Transition from U18 to senior basketball in males: A comparison of external and internal game demands

Abstract

Background: Understanding differences in game demands between senior and U18 basketball players is essential for optimizing training and facilitating the transition to professional basketball. Objective: This study aimed to compare physical and physiological game demands between senior and U18 male basketball players from the same club, with an emphasis on positional differences. Methods: Twenty-four male players (senior team n = 12; U18 n = 12) were monitored during home matches across one competitive season. Game demands were assessed using performance metrics such as distance covered, sprints, accelerations, and heart rate responses. Normality of distribution was tested, and independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests were applied to identify significant differences between groups. Results: Senior players exhibited higher values in training impulse (mean difference 38.98, p < .001, moderate effect size) and heart rate (% of maximum; mean difference 3%, p < .05, small effect size). Positional analysis revealed that U18 backcourt players achieved higher jump loads per mass (mean difference –0.37, p < .05), whereas senior frontcourt players covered significantly greater total distances (mean difference 1304.65 m, p < .001, large effect size). Conclusions: Understanding differences in game demands between senior and U18 basketball players is essential for optimizing training and facilitating the transition to professional basketball, as these differences highlight the specific areas where U18 players need development. These findings provide actionable insights for coaches to optimize training and facilitate the progression of youth players to professional competition.