A unique specific jumping test to estmate explosive power for basketball players: validity, reliability and differences in age, gender and playing position

Abstract

The first stage of this thesis project began with review the field tests in the literature and examine in depth the need for an explosive power test, unique ones with very specific requirements for the game of basketball. Basketball playing entails the repetitive performance of short intense actions using lower limb explosive power. As such, it is important to measure this capability in basketball players, and to optimize training programs and game plans. This review of the literature depicts the horizontal and vertical physical movements and physiological requirements entailed in playing basketball, and presents eight standardized anaerobic alactic measurement tools relevant to the game: 5-meter and 10-meter sprint speed tests; standing broad jump assessment; horizontal and vertical drop jump tests; 2x5-meter change of direction ability test; countermovement jump test; squat jump test; bounding power test; and spike jump test. As some of these tests suit a number of ball games, the findings of this review thesis are important for making order of the elements unique to basketball as well as additional parameters to consider when testing basketball players. By reliably and validly testing the anaerobic alactic capabilities of basketball players, test results can be used for training purposes and for improving game outcomes. Moreover, these tests enable assessment of team players as a whole and of each player individually. The second stage of this thesis project continued with two original research studies. The main aim of study 1 was to develop and assess the reliability and validity of an innovative field test that measures lower limb explosive power in basketball players (i.e., alactic anaerobic capacity) for the dominant and non-dominant leg. The test examines the performance of vertical, horizontal, and combined movements while holding the ball ¿ similar to penetration of the basket or layup. Such capabilities are required throughout basketball practice and games, combined with upper and lower body coordination. The study included 22 male basketball players, ages 16-18, members of an elite youth league team in Israel. To assess validity, the participants performed the test for each leg, followed by nine standardized tests that were developed for a range of ball games, including basketball. To assess reliability, the participants performed a retest of the unique test 72-hours later. The findings indicated the validity and reliability of the proposed anaerobic alactic field test for basketball players, for the dominant and non-dominant leg. Moreover, strong correlations were seen between the novel test and the standardized tests, with a high correlation for horizontal explosive power (0.5<r<0.7), a very high correlation for vertical explosive power (0.7<r<0.9), and a nearly perfect correlation for the two combined (r>0.9). In conclusion, this unique field test for basketball players could assist coaches in developing and applying optimal training programs and game plans, for players individually, and for the team as a whole. As the test measures each leg separately, it could also offer an assessment tool following players¿ injuries. The main aim of study 2 was to examine differences in players unique movements by gender, age, and playing positions using the novel Test for Basketball Players. The study included 232 young basketball players, male and female, from a range of Israeli leagues, who were divided into three categories: under-14, under-16, and under-18. The findings showed that, male presented better results than female in all age categories. Moreover, female in the under-18 category presented better results than those in the under-14 category, but not more than those in the under-16. Differences in playing positions were examined between males and females only in the under-18 category, where players begin to specialize in playing positions. Males presented better results than females in all playing positions, while only the male groups showed differences between playing positions. When guards showed better results than forwards and centers. The conclusions highlight the importance of including sport-unique tests in talent identification and selection processes, as these tests can provide valuable information about a players skill set and potential for success. The findings are presented in an achievement table that presents the expected physical fitness results by age and gender, for the benefit of basketball coaches and fitness trainers when assessing their players.