Annual Training Load and Jumping- and Sprinting-Characteristic Changes During a Periodized Training Plan in a Division I Male Championship Basketball Team

Abstract

Purpose: Optimizing performance while managing training load (TL) is a constant goal in high-performance sport. However, there is limited evidence on how year-long TL variations influence jumping and sprinting characteristics in collegiate basketball. This study aimed to analyze changes in TL and physical performance in a Taiwanese collegiate men’s basketball team during a full year-long season. Methods: Ten male basketball players who participated in a collegiate basketball training program were assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) and 20-m sprint test before the off-season (T1) and after the season (T4). In addition to the pretest and posttest, CMJ was assessed after the preparation phase (T2) and the precompetition phase (T3) to understand training adaptations. Session rating of perceived exertion was collected after each training session to calculate TL. Monthly TL values were then compared with those of the preceding month. CMJ, sprinting, and TL differences between time points were compared. Significance level was set at P < .05. Results: CMJ height significantly increased at T2 (P = .04) and was maintained until T4. Twenty-meter sprint time did not significantly differ between T1 and T4. Monthly TL significantly decreased between off-season and preseason, as well as between off-season and precompetition phases (P < .001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the athletes improved CMJ and maintained sprint performance throughout the training plan. Tapering achieved through the manipulation of TL may improve performance outcomes before important competitions.