Effect of a specific physical preparation program on physical fitness in U18 basketball players

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to analyse the effect of a specific physical preparation intervention for U18 basketball players over a period of eight weeks. The sample used was 23 basketball players with an age of 16.30 (± .470) years. Further, the sample was divided into experimental and control groups, and a pretest and a posttest were performed to measure jumping, speed, agility, dorsiflexion and upper body strength among all players. Likewise, a statistical analysis was carried out according to the following variables: group, age of the player, player demarcation and minutes played per match. On the other hand, the experimental group was exposed to a physical intervention according to the physical demands of basketball, distributed in three weekly sessions of 40 minutes, making a total of 24 sessions. This intervention was based on plyometric exercises, strength exercises with free weights, mobility exercises and coordination and speed exercises. The main results obtained showed greater improvements in the experimental group in upper body strength and dorsiflexion, as well as slight improvements in the rest of the tests performed, compared to the control group. In conclusion, a physical preparation programme that responds to the physical needs of basketball has an impact on the improvement of the skills analysed, being especially necessary a more extensive planning to obtain greater improvements in these physical skills.