Challenges and opportunities in wheelchair basketball classification- A Delphi study.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) mandates Paralympic Sports to develop evidence-based classification systems that allocate athletes into 'classes' according to the impact of their impairment on sport-specific performance. In wheelchair-basketball, a panel of classifiers assesses athlete's performance through observation. One key barrier to evidence-based classification is the absence of defined eligible impairments, including clear guidelines on how to assess them and their impact on wheelchair basketball performance. This study aims to reach expert consensus on issues specific to wheelchair basketball that can benefit from evidence-based classification. It offers recommendations for refining the classification manual, thus improving adherence to the IPC classification code. A three-round Delphi study was conducted with 29 experts in wheelchair basketball. The experts agreed with the new definition for the aim of wheelchair basketball classification, which is in line with the IPC code. Cases identified as having the highest risk for disagreement between classifiers included classifying players with upper limb deficiency or with impaired coordination. The panel failed to agree on changing the classification procedures and on defining the eligible impairment list. This study identifies issues specific to wheelchair basketball classification to be addressed in future research. Additional discussions need to take place to promote further resolution.

The importance of pacing in basketball players with intellectual impairment: Input for evidence-based classification.

Pacing places a high demand on intellectual functioning and has been found useful for classification of athletes with intellectual impairments (II). This may also be true in open-loop sports like basketball. The current study aimed to investigate the pacing behaviour of basketball players with and without II. Using time-motion analysis, the activity of elite basketball players with II (n = 37) and amateur players without II (n = 34) was coded into four movement categories over eight periods of each game: standing, walking, running and jumping. Following two-way ANOVA, an effect of group showed differences between groups in duration and frequency of the movement categories within each period of the games. Additionally, an effect of time suggested that players in both groups paced their performances. However, no interaction was found, indicating that pacing may not be different between groups. In conclusion, the results suggest that due to the dynamic nature of basketball, the included players paced more intuitively by responding to environmental cues and using less deliberate planning. The players with II demonstrated slower games, which may be due to an impaired ability to make quick moment-to-moment deliberate decisions. These skills should be further studied in the context of evidence-based classification.

Basketball Activity Classification Based on Upper Body Kinematics and Dynamic Time Warping.

Basketball activity classification can help document players' statistics, allow coaches, trainers and the medical team to quantitatively supervise players' physical exertion and optimize training strategy, and further help prevent potential injuries. Traditionally, sports activity classification was done by manual notational, or through multi-camera systems or motion sensing technology. These methods were often erroneous and limited by space. This study presents a basketball activity classification model based on Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) and body kinematic measures. Twenty participants, including 10 experienced players and 10 novice players, were involved in an experimental study. The experienced and novice players differed in their years of playing basketball. Four basketball movements, including shooting, passing, dribbling, and lay-up were classified by kinematic measures. The results indicate that the proposed model can successfully classify different basketball movements with high accuracy and efficiency. Specifically, with the resultant acceleration of the hand, this model can achieve classification precision, recall, and specificity up to 0.984, 0.983 and 0.994, respectively. Findings from this study supported the feasibility of using DTW in real-time sports activity classification and provided insights into the optimal sensor placement for basketball activity classification applications.

Influence of Functional Classification on Skill Tests in Elite Female Wheelchair Basketball Athletes.

Background and objectives: Wheelchair basketball players are classified into four functional classes according to the player's "volume of action", characterized by trunk movement and stability. As this classification is based on a kinematic point of view, test items might be differentially affected by the functional classification level. We aimed to clarify field-based skill test items closely related to the functional classification level. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six female wheelchair basketball athletes (Japan National Team candidates) completed seven field-based skill tests (20 m sprint, agility T-test, figure-eight with a ball test, the Yo-Yo 10 m recovery test, and three types of maximal passes), and anthropometric measurements were applied. Results: Significant differences among the classification levels were found for one-hand maximal passes (baseball and hook passes) and the figure-eight with a ball test. Furthermore, performance in the 20 m sprint and 10 m Yo-Yo recovery tests significantly differed between classes 1 and 4. Conclusions: The test items most influenced by the classification levels were one-hand passes, which require trunk stability and balance not only in the horizontal plane, but also in the sagittal and frontal planes. Coaches should consider which test items are strongly affected by the functional classification level when assessing a player's performance.

Changes in physical demands between game quarters of U18 elite official basketball games.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the physical demands during U18 elite basketball games according to the game quarter and to identify a smaller subset of variables and threshold scores that distinguish players' physical performance in each quarter. METHODS: Data was collected from ninety-four players who participated in the study (age: 17.4 ± 0.74 years; height: 199.0 ± 0.1 cm; body mass: 87.1 ± 13.1 kg) competing in the Euroleague Basketball Next Generation Tournament. Players' movements during the games were measured using a portable local positioning system (LPS) (WIMU PRO®, Realtrack Systems SL, Almería, Spain) and included relative distance (total distance / playing duration), relative distance in established speed zones, high-intensity running (18.1-24.0 km·h-1) and sprinting (> 24.1 km·h-1). player load, peak speed (km·h-1) and peak acceleration (m·s-2) number of total accelerations and total decelerations, high intensity accelerations (> 2 m·s-2) and decelerations (< -2 m·s-2). RESULTS: There was an overall decrease in distance covered, player load, number of high intensity accelerations and decelerations between the first and last quarter of the games in all playing positions. A classification tree analysis showed that the first quarter had much influence of distance covered (above 69.0 meters), distance covered <6.0 km·h-1 and accelerations (> 2 m·s-2), whereas the fourth quarter performance had much influence of distance covered (below 69.0) and distance covered 12.1-18.0 km·h-1. CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in physical demands occurs during basketball, especially between first and last quarter for players in all playing positions during basketball games of under 18 elite players.

The Future of Classification in Wheelchair Sports: Can Data Science and Technological Advancement Offer an Alternative Point of View?

PURPOSE: Classification is a defining factor for competition in wheelchair sports, but it is a delicate and time-consuming process with often questionable validity. New inertial sensor-based measurement methods applied in match play and field tests allow for more precise and objective estimates of the impairment effect on wheelchair-mobility performance. The aim of the present research was to evaluate whether these measures could offer an alternative point of view for classification. METHODS: Six standard wheelchair-mobility performance outcomes of different classification groups were measured in match play (n = 29), as well as best possible performance in a field test (n = 47). RESULTS: In match results, a clear relationship between classification and performance level is shown, with increased performance outcomes in each adjacent higher-classification group. Three outcomes differed significantly between the low- and mid-classified groups, and 1, between the mid- and high-classified groups. In best performance (field test), there was a split between the low- and mid-classified groups (5 out of 6 outcomes differed significantly) but hardly any difference between the mid- and high-classified groups. This observed split was confirmed by cluster analysis, revealing the existence of only 2 performance-based clusters. CONCLUSIONS: The use of inertial sensor technology to obtain objective measures of wheelchair-mobility performance, combined with a standardized field test, produced alternative views for evidence-based classification. The results of this approach provide arguments for a reduced number of classes in wheelchair basketball. Future use of inertial sensors in match play and field testing could enhance evaluation of classification guidelines, as well as individual athlete performance.

The Introduction stage of Basketball players. A view from Basketball Experts / La etapa de introducción de los jugadores de baloncesto. Consideraciones de expertos de baloncesto / A fase de introdução dos jogadores de basquete. Uma visão de especialistas em basquete

This study aimed to examine the introduction stage of basketball participants in countries that are ranked within the top 20 basketball countries by FIBA. Through the use of semi structured interviews, data was collected from 16 technical experts from 6 countries. We analyzed the introductory phase determining: the age at which participants start in the programs; the different avenues or forms of entry in to the sport; the objectives defined and pursued in these stages; the structure of the competitive contests and the multi-sport involvement and specialization. The data revealed an age range of 5 to 12 years for the introduction of participants to basketball. Various settings for the introduction in the sport were found to exist. USA stands out with a maximum of 7 options. Regarding the main objectives in basketball introduction, the data revealed a balance between the three learning domains, with a slight increase of the affirmative and psychomotor over the cognitive. In terms of competition there is a common standard across countries that contests during the period of introduction are focused in enjoyment and stimulation. Several strategies are used in all countries, (e.g. reducing the size of the ball, number of players, height of the basket) are used to accommodate the game to the children abilities and to the objectives of the introductory stage. In terms of multi-sport participation and the ages at which specialization in basketball should occur, opinions are favorable to a multi-sport diversification, and the average age of specialization was 15 (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar la etapa de presentación de los participantes de baloncesto de los países que se clasifican dentro de los 20 países de baloncesto superior por la FIBA. Mediante el uso de entrevistas semiestructuradas, se recogieron datos de 16 expertos técnicos de 6 países. Hemos analizado la fase de introducción determinando: la edad en que los participantes comienzan en los programas; las diferentes vías o formas de entrada en el deporte; los objetivos perseguidos y definidos en estas etapas; la estructura competitiva y la participación multe-deportiva y la edad de especialización. Los datos revelaron un rango de edad de 5 a 12 años para la presentación de los participantes al baloncesto. Se comprueba la existencia de varios parámetros para la introducción en el deporte. USA se destaca con un máximo de 7 opciones. En cuanto a los principales objetivos en la introducción de baloncesto, los datos revelaron un equilibrio entre los tres dominios de aprendizaje, con un ligero aumento de la afirmativa y psicomotor sobre el desarrollo cognitivo. En cuanto a la competición, hay un estándar común en los países definiéndose el disfrute y la estimulación como los objetivos principales. Varias estrategias se utilizan en todos los países, (por ejemplo, la reducción del tamaño de la bola, número de jugadores, la altura de la canasta) se utilizan para acomodar el juego de las habilidades de los niños y para los objetivos de la etapa de introducción. En cuanto a la participación del multe-deporte y las edades en las que la especialización en el baloncesto debe ocurrir, las opiniones son favorables a una diversificación multe-deporte, y la edad media de especialización fue de 15 anos (AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a fase de introdução de participantes de basquete de países que são classificados dentro dos primeiros 20 países de basquete pela FIBA. Através do uso de entrevistas semiestruturados, os dados foram recolhidos a partir de 16 especialistas técnicos de 6 países. Analisou-se a fase introdutória determinando: a idade em que os participantes começam nos programas; os diferentes caminhos ou formas de entrada para a modalidade; os objetivos definidos e perseguidos nessa fase; a estrutura competitiva, o envolvimento multidesportivo e a especialização. Os dados revelaram uma faixa etária de 5 a 12 anos para a introdução de participantes para o basquete. Foram reveladas várias formas de introdução na modalidade. Os EUA destaca-se com um máximo de 7 opções. Em relação aos principais objetivos, os dados revelaram um equilíbrio entre os três domínios de aprendizagem, com um ligeiro aumento da afirmativa e psicomotor sobre o cognitivo. Em termos de competição há um padrão comum entre os países centrando-se os objetivos competitivos na diversão e estimulação. Várias estratégias são utilizadas em todos os países, (por exemplo, reduzindo o tamanho da bola, o número de jogadores, altura do cesto) para acomodar o jogo às capacidades crianças e aos objetivos da fase introdutória. As opiniões dos especialistas são favoráveis à participação multidesportiva e a idade em que a especialização deve ocorrer em basquetebol, foi em média de 15 anos (AU)

Non-compaction cardiomyopathy in an asymptomatic athlete.

Prevention of sudden cardiac death in athletes requires the screening and recognition of pathologies that often remain clinically silent for years until provoked by a physiologic stressor. This can result in the manifestation of disease and even death. Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC), newly classified as a distinct entity arising in the adult population, is a cardiomyopathy that at initial presentation can manifest as a wide spectrum of symptoms from asymptomatic to ventricular arrhythmias, systemic embolism and even sudden cardiac death. We present the case of an asymptomatic athlete found to have LVNC and discuss the implications this finding may have on sports participation.

Position-Dependent Cardiovascular Response and Time-Motion Analysis During Training Drills and Friendly Matches in Elite Male Basketball Players.

The purpose of this study was to measure differences in the cardiovascular workload (heart rate [HR]) and time-motion demands between positional groups, during numerous basketball training drills, and compare the results with in-game competition demands. A convenience sample of 14 top-level professional basketball players from the same club (Spanish First Division, ACB) participated in the study. A total of 146 basketball exercises per player (performed over an 8-week period in 32 team training sessions throughout the competitive season) and 7 friendly matches (FM) played during the preparatory phase were analyzed. The results reveal that HRavg and HRpeak were the highest in FM (158 ± 10; 198 ± 9 b · min(-1), respectively). Time-motion analysis showed 1v1 to be the most demanding drill (53 ± 8 and 46 ± 12 movements per minute for full and half court, respectively). During FM, players performed 33 ± 7 movements per minute. Positional differences exist for both HR and time-motion demands, ranging from moderate to very large for all basketball drills compared with FM. Constraints such as number of players, court size, work-to-rest ratios, and coach intervention are key factors influencing cardiovascular responses and time-motion demands during basketball training sessions. These results demonstrate that systematic monitoring of the physical demands and physiological responses during training and competition can inform and potentially improve coaching strategy, basketball-specific training drills, and ultimately, match performance.

Differences in lower-body stiffness between levels of netball competition.

There are many notable differences in physical and skill attributes between competition levels, especially in team sports. Stiffness is an important mechanical factor to measure when considering athletic performance and injury incidence. Active vertical stiffness (K(vert)) during hopping and passive stiffness during lying and standing were measured during the preseason period for 46 female netballers (24.0 ± 3.7 years, 72.2 ± 7.6 kg, 175.2 ± 6.7 cm). Participants were classified as elite, sub-elite, representative or recreational based on their current level of competition. A 1-way analysis of variance revealed that elite players possessed significantly higher K(vert) than recreational players (p = 0.018). Large effect sizes (ES) suggested that elite players also possessed higher K(vert) than sub-elite (d = 1.11) and representative (d = 1.11) players. A number of large and moderate ES were also present when comparing the passive stiffness of elite players to their lower-ranked counterparts. The results of this study suggest that elite players possess higher levels of active stiffness when compared with their lower-ranked counterparts. The differences in stiffness levels may contribute to a player's ability to physically perform at an elite level and also provide one explanation into elevated rates of injury at higher levels of competition.

Can the rate of perceived exertion and fatigue of one professional basketball player be modified through a long term nutritional intervention? / ¿Puede modificarse la percepción del esfuerzo y la fatiga de un jugador profesional de baloncesto mediante una intervención nutricional a largo plazo?

The rate of perceived exertion of one session (S-RPE) and fatigue of an intermittent exercise can be decreased by carbohydrate ingestion during that specific session. In addition, certain nutritional interventions (NI) improved dietary intake (DI) of athletes, but the effects on long term SRPE and fatigue are unknown. Our aim was to assess whether a long term NI could modify the RPE-S and fatigue of one professional basketball player in training and matches during competitive season. NI (2 months) was carried out with one professional basketball player who recorded daily (1 month pre NI; 2 months during NI) S-RPE and fatigue of training and matches as well as mood state, sleep hours and quality of sleep. Before and after intervention, DI (food diary, 7 days) and body composition (anthropometry) were evaluated. Nonparametric comparison of mean (Wilcoxon) was performed between pre and post/during NI data. Carbohydrate intake increased post NI (3.7 g vs. 5.1 g/Kg weight/day; p < .05). Training S-RPE decreased during the NI (5.3 vs. 5.0 ball; 4.9 vs. 4.4 physical; CR-10 scale) as well as all the variables of fatigue. Matches S-RPE increased during NI (7.5 vs. 8.0; CR-10 scale) as fatigue in the morning and at bedtime but not post-match, which was decreased. The S-RPE and fatigue of training of one professional basketball player could be decreased by a long-term nutritional intervention that leads to the compliance with the recommendations

La percepción del esfuerzo de una sesión (RPE-S) y la fatiga de un ejercicio intermitente pueden ser disminuidas con la ingesta de carbohidratos durante dicha sesión. Además, ciertas intervenciones nutricionales (IN) mejoraron la ingesta alimentaria (IA) de los deportistas, aunque se desconocen los efectos sobre la RPE-S y la fatiga en el largo plazo. Nuestro objetivo fue valorar si una IN a largo plazo podía modificar la RPE-S y la fatiga de un jugador de baloncesto profesional en entrenamientos/partidos durante la temporada. Se intervino nutricionalmente (2 meses) a un baloncestista profesional, quién registró diariamente (1 mes pre IN; 2 meses durante IN) la RPE-S y la fatiga de entrenamientos/ partidos, las horas y la calidad de sueño y el ánimo. Antes y después de la IN se valoró IA (diario de alimentos, 7 días) y composición corporal (antropometría). Se realizó comparación de medias no paramétricas (Wilcoxon) para los datos pre y post/durante IN. La ingesta de carbohidratos aumentó post IN (3,7 g vs 5.1 g/Kg peso/día; p< ,05). La RPE-S de entrenamientos disminuyó durante la IN (5,3 vs 5.0 balón; 4,9 vs. 4,4 físicos; escala CR-10) al igual que las variables de fatiga. La RPE-S de partidos aumentó (7,5 vs. 8,0; escala CR-10) al igual que la fatiga al levantarse y al acostarse, pero disminuyó postpartido. El sueño y el ánimo no variaron significativamente. La RPE-S y la fatiga de entrenamientos de un jugador de baloncesto profesional podrían disminuirse a largo plazo con una intervención nutricional que adecúe su ingesta a las recomendaciones

Analysis of training tasks regarding game stages and situations in U´10 and U´13 categories / Análisis de las tareas de entrenamiento respecto a la fase y las situaciones de juego en categoría minibasket e infantil

The aim of this study was to analyze the way training tasks are designed by four coaches of U´10 category (9-10 years old) and U´13 category (12-13 years old) regarding game stages and situations. The sample of this study is formed by four coaches: C1 and C2 train mini basket teams and are more experienced; C3 and C4 train children’s teams and are less experienced. 452 training tasks designed by these four coaches for two months were analyzed. The training pedagogical variables registered were the following: Game stages, Game situations and Content. In order to control data’s reliability, consensual agreement was carried out, and in order to obtain inter and intra-assessor agreement, kappa de Cohen and multirater kfree indexes were used. A descriptive and inferential analysis was performed (χ2, φc and RTC) in order to analyze the characteristics of the tasks designed by each coach and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to know the differences in the studied variables amongst coaches. The results show that there are mainly offensive tasks, although three of the coaches show to tend to combine offensive and defense tactics. Game situations most common are 1x0 and 1x1. Situations without opposition are mainly used to work on offensive contents. The analysis of training pedagogical variables provides very useful information to know how the basketball training is designed

El objeto de este estudio fue analizar cómo es el entrenamiento diseñado por cuatro entrenadores de las categorías de minibasket (9-10 años) e infantil (12-13 años) respecto a las fases de juego y las situaciones de juego. La muestra del estudio la constituyen 4 entrenadores, E1 y E2 dirigen equipos minibasket y con más experiencia como entrenador, y E3 y E4 dirigen equipos infantiles y tienen menor experiencia. Se analizaron las 452 tareas de entrenamiento, de dos meses de intervención, diseñadas por los entrenadores del estudio. Las variables pedagógicas registradas fueron: Fases de juego, Situaciones de juego y Contenido. El control de la calidad del dato se llevó a cabo a través de la concordancia consensuada y para la concordancia inter e intra-evaluador con los índices de kappa de Cohen y multirater kfree. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo e inferencial (χ2, φc and RTC) para explorar las características de las tareas diseñadas por cada entrenador y la prueba de U de Mann-Whitney para conocer las diferencias entre los entrenadores en las variables de estudio. Los resultados muestran que existe un predominio de las tareas dirigidas al ataque, aunque en tres de los entrenadores se aprecia una tendencia al trabajo conjunto de ataque y defensa. Las situaciones de juego más utilizadas son el 1x0 y el 1x1. Se utilizan situaciones sin oposición, en mayor medida, para trabajar contenidos ofensivos. El análisis de las variables pedagógicas del entrenamiento proporciona información muy útil sobre cómo es el entrenamiento deportivo diseñado en Baloncesto

Heart rate analysis of high level basketball players during training sessions / Análsisis de la frecuencia cardiaca de jugadores de baloncesto de elite en entrenamientos técnico-tácticos

The aim of the study was to assess through the heart rate (HR) the intensity of training sessions with elite basketball players. Eleven basketball players belonging to a Leb Oro team used HR monitors during 12 training sessions providing 238 HR files. In each exercise the number of players, type of exercise, type of defense, dimensions of the field and time were analyzed, calculating their HRmax, % HRmax, HRmed, and % HRmed depending on their specific positions (Guard, Forward and Centers). No significant differences were found based on the number of players or dimensions of the field, however more intensity was observed in the individual defense (p < .01). Moreover, there is a tendency to have greater intensity at SUP and INF drills. Centers reached the highest intensity in drills with more spaces (1x1, 2x2, SUP, INF) while Guards showed greater intensity in 3x3, 4x4 y 5x5 drills. The results of this study will help improve the planning and scheduling of workouts

El objetivo del estudio es conocer la intensidad, mediante la frecuencia cardiaca (FC), de los ejercicios utilizados por un equipo de elite de baloncesto. 11 jugadores pertenecientes a un equipo de Leb Oro utilizaron pulsómetros durante 12 sesiones, obteniendo 238 registros de FC. En cada ejercicio se registraron el número de jugadores, tipo de ejercicio, volumen, tipo de defensa y dimensiones del campo, obteniéndose la FCmáx, % FCmáx, FCmed y % FCmed en función de los puestos específicos (Base, Alero y Pívot). No hubo diferencias significativas en función del número de jugadores o las dimensiones del campo, aunque se observó que la defensa individual era más intensa (p < .01). Asimismo los ejercicios de superioridades e inferioridades fueron los de mayor intensidad. Los Pívots obtuvieron mayor intensidad en ejercicios con mucho espacio, mientras que en 3x3, 4x4 y 5x5 fueron los Bases los que mostraron mayores intensidades. Los resultados de este estudio ayudarán a mejorar la planificación y programación de las sesiones y ejercicio

Perception of effort in minibasketball during small side games / Percepcion de esfuerzo en baloncesto de formación durante juegos reducidos

It was analyzed in what measurement the characteristics of the task in small side games influence the perception of effort (RPE) and his relation between the time of game and the RPE the type of tasks. Ten minibasketball players performed 50 tasks (10 training sessions, 450 records RPE, 5 with duration of 8, 10 or 12 minutes). Based on the description 7 variables were codified: Aim: (Assault / Defense / Compound), Duration: (8 minutes / more than 8 minutes), Space: (Track completes / 1/2 Track / 1/4 of Track), numerical Equality: (Without rival / numerical Inequality / numerical Equality), Transition: (If / Not), Player of support: (If / Not), Relation between players: (attackers[n] x defenders[n]). No parametric analysis and an analysis of the variable RPE in function of the characteristics of the task with logistic multinomial regression from the RPE were used. RPE's average in all the variables were 6.87 ± 1.76. Four variables contribute the model: Time of the task (X2 = 183.49; df= 8; p < .001), Relation among players (X2 = 63.71; df= 10; p < .001), Transition (X2 = 15.37; df= 2; p < .01) and the Aim (X2 = 9.68; df= 4; p < .05). The % of classification of the model for the group RPE (8-9), 90.1 % and for the group RPE (0-6), 71.6 %. The total percentage of classification predicted was 66.4. The tasks of 8 minutes in the group of RPE (0-6) have more possibilities of having RPE lower than those of any more 10 or 12 minutes. The tasks of attack have more possibilities of having a lower RPE. The characteristics of tasks influence the RPE. More than 8 minutes favor a very high RPE when the presence of attackers and defenders in 1x1 and 2x2 exist

Con el objetivo de analizar en qué medida las características de las tareas en los juegos reducidos influyen en la percepción de esfuerzo (RPE), y su relación entre el tiempo de juego y la RPE de los diferentes tipos de tareas, diez jugadores de minibasket desarrollaron 50 tareas (10 sesiones de entrenamiento, 450 registros de RPE, 5 registros de 8, 10 o 12 minutos). Basado en la descripción de 7 variables codificadas: objetivo (ataque / defensa /transición), duración: (8 minutos / más de 8 minutos), espacio: (campo completo / medio campo, 1/4 de campo), igualdad numérica: (sin rival / igualdad numérica/ superioridad numérica), transición: (si / no), ayuda del jugador: (si /no), relación entre jugadores: (atacantes[n] x defensores[n]). El análisis no paramétrico y el análisis de la variable RPE en función de las características de la tarea, se aplicó con una regresión logística multinomial. La media de RPE en todas las variables fue de 6.87 ± 1.76. Cuatro de ellas, contribuyeron al modelo: El tiempo de la tarea (X2 = 183.49; df = 8; p < .001), relación entre jugadores (X2 = 63.71; df = 10; p < .001), transición (X2 = 15.37; df = 2; p < .01) y el objetivo (X2 = 9.68; df= 4; p < .05). El % de clasificación del modelo para el grupo RPE (8-9) fue del 90.1 % y para el grupo RPE (0-6), 71.6 %. El porcentaje total de clasificación fue un predictor del 66.4. Las tareas de 8 minutos tuvieron más posibilidades de presentar una RPE más baja que las de más de 10 o 12 minutos. Las tareas de ataque tuvieron más posibilidades de presentar una RPE más baja. Las características de las tares influyeron en la RPE. Más de 8 minutos favorecen una RPE más alta con presencia de atacantes y defensores en situaciones de 1x1 y 2x2

Influence of chronological age in the selection of players into the national basketball teams? / Influencia de la edad cronológica en la selección de jugadores y jugadoras en los equipos nacionales de baloncesto

The Relative Age Effect (RAE) is 'the difference in age and maturity, among people who have been grouped under the same age, for a specific purpose or function' (Lorenzo and Calleja, 2010). The aim of this study is to analyse the presence of the effect in the Spanish National Basketball Teams from U-16 category to the senior teams (n = 110), who competed over summer 2013. The study will address the possible relationship to gender and playing position. This analysis will show the variations in the percentage of births throughout the year calendar. A descriptive study set whose variables include month of birth, gender (male or female), category (U16, U18, U19, U20, Senior) and playing position (inside or outside player). Significant differences in the distribution of births grouped by periods (p = .46 χ2 (4) = 9.6) were found. In men’s youth teams there is a significant difference in the number of players who are selected from the first and second semester depending on whether they are inside or outside players (χ2 (1) = 5.42; p = .20, V = .34). Likewise, in women’s youth teams there is also a significant difference (χ2 (1) = 9.24; p = .002, V = .49). In conclusion, the effect is present through the Spanish basketball teams, especially at non-senior levels. It begins at the first competitive age and disappears into the senior teams. Furthermore, youth categories are specifically affected according to the position of play. It seems necessary to revise the models of organizing competitions trying to achieve other more balanced and less exclusive. Also rethinking selection and detection of talent methods of male and female players in the Spanish basketball

El Efecto de la Edad Relativa (RAE) es 'la diferencia, en edad y maduración, entre personas que han sido agrupadas bajo la misma categoría de edad, para un propósito concreto o función' (Lorenzo y Calleja, 2010). Se pretende analizar la presencia de dicho efecto en las selecciones españolas de baloncesto, desde la U-16 hasta la selección absoluta (n = 110), que competirán a lo largo del verano de 2013. Se atenderá a las posibles relaciones con el género y la posición de juego. Dicho análisis mostrará las variaciones en el porcentaje del número de nacimientos a lo largo del año natural. Se planteó un estudio descriptivo cuyas variables son: mes de nacimiento, género (masculino o femenino),categoría (U16, U18, U19, U20, Sénior) y posición de juego (interior o exterior). Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la distribución de nacimientos agrupados por semestres (χ2 (4) = 9.6; p = .46) En categorías inferiores masculinas existe una diferencia significativa en el número de jugadores que son seleccionados del primer y segundo semestre en función de si son interiores o exteriores (χ2 (1) = 5.42; p = .20, V = .34). Así mismo, en las categorías inferiores femeninas también existe una diferencia significativa (χ2 (1) = 9.24; p = .002, V = .49). En conclusión, el efecto se encuentra presente en las selecciones españolas de baloncesto, principalmente en categorías inferiores. Se inicia en las primeras edades competitivas y desaparece en la selección absoluta. Además, en categorías de formación, incide de forma específica según la posición de juego. Parece necesario revisar los modelos de organización de las competiciones tratando de alcanzar otros más equilibrados y menos excluyentes. Replanteando también los métodos de selección y detección de jugadores y jugadoras dentro del baloncesto español

Last minute in NBA games / Último mínuto en los partidos de la NBA

Apparently the behavior during a basketball game, as in other team sports, shows tremendous variability manifested in both individual and collective ways. However, when a significant number of games are studied, we can observe the unpredictability that characterizes the game. The degree of complexity of the game is not stable. Patterns change during all the game time, but the last minute is completely different reality. Our aim was to test and evaluate the existence of these patterns and their apparent complexity, by analyzing the NBA games scoring and substitution dynamics. Therefore, we examined the difference between the last minute and the rest of the game from the collected scores (1, 2 and 3 points), substitutions and timeouts. The underlying chaotic behavior of nonlinear interactions is inherent in Complex Systems. The data showed the existence of symmetries and repeated patterns of play during basketball games of the NBA but the last minute, which can be considered a completely different game

Aparentemente, el comportamiento del juego durante un partido de baloncesto, igual que en el resto de deportes de equipo, muestra una enorme variabilidad que se manifiesta tanto en las acciones individuales y en las colectivas. No obstante, cuando se estudia una cantidad significativa de partidos se detecta que, dentro de la impredecibilidad que caracteriza al juego, existen, al menos en el baloncesto NBA, patrones de comportamiento repetitivos que, frecuentemente, son libres de escala. El grado de complejidad del juego no es estable. Diferentes investigaciones muestran como los patrones cambian entre el primer y segundo tiempo del partido, así como, primer y tercer cuarto respecto al segundo y cuarto, o la parte inicial, mitad o final de cada cuarto. Nuestro objetivo fue comprobar y evaluar la existencia de estos patrones, y su aparente complejidad, analizando el final de los partidos de la NBA y comparando esta fase del encuentro con el final de cada uno de los cuartos. Los datos muestran la existencia de simetrías (fractalidad) y patrones repetidos de juego durante los partidos de baloncesto de la NBA

Analysis of shooting effectiveness in elite basketball according to match status / Analisis del lanzamiento y sus acciones previas como variables predictoras de la eficacia de los equipos del mundobasket 2010

The aim of the present study was to identify the importance of performance indicators to predict shooting effectiveness in basketball according to match status. The sample was composed by 510 shots corresponding to n=10 games randomly selected from the FIBA Basketball World Cup (Turkey, 2010). The effects of the predictor variables on successful shots according to match status were analysed using Binomial Logistic Regressions. Results from balanced match status context allowed identifying significant interactions with shooting zone and previous action zones. On the other hand, results from unbalanced match status context allowed identifying interactions with passes used, shooting zone, and possession duration. The results showed no interaction with game period situational variable. The present findings allow improving coaches’ plan and tasks that involve game constraints of the identified game scenarios

El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar la importancia de los indicadores de rendimiento que permiten predecir la efectividad del lanzamiento en baloncesto en función del marcador parcial de juego. La muestra estaba compuesta por 510 lanzamientos correspondientes a 10 partidos seleccionados de manera aleatoria del Campeonato del Mundo de baloncesto (FIBA, Turquía, 2010). Los efectos de las variables predictoras en el éxito del lanzamiento se analizaron utilizando la regresión logística binomial. Los resultados con marcadores equilibrados identificaron interacciones significativas con la zona de tiro y la zona de juego de la acción previa al lanzamiento. Por otro lado, los resultados de los marcadores desequilibrados mostraron interacciones significativas con los pases utilizados, la zona de tiro y la duración de la posesión. Los resultados no mostraron interacciones significativas con la variable situacional periodo de juego. Los resultados obtenidos permiten mejorar el diseño de tareas de entrenamiento y control de competición mediante la modificación de las variables de juego en base a los resultados obtenidos

Achievement and competitiveness in elite youth basketball: what matters? / Logros y competitividad en jugadores jóvenes de baloncesto ¿Qué es lo que importa?

In a previous study we described the achievement and motivation variables that can explain the belonging to an elite competitive level of young basketball players, divided in two groups: elite and local. Two questionnaires were used: the Work and Family Orientation Questionnaire/WOFO (Spence and Helmreich, 1983), with three dimensions of achievement: work, mastery and competitiveness, and the Deliberate Practice Motivation Questionnaire/DPMQ (De Bruin et al., 2007), which assesses two dimensions of deliberate practice: will to compete and will to excel. Sixty-four male and fifty-two female basketball players under 16 years (mean age 15.4±0.91) participated in this study. A second group of players (14 males and 14 females) was obtained from those who were selected to play for the regional teams competing in the national youth festival. To compare the selected with the non-selected athletes, logistic regression was used. All the parameters, except mastery, explain the possibility to belong to the elite group, with will to compete and will to excel at the top of the discriminant variables. Once again, the findings suggest that a self-orientation to excellence may play a crucial role in ambition to reach higher standards in competition. The will to reach excellence in performance can be considered as a condition to aspire to participate in more specialized and demanding practice. The present study overcame the limitations of previous research regarding the selection moment, and globally confirmed the findings. The crucial need of inter-disciplinary, longitudinal research is stressed, because the path to expertise in sport is only meaningful over a long period of time

En el presente estudio se ha tratado de describir los logros y las diferentes motivaciones que pueden explicar la pertenencia a un nivel competitivo de élite de jugadores jóvenes de baloncesto, los cuales fueron divididos en dos grupos: élite y locales. Se utilizaron dos cuestionarios: Work and Family Orientation Questionnaire/WOFO (Spence y Helmreich, 1983), con tres dimensiones de progreso: el trabajo, el dominio y la competitividad, así como el Deliberate Practice Motivation Questionnaire/DPMQ (De Bruin et al, 2007), que evalúa dos dimensiones de la práctica deliberada: la voluntad de competir y voluntad de superación. Sesenta y cuatro varones y cincuenta y dos jugadores de baloncesto femenino de menos de 16 años (15,4 ± 0,91) participaron en este estudio. Un segundo grupo de jugadores (14 hombres y 14 mujeres) se obtuvo de la selección para jugar con los equipos regionales que compiten en el festival nacional de la juventud. Para comparar los atletas seleccionados con los no seleccionados, se utilizó regresión logística. Todos los parámetros, excepto el dominio, explican la posibilidad de pertenecer al grupo de élite, siendo la voluntad de competir y voluntad para sobresalir las variables discriminantes más destacadas. Una vez más, los resultados sugieren que un auto-orientación a la excelencia puede jugar un papel crucial en la ambición de alcanzar los estándares más altos en la competición. La voluntad de alcanzar la excelencia puede ser considerada como una condición para aspirar a realizar una práctica más especializada y exigente. El presente estudio compensa las limitaciones de investigaciones anteriores en relación al momento en la selección. La necesidad crucial de estudios interdisciplinarios y la investigación longitudinal debe ser destacable, porque el camino a la excelencia en el deporte sólo tiene sentido si se hace durante un largo período de tiempo

Differences in basketball training loads between comprehensive and technical models of teaching/training / Diferencias en las cargas de entrenamieno en baloncesto entre los modelos de enseñanza/entrenamiento comprensivo y técnico

Researchers analyze differences between models of sport training in order to identify the most suitable one. In basketball studies are focused on finding out differences amongst the processes of sport learning and taking decisions. The basketball training load includes the total sum of stimulus to which players are subjected during the preparation process. The aim of this research was to identity differences in training loads amongst the different tasks designed by basketball coaches who used different comprehensive and technical models of teaching/training. Two expert coaches of each training model participated in the study. All tasks performed during 10 training sessions were analyzed. In each task several aspects were studied: opposition, density/intensity, number of performers, competitive load, game area, cognitive involvement, mean heart rate, total time and useful time of the task. After that, the load of the task, value of training, and utilization of the task were calculated. There are statistically significant differences (p < .05) between the proposed tasks under the Comprehensive and Technical Model in the level of opposition, the number of performers, the load of the task, total time, useful time and utilization of tasks. The Comprehensive Model of training increases training load compared to the Technical Model, increasing the level of opposition and the number of players participating in the tasks. It also provides better utilization of tasks. The training process is more effective in practice time under the comprehensive model

Los investigadores analizan las diferencias entre los modelos de entrenamiento deportivo para identificar cual es el más idóneo. En baloncesto los estudios se orientan a descubrir las diferencias en el aprendizaje deportivo y en la toma de decisiones. La carga de entrenamiento en baloncesto se considera como la suma total de estímulos a los que el jugador se ve sometido durante el proceso de preparación. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar la existencia de diferencias en la carga de entrenamiento en las tareas diseñadas por entrenadores de baloncesto posicionados en modelos de entrenamiento-aprendizaje comprensivo y técnico. Participaron en el estudio dos entrenadores expertos posicionados en cada uno de los modelos de entrenamiento. Se examinaron las tareas realizadas durante 10 sesiones de entrenamiento. En cada tarea se analizó el grado oposición, densidad/intensidad, número de ejecutantes, carga competitiva, espacio de juego, implicación cognitiva, frecuencia cardíaca media, tiempo total y tiempo útil de la tarea. Posteriormente se calculó la carga de la tarea, valor del entrenamiento, y el aprovechamiento de la tarea. Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < .05), entre las tareas propuestas bajo el Modelo Comprensivo y Técnico en el grado de oposición, el número de ejecutantes, la carga de la tarea, tiempo total, tiempo útil y el aprovechamiento de las tareas. El Modelo Comprensivo de entrenamiento incrementa la carga de entrenamiento frente al Modelo Técnico, al aumentar el grado de oposición y el número de jugadores que participan en las tareas. Además, ofrece un mayor aprovechamiento de las tareas. El proceso de entrenamiento es más eficaz en el tiempo de práctica bajo el modelo comprensivo

Making profiles in boys and girls playing basketball / Perfiles decisionales en niños y niñas de baloncesto

Decision-making in players of sports such as basketball is essential to the sport activity itself. For this reason, decision-making is being researched in sports from a range of approaches and angles. The focus of this study is on understanding the decision-making profiles of basketball playing boys and girls (n=63), aged between 10 and 12. They belong to a basketball school with a distinct educational philosophy and an internal competition style that favour educational values required in sports at the initial stages. A descriptive study was conducted by applying a questionnaire on decision-making styles in sports (CETD). The questionnaire results according to the three analysed parameters are as follows: perceived decisional competence, M=2.26 ± 0.2. Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed when making decisions, M=2.36 ± 0.3. Tactical learning commitment, M=3.43 ± 0.3. These results have allowed the acquisition of greater knowledge about the players being analysed in terms of their perception on how they make decisions in training and competition, thus allowing the application of certain teaching strategies, enabling them to progress in basketball skills

La toma de decisiones de los jugadores en deportes como el baloncesto, es consustancial al propio deporte. Por este motivo, la decisión es objeto de investigación en el ámbito deportivo, abordándola desde diferentes enfoques y perspectivas. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido conocer el perfil decisional de un grupo de niños y niñas que practican baloncesto (n=63), con edades comprendidas entre los 10 y 12 años. Pertenecen a una escuela de baloncesto con una marcada filosofía educativa y un tipo de competición interna favorecedora de los valores educativos necesarios para la práctica deportiva en las etapas de iniciación. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo aplicando el cuestionario de estilos al decidir en el deporte (CETD). Los resultados obtenidos según las tres dimensiones analizadas del cuestionario fueron: competencia decisional percibida, M=2.26 ± 0.2. Ansiedad y agobio al decidir, M=2.36 ± 0.3. Compromiso en el aprendizaje táctico, M=3.43 ± 0.3. Estos resultados han permitido obtener mayor conocimiento de los jugadores y jugadoras analizados en cuanto a su percepción sobre cómo deciden en el entrenamiento y la competición y, de este modo, poder aplicar determinadas estrategias didácticas que les permita progresar en el aprendizaje del baloncesto