement jump, 1-step vertical jump, standing long jump, and repeated lateral bound. Associations between performance during the MAT and other tests were quantified, and performance in each test was compared between faster (>50th percentile) and slower (<50th percentile) players in the MAT. The MAT exhibited large correlations (p < 0.05) with standing long jump distance (r = -0.67, R2 = 45%), countermovement jump relative peak force (r = -0.63, R2 = 39%), isometric midthigh pull relative peak force (r = -0.55, R2 = 30%), and 10-m sprint time (r = 0.53, R2 = 28%). The faster group performed better (p < 0.05) during the standing long jump (mean difference; ±90% confidence limits: 0.16; ±0.12 m) and produced greater (p < 0.05) relative peak force during the isometric midthigh pull (2.5; ±2.3 N·kg-1) and countermovement jump (2.1; ±1.8 N·kg-1) than the slower group. The MAT complements other power-related tests used in basketball and stresses basketball-specific, power-related attributes in various movement planes. These data can inform training and testing approaches to optimize change-of-direction performance in basketball.

Impact of Match Type on Exercise Volume and Intensity of Semi-Professional Basketball Referees During a Competitive Season.

Identification of the exercise volume and intensity of basketball referees, across competitive match types based on competition sex and level, would assist in developing appropriate training regimes. Purpose: The aims of this study were to quantify and compare the exercise volume and intensity encountered by semiprofessional basketball referees during different match types across a competitive season. Method: Sixteen referees participated and were monitored for absolute and relative PlayerLoad (PL) using microsensors during 25 semiprofessional matches (12 men's, 13 women's, 17 regular season, eight playoff). Comparisons between match types (men's vs. women's; regular season vs. playoff) were examined via independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, and repeated measures ANOVA with the magnitude of differences calculated via effect size. Results: Referees experienced an absolute PL of ~365 arbitrary units (AU) per match that was similar for men's, women's, regular season, and playoff matches during a competitive season. Relative PL was significantly greater (5.35 ± 0.82 vs. 4.26 ± 0.59 AU.min-1, p < .001, effect size = 1.57) during women's matches with a greater proportion of each quarter and match spent within PL band 2 compared to men's matches (11.6 ± 2.2 vs. 8.8 ± 1.4%, p < .001, effect size = 1.53), likely due to a reduced number of referees officiating. Minimal differences existed between the regular season and playoff matches for absolute PL, relative PL, and proportion of quarter/match time within PL bands. Conclusion: The current study confirmed that referees experienced considerable exercise volume and intensity per match during a competitive season with these influenced primarily by referee configuration. The current results provide crucial information to develop effective training regimes for referees during a competitive season.

Defensive Strategy and Player Sex Impact Heart-Rate Responses During Games-Based Drills in Professional Basketball.

PURPOSE: Games-based drills (GBD) are the predominant form of training stimulus prescribed to male and female basketball players. Despite being readily manipulated during GBD, the impact of defensive strategy on the sex-specific demands of GBD remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify and compare the heart-rate (HR) responses experienced during 5v5 GBD using different defensive strategies (man-to-man defense vs zone defense [ZD] formations) according to player sex. METHOD: HR was recorded in 11 professional male and 10 professional female basketball players while performing 5v5 GBD with different defensive strategies (man-to-man defense or ZD). HR-based training load was also calculated using the summated heart-rate zones model. RESULTS: During man-to-man defense, mean HR (ηp2=.02), relative time (in percentage) spent working at 90% to 100% maximal HR (ηp2=.03), and summated heart-rate zones (ηp2=.02) were greater (P < .05) in female players compared with males. During ZD, higher (P < .01) peak HR (ηp2=.07), mean HR (ηp2=.11), relative and absolute (in minutes) time spent working at 80% to 89% maximal HR (ηp2=.03 and .03, respectively) and 90% to 100% maximal HR (ηp2=.12 and .09, respectively), and summated heart-rate zones (ηp2=.19) were observed in female players compared with males. CONCLUSIONS: The defensive strategy employed during 5v5 full-court GBD influences HR responses and training load differently according to sex, where female players experience higher HR responses than males, especially when ZD are adopted. Basketball coaching staff can use these findings for the precise manipulation of team defenses during GBD to elicit desired cardiovascular stress on players.

Impact of contextual factors on match demands experienced by elite male referees during international basketball tournaments.

We aimed to assess the cardiovascular responses and locomotory demands of male referees during diverse elite, international, basketball matches, and to investigate the influence of moderating factors (competition sex, level and stage) on these demands. Cardiovascular and locomotory responses were monitored in 123 elite, male referees while officiating 283 basketball sessions (preparation until match end), during group and playoff stages, of women's and men's FIBA Continental and World Cups at senior and youth level. The total and average session distance and velocity were ~4740 m, 19.0 m·min -1 and 2 km·h -1. Referees experienced an average relative HR of 60-65% maximum HR with ~85% of each session spent within the very light to moderate HR categories. The average session relative HR was significantly greater for men compared to women competition, during senior compared to youth sessions, and for the group compared to the playoff stage sessions. Mean distance covered was significantly greater during senior and men compared with youth and women sessions. Elite, international male basketball referees experienced moderate cardiovascular load accompanied with intermittent locomotor activities during international sessions when accounting for all occupational activities. International competitions are more demanding for referees based upon competition sex, level and stage.

Physiological stress of basketball referees during a national competition / Estresse fisiológico de árbitras de basquetebol durante uma competição nacional

abstract The aim of this study was to examine the physiological demands of seven referees during a national basketball competition. We recorded heart rate (HR), relative exercise intensity as a percentage of age - predicted maximum HR (HRmax), proportion of playing time within the exercise intensity categories defined by the ACSM during each of the tournament matches for each referee per period, as well as the entire game. None of the variables shows significant differences between periods. Based on a format of three referees per match, referees worked with an average HR of 150 bpm (range 110-181 bpm) for each quarter of the match, which equals a relative intensity> 70% of HRmax for most (∼76%) of each quarter. Other studies will assist in developing appropriate training programs for elite basketball referees to maintain and / or maximize performance.

resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar as demandas fisiológicas de sete árbitros durante uma competição nacional de basquete. Durante cada uma das partidas do torneio, frequência cardíaca (FC), intensidade relativa do exercício como porcentagem da FC máxima prevista pela idade (FCmax), proporção de tempo de jogo dentro das categorias de intensidade de exercício definidas pelo ACSM foram registradas para cada árbitro em cada período e todo o jogo. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os períodos para nenhuma variável. Árbitros, usando um formato de três árbitros por partida, trabalhavam com uma FC média de 150 bpm (intervalo de 110-181 bpm) para cada quarto da partida, o que equivale a uma intensidade relativa> 70% da FCmax para a maioria (∼76%) de cada trimestre. Outros estudos ajudarão no desenvolvimento de programas de treinamento apropriados para árbitros de basquete de elite para manter e / ou maximizar o desempenho.

Analysis of aerobic testing in basketball referees and heart rate recovery time / Análise de teste aeróbico em árbitros de basquetebol e tempo de recuperação de frequência cardíaca

Abstract The study analyzed the physical conditioning and the time of recovery of the maximum heart rate of 12 international referees being used the test of 20 meters with beep to evaluate the cardiorespiratory conditioning, with the frequency to control the recovery time of the maximum cardiac post test. The majority of the referees obtained a recovery of heart rate greater than 50% in 3 minutes, were those that reached the levels of good to excellent in the table of maximum Vo2. Even with some factors influencing their physical performance most of the referees were able to complete the aerobic test and obtained a good recovery of the heart rate, the others that failed to reach the test goal had the HR recovery in 3 minutes much lower than expected, thus highlighting the association of the maximum VO2 level between good and excellent with the recovery of the heart frequency.

Resumo O estudo analisou o condicionamento físico e o tempo de recuperação da frequência cardíaca máxima de 12 árbitros internacionais utilizando-se o teste de 20 metros com beep para avaliar o condicionamento cardiorrespiratório, com a frequência para controlar o tempo de recuperação do pós-teste cardíaco máximo. A maioria dos árbitros obteve uma recuperação de frequência cardíaca superior a 50% em 3 minutos, foram aqueles que atingiram os níveis de bom a excelente na tabela de VO2 máximo. Mesmo com alguns fatores influenciando seu desempenho físico, a maioria dos árbitros conseguiu completar o teste aeróbico e obteve uma boa recuperação da frequência cardíaca, os outros que não conseguiram atingir a meta de teste tiveram a recuperação da FC em 3 minutos muito abaixo do esperado, Destacando, assim, a associação do VO2 máximo entre bom e excelente com a recuperação da frequência cardíaca.

Internal and External Demands in Basketball Referees during the U-16 European Women's Championship.

(1) Background: The use of advanced technology to study the energy demands of sport participants during actual sport competition is an important current research direction. The purpose of this study was to identify the physiological, internal, and external demands placed on basketball referees using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, in relation to the period of the game. (2) Methods: The sample was comprised of nine international referees, and the data collection took place during the Women's EuroBasket Sub-16 championship. Internal and external load were assessed through the inertial device WIMU PROTM, using UWB technology in order to quantify the effort exerted by each referee. The internal load was examined in relation to each individual's heart rate (HR). The external load included the kinematic variables accelerations (Acc), decelerations (Dec), Acc/min, Dec/min, distance covered, steps, maximum speed (Vmax), average speed (Vavg), and speed zones, as well as the neuromuscular variables impacts (Imp), PlayerLoadTM (PLTM), PLTM/min, Metabolic Power (PMet), and PMet/min. (3) Results: The results exposed that referees work around 62% HRmax and spend more than 80% of the match at intensities between 0-12 km/h. The first period was the period in which the greatest work demand was experienced in relation to these neuromuscular outcomes (11.92 PL; 3.61 Met; 277 Impacts). The results revealed a diminishment of internal and external demands on the referees over the course of the game. (4) Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of monitoring and quantifying the workload of basketball officials, because doing so would allow for the establishment of individualized performance profiles that could be designed with the purpose of benefiting referee performance during games. The use of inertial devices allows for the objective quantification of referee workload under competitive circumstances.

Perfil de Acelerometría de los Árbitros de Baloncesto durante el Eurobasket Femenino U'16 / Accelerometry Profile of Basketball Referees during U'16 Euroasket Women / Perfil da acelerometria dos árbitros do basquetebol durante o eurobasket feminino U'16

La cuantificación del perfil de aceleración permite determinar las acciones de alta intensidad que determinan el éxito de una competición. El objetivo del presente estudio se centra en concretar el perfil de aceleración de los árbitros de baloncesto a través de la tecnología Ultra Wide-Band. La muestra estuvo compuesta por nueve árbitros internacionales, que oficializaron un total de quince partidos durante un campeonato internacional U'16. La variable independiente estuvo definida por los diferentes periodos de juego. Las variables dependientes de carga externa fueron la intensidad, duración, pico máximo y velocidad de inicio de las aceleraciones y desaceleraciones realizadas por los árbitros. Y variables dependientes situacionales fueron el marcador y las posesiones de balón. Para el análisis de las variables se ha empleado los dispositivos inerciales WIMU PROTM. Se ha realizado la prueba estadística Tablas de Contigencia y Anova de medidas repetidas para conocer las diferencias entre periodos. Los resultados muestran que existen diferencias significativas entre el primer y el cuarto periodo en la duración de las aceleraciones y desaceleraciones y en la velocidad de inicio de las desaceleraciones. La creación del perfil de aceleración de los árbitros de baloncesto permite conocer las exigencias del juego y analizar adecuadamente las variables predictivas del rendimiento

The monitorization of the acceleration profile allows determining the high intensity actions that determine the success of competition. The aim of the study is to analyze the acceleration profile of basketball referees through Ultra Wide-Band technology. The sample was composed of nine international referees, who refereeing fifteen official games during U'16 international championship. The independent variable was defined by the different periods of the game. The dependent external load variables were the intensity, duration, maximum peak and start speed of accelerations and decelerations. And the dependent situational variables were game score and ball possessions. The WIMU PROTM inertial devices have been used for the analysis of variables. The repeated measures Anova test was performed to know the differences between periods. The results show that there are significant differences between the first and the fourth period in the duration of accelerations and decelerations and in the start speed of decelerations. Acceleration basketball referees profile can meet the demands of the game and properly analyze the predictors of performance

A quantificação do perfil de aceleração permite determinar as ações de alta intensidade que determinam o sucesso de uma competição. O objetivo deste estudo é especificar o perfil de aceleração de árbitros de basquete através da tecnología Ultra Wide-Band. A amostra foi composta por nove árbitros internacionais, que fizeram um total de quinze jogos oficiais durante um campeonato internacional do U'16. A variável independente foi definida pelos diferentes períodos de jogo. As variáveis dependentes da carga externa foram a intensidade, duração, pico máximo e velocidade de início das acelerações e desacelerações feitas pelos árbitros. E variáveis dependentes situacionais foram o marcador e as posses de bola. Para a análise das variáveis, foram utilizados dispositivos inerciais WIMU PROTM. As tabelas de teste estatístico de Contingencia e Anova de medidas repetidas foram levadas a cabo para saber as diferenças entre períodos. Os resultados mostram que existem diferenças significativas entre o primeiro e o quarto períodos na duração das acelerações e desacelerações e na velocidade com que as desacelerações começam. A criação do perfil de aceleração dos árbitros de basquetebol possibilita conhecer as demandas do jogo e analisar adequadamente as variáveis preditivas do desempenho

Basketball Game-Related Statistics that Discriminate Between European Players Competing in the NBA and In the Euroleague.

This study aimed to identify the game-related statistics that discriminated between Euroleague basketball players and European basketball players playing in the NBA, when competing in the same event (EuroBasket 2015). There was a total of 78 matches played by 24 teams in two groups of analysis: NBA, participants in the European Championship who played in the NBA season of 2014-2015 (n = 26); Euroleague, participants in the European Championship who played in the Euroleague season of 2014-2015 (n = 82). The players' performance variables were normalized to the time they spent on the court. To identify which variables best discriminated between the NBA and the Euroleague performance profiles, a descriptive discriminant analysis was conducted. Structure coefficients (SC) from the matrix greater than |0.30| were interpreted as meaningful contributors to discriminating between the groups. The results revealed a significant function (p = 0.008, canonical correlation of 0.51, Λ = 0.74, reclassification = 84.2%) and substantial performance differences in game-related statistics much related to the influence of body size (body height and mass), such as two-point field goals made (SC = 0.42) and missed (SC = 0.40), free-throws made (SC = 0.55), defensive rebounds (SC = 0.62), blocks (SC = 0.48) and suffered fouls (SC = 0.34). No differences were found at the level of game-related statistics indirectly related to perception, such as assists, turnovers or steals. Also, the greater body size in NBA players was likely related to higher variability in performance, thus, being an important topic for coaches and recruiters to analyse.

Physiological Responses to and Athlete and Coach Perceptions of Exertion During Small-Sided Basketball Games.

Vaquera, A, Suárez-Iglesias, D, Guiu, X, Barroso, R, Thomas, G, and Renfree, A. Physiological responses to and athlete and coach perceptions of exertion during small-sided basketball games. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2949-2953, 2018-This study describes heart rate (HR) responses during different small-sided games (SSGs) in junior basketball players and identifies the level of agreement between athlete and coach perceptions of internal training load calculated using the in-task rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method. Over a 6-week period, 12 male junior basketball players, who played in the Spanish national under-18 League, played 7 games of one-a-side (1v1), 6 games of 2-a-side (2v2), 8 games of 5-a-side (5v5), and 5 games of superiority (3v2) situations. During 1v1, 2v2, 5v5, and 3v2, peak HRs were 90.27 ± 3.37%, 92.68 ± 3.29%, 92.01 ± 3.48%, and 88.74 ± 5.77% of HRmax, respectively. These differences were statistically significant between 1v1 and 2v2 (p < 0.01), 1v1 and 5v5 (p ≤ 0.05), 2v2 and 3v2 (p < 0.001), and 5v5 and 3v2 (p < 0.001). Mean HR was 79.5 ± 4.4%, 83.1 ± 4.2%, 91.2 ± 4.7%, and 78.5 ± 7.5% of HRmax during 1v1, 2v2, 5v5, and 3v2, respectively, and differences were observed between 1v1 and 2v2 (p < 0.001), 2v2 and 3v2 (p < 0.001), and 5v5 and 3v2 (p ≤ 0.05). There were differences in athletes and coaches in-task RPE in all SSGs (all p < 0.0001 apart from 5 × 5 p = 0.0019). The 2v2 format elicited a higher mean in-task RPE in comparison with all other SSGs (p < 0.001), possibly because 2v2 imposes a greater cognitive load.

Cardiovascular and perceptual stress of female basketball referees during women's International matches.

BACKGROUND: The current aims were to determine body composition (BC), and heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived effort (RPE) responses by female basketball referees during elite international competition. METHODS: Pre-competition, BC via skinfolds was assessed in 10 referees (38 ± 3 yr) who officiated 11 matches. Referees' HR and exercise intensity (based upon maximum HR, HRmax) was recorded during each quarter of each match and RPE assessed post- match. Differences between quarters were examined via repeated measures ANOVA while correlations between RPE, HR, BC and experience were also considered. RESULTS: The average match HR was 86.2±5.0 HRmax with this being significantly lower during the 4th quarter compared to the 1st (p = 0.18) and 2nd quarters (p = 0.001), and significantly lower during the 3rd compared to the 2nd quarter (p = 0.005). The average post-match RPE was 12.5 ± 1.6 with significant inverse correlations identified between post-match RPE and exercise intensity (average HR, %HRmax). Significant correlations were identified between the average match HR and BC (0.608, p = 0.016), and experience (-0.653, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The current investigation has demonstrated that elite female basketball referees experience significant cardiovascular and perceptual stress during international matches that may be influenced by referee experience and BC. These unique characteristics may aid in referee preparation for elite competition.

Sex differences in cardiovascular demands of refereeing during international basketball competition.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sex on cardiovascular responses of referees during elite international basketball competition. METHODS: Twenty-seven elite referees (9 female; 18 male) officiated a random sample of 18 matches during the final round of the 2013 Women's Eurobasket Championship. Continuous recordings of referees' heart rate (HR) during matches were obtained and analyzed for average HR, relative exercise intensity (% maximum HR, HRmax) and proportion of time spent within different exercise-intensity categories. RESULTS: During the championship, the average match HR was >150 bpm and approximated an exercise intensity of >85% HRmax for referees. Female referees exhibited lower average match HR (156.8 ± 10.2 vs. 163.6 ± 11.6 bpm, p<0.05) and exercise intensity (86.2 ± 5.5 vs. 89.5 ± 6.0% HRmax, p<0.05) compared to male referees. Referees spent most (>70%) of each match at a HR intensity of 70-89% HRmax with females experiencing more match time within the 55-69% HRmax category compared to males. Average HR and exercise intensity was greatest for all referees during the early part of the match (Quarter 1) that declined over the match. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that sex significantly influences cardiovascular responses for elite basketball referees with lower responses for females potentially reflective of different movement patterns. Reductions in cardiovascular response noted during matches for all referees may reflect alterations in metabolism, match activities or induction of fatigue that should be considered in the development and training of elite referees for optimal match performance.