ISSN 1514-3465
Physiological Demands and Performance Indicators in
Basketball: Positional Variations and Implications for Training
Demandas fisiológicas e indicadores de desempenho no
basquetebol: variações posicionais e implicações para o treinamento
Demandas fisiológicas e indicadores de rendimiento en el
baloncesto: variaciones posicionales e implicaciones para el entrenamiento
Kauane Grimbor Gechele
*gechelek@gmail.com
Luiz Augusto da Silva
**lasilva7@hotmail.com
Kelly Cristina Nogueira Soares
**kelly@uniuaraica.edu.br
Marcos Roberto Brasil
+brasilmr@hotmail.com.br
Marcieli Cristina da Silva
++cristinamarcieli777@gmail.com
Carlos Ricardo Maneck Malfatti
+++crmalfatti@gmail.com
*Graduação em Educação Física pela UniGuairacá
**Programa de Pós-Graudação em Promoção da Saúde da UniGuairacá
+Doutor em Educação Física pela Universidade Estadual de Maringá
Professor Assistente da Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO)
Tutor EAD-SR do Centro de Ensino Superior de Maringá (UNICESUMAR)
Professor Titular do Centro Universitário Guairacá (UNIGUAIRACÁ)
++Mestranda em Ciências Farmacêuticas, pela Universidade Estadual do Centro Oeste
Especialista em Fisiologia do Exercício Aplicada ao Treinamento Esportivo
Bacharel em Educação Física pela UniGuairacá
Estudante de Biomedicina pela Unicesumar
+++Prof. Associado C, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste
Pós-doutorado em Tecnologia de Processos Químicos e Bioquímicos
Mestre e Doutor em Bioquímica
Especialista em Investigação Forense e Perícia Criminal
Especializando em Segurança Pública
(Brasil)
Reception: 05/24/2023 - Acceptance: 07/11/2023
1st Review: 06/24/2023 - 2nd Review: 07/08/2023
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Suggested reference
: Gechele, K.G., Silva, L.A. da, Soares, K.C.N., Brasil, M.R., Silva, M.C. da, e Malfatti, C.R.M. (2023). Physiological Demands and Performance Indicators in Basketball: Positional Variations and Implications for Training. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 28(304), 135-145. https://doi.org/10.46642/efd.v28i304.7047
Abstract
Basketball is a sport that uses aerobic and anaerobic abilities, so it is important to analyze which position relates to each type of ability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences between aerobic and anaerobic capacity in basketball players according to their position in the game. The methodology consisted of the quantitative research, cross-sectional design, and the research subjects were male athletes, basketball players, aged 15 to 18 years, from the city of Castro-PR. Leger test, 50 meters and anthropometric measurements were performed. The physical abilities of basketball athletes were analyzed, as well as the identification of VO2max, fat percentage, anthropometric measurements and body composition. In the aerobic capacity we had the position of shooting guard with the highest oxygen consumption, with a mean of 52 ml/kg/min, with the lowest oxygen consumption, the center position, with a mean of 45 ml/kg/min. In anaerobic capacity, the small forward position was characterized as the fastest position, and the center position was characterized as the slowest. The point guard have characteristics of being shorter and lighter, they tend to be faster, already the center position that has characteristics of being of greater stature and heavier tend to be slower. Based on the information presented, it was possible to conclude that it hears significant differences in the study.
Keywords
: Basketball. Aerobic and anaerobic capacity. VO2max.
Resumo
Basquetebol é um esporte que utiliza habilidades aeróbicas e anaeróbicas, portanto, é importante analisar qual posição está relacionada a cada tipo de habilidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças entre a capacidade aeróbica e anaeróbica em jogadores de basquetebol de acordo com a sua posição no jogo. A metodologia consistiu em uma pesquisa quantitativa, de desenho transversal, e os instrumentos da pesquisa foram atletas masculinos, jogadores de basquetebol, com idade entre 15 e 18 anos, da cidade de Castro-PR. Foram realizados o teste de Leger, teste de 50 metros e medidas antropométricas. As habilidades físicas dos atletas de basquetebol foram analisadas, assim como a identificação do VO2max, percentual de gordura, medidas antropométricas e composição corporal. Na capacidade aeróbica, a posição de ala/armador apresentou o maior consumo de oxigênio, com uma média de 52 ml/kg/min, enquanto a posição de pivô apresentou o menor consumo de oxigênio, com uma média de 45 ml/kg/min. Na capacidade anaeróbica, a posição de ala foi caracterizada como a mais rápida, e a posição de pivô foi caracterizada como a mais lenta. Ainda, armadores têm características de serem mais baixos e mais leves, eles tendem a ser rápidos, enquanto a posição de pivô, que tem características de ser de maior estatura e mais pesado, tende a ser mais lento. Com base nas informações apresentadas, foi possível concluir que há diferenças significativas no estudo.
Unitermos:
Basquetebol. Capacidade aeróbica e anaeróbica. VO2max.
Resumen
El baloncesto es un deporte que utiliza tanto habilidades aeróbicas como anaeróbicas, por lo que es importante analizar qué posición se relaciona con cada tipo de habilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las diferencias entre la capacidad aeróbica y anaeróbica en jugadores de baloncesto según su posición en el juego. La metodología consistió en una investigación cuantitativa, con diseño transversal, y los sujetos de investigación fueron jugadores de baloncesto masculinos, con edades entre 15 y 18 años, de la ciudad de Castro-PR. Se realizó la prueba de Leger, prueba de 50 metros y medidas antropométricas. Se analizaron las capacidades físicas de los jugadores de baloncesto, así como la identificación del VO2max, porcentaje de grasa, medidas antropométricas y composición corporal. En capacidad aeróbica, la posición de alero bajo presentó el mayor consumo de oxígeno, con una media de 52 ml/kg/min, mientras que la posición de pívot presentó el menor consumo de oxígeno, con una media de 45 ml/kg/min. En capacidad anaeróbica, la posición de alero se caracterizó como la más rápida, y la posición de pívot se caracterizó como la más lenta. Los bases tienen características de ser más bajos y livianos, tienden a ser más rápidos, mientras que la posición de pívot, que tiene las características de ser más alto y más pesado, tiende a ser más lento. Con base en la información presentada, fue posible concluir que existen diferencias significativas en el estudio.
Palabras clave
: Baloncesto. Capacidad aeróbica y anaeróbica. VO2máx.
Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 28, Núm. 304, Sep. (2023)
Introduction
Basketball, as a team sport, requires athletes to possess a range of physical skills and abilities, including strength, speed, and agility, to excel on the court (Krause, & Nelson, 2018; Ferreira et al., 2017). The game involves various energy systems, with the anaerobic and aerobic pathways playing crucial roles in supporting the physiological demands of basketball (Querido et al., 2022; Pojskić et al., 2015; Powers, & Howley, 1994).
The anaerobic energy system, specifically the ATP-CP system, provides rapid energy for short bursts of high-intensity activity, such as quick sprints or explosive movements (Krause, & Nelson, 2018). Meanwhile, the glycolytic pathway contributes to ATP production during longer durations of intense exercise, relying on carbohydrates as the primary fuel source (Powers, & Howley, 1994). The oxidative pathway, which operates aerobically, utilizes oxygen to generate ATP and is essential for sustained efforts and endurance performance. (Powers, & Howley, 1994)
The physiological demands placed on basketball players vary according to their positions on the court. For instance, ship-owners or wing players often exhibit greater agility and speed, while pivots tend to possess a larger stature and physical size (Gomes et al., 2015; Adigüzel, & Günay, 2016). These positional differences can influence the athletes' aerobic and anaerobic capacities (Ferreira et al., 2017; Nunes et al., 2008). Ship-owners may demonstrate higher aerobic capacity compared to wings and pivots, although statistical significance may not be observed. (Ferreira et al., 2017)
Understanding the physiological characteristics associated with each basketball position is crucial for developing position-specific training strategies. Coaches and trainers can tailor conditioning programs to enhance the players' energy systems and optimize performance on the court (Querido et al., 2022; Adigüzel, & Günay, 2016). Furthermore, ongoing research in this field can provide insights into the physiological adaptations that occur in response to basketball-specific training interventions, contributing to the advancement of player development and performance enhancement strategies. (Knihs, 2016; Marques Junior, 2005)
Imagem 1. In basketball, point guards tend to be shorter, lighter, and faster
Fonte: Gerador de imagens de Bing (#Efdeportes)
Moreover, recent articles (Petway et al., 2020; Aoki et al., 2016) have emphasized the importance of analyzing physiological attributes associated with basketball positions to identify areas for improvement and individualize training plans. By recognizing the unique demands of each position, coaches can focus on enhancing specific skills, physical qualities, and energy systems that are most relevant to the players' roles on the court. Position-specific training not only enhances performance but also helps prevent injuries by addressing position-specific movement patterns and potential physical imbalances.
In addition to individual position-specific training, recent studies (Conte et al., 2018; Calleja-Gonzalez et al., 2016) have highlighted the benefits of integrating sport-specific conditioning drills that simulate game scenarios in basketball teams. These drills aim to replicate the physiological demands and energy system requirements encountered during actual game play, thus improving players' ability to execute skills and make decisions under realistic conditions. By incorporating both individualized position-specific training and team-based conditioning drills, coaches can optimize overall performance and contribute to the team's success.
Furthermore, advancements in technology have facilitated the monitoring and assessment of physiological parameters during basketball training and competition, as highlighted by recent research (Ferioli et al., 2019; Caparrós et al., 2018). Modern wearable devices, such as heart rate monitors and GPS tracking systems, provide valuable data on athletes' workloads, running distances, and physiological responses. This information can help coaches and sports scientists evaluate the effectiveness of training programs, quantify players' energy system contributions, and make informed decisions regarding load management and recovery strategies, thereby enhancing performance and reducing the risk of overtraining or injuries. (Caparrós et al., 2018)
In summary, basketball players rely on both anaerobic and aerobic energy systems to meet the physiological demands of the sport. The unique positional requirements in basketball can influence athletes' aerobic and anaerobic capacities. By considering these physiological factors, coaches and trainers can tailor training programs to optimize performance based on the specific demands of each position. Continued research in this area will contribute to a deeper understanding of the physiological aspects underlying basketball performance and aid in the development of evidence-based training approaches. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the differences between aerobic and anaerobic capacity in basketball players according to their position in the game.
Methods
Sample
The research subjects consisted of 16 male high-performance basketball athletes aged 15 to 18 years from Castro-PR, who had been practicing the sport for at least 1 year and participated in state championships in Paraná. The study excluded athletes outside the specified age range, those with less than 1 year of practice, and those who did not participate in state championships.
Ethical statement
Ethical considerations were taken into account, and a letter of introduction was sent to the owner of the bodybuilding gym to obtain permission for conducting interviews with interested and eligible participants. Informed consent forms were obtained, ensuring the confidentiality of participants' names. The responsible individuals were required to sign the informed consent, in addition to the subjects being investigated. The ethical approval was realized by the committee with protocol number 2.850.084/2018 in Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste.
Procedures
The research employed various tests to evaluate the athletes, including tests for assessing VO2max, body composition, speed of movement, and anaerobic power. These tests included anthropometric analysis, the Leger and Lambert test, and the 50-meter run test, providing standardized and organized situations for evaluating specific characteristics in physical education.
The measurement of skinfolds was used as an indirect method to estimate body fat mass. By summing the skinfold measurements, a regression equation was applied to determine the percentage of body fat. (Vannucchi et al., 1996)
The Leger and Lambert test, which measures maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), was validated through physiological responses such as heart rate and direct measurements of test performance, such as the distance covered within a given time. This test was chosen to assess the VO2max of the participants. (Camarada, & Barros Neto, 2005)
The 50-meter run test was conducted on a flat surface, evaluating movement speed and lactic anaerobic power by measuring the shortest possible time to cover the distance. (Marques Junior et al., 2005)
Statistical analyses
All results are presented as mean ± SD. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of variables, and comparisons between physical capacities of the players were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Values were considered statistically significant based on P<0.05. The post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test was used, when appropriate, to identify differences between groups.
Results
16 athletes who were evaluated, all male, with an average age of 16 years, being 4 ship-owners, 4 wards, 4 wards/4 pivots. Table 1 shows the average among all evaluated.
Table 1. Mean age, weight, height, VO2max,
fat percentage, 50 meter test and Leger test
Variables |
Average ± SD |
Age (years) |
16 ± 1 |
Weight (kg) |
77 ± 9 |
Height (m) |
1,8 ± 0,1 |
VO2max (ml.kg.min) |
48 ± 5 |
%Fat |
7,8 ± 2 |
50 meters |
8,2 ± 2 |
Leger (min) |
9 ± 3 |
Values described in Mean ± SD. Source: Research data
Table 2 shows the average test of 50 meters, Leger test, VO2max, fat percentage, weight and height, related to each position.
Table 2. Average test 50 meters, Leger test, VO2max fat percentage, weight and height, related to each position
Position |
Point
Guard (n=4) |
Shooting
Guard (n=4) |
Small Forward (n=4) |
Center (n=4) |
50 m |
8,2 ± 0,1 |
7,6 ± 0,1 |
8,2 ± 0,1 |
8,7 ± 0,1 |
Leger (min) |
8,6 ± 1 |
11,5 ± 2 |
9,7 ± 1 |
6,7 ± 1 |
VO2max (ml.kg.min) |
46 ± 4 |
52 ± 3 |
51 ± 4 |
45 ± 2 |
%Fat |
11 ± 6 |
12 ± 4 |
11 ± 2 |
14 ± 1 |
Weight (kg) |
65 ± 6 |
86 ± 4 |
73 ± 4 |
91 ± 1 |
Height (m) |
1,7 ± 0,0 |
1,9 ± 0,0 |
1,8 ± 0,0 |
1,9 ± 0,0 |
Values described in Mean ± SD. Source: Research data
Discussion
The percentage of body fat observed in the subjects of this study was 7.8%. This finding aligns with Knihs (2016), who reported a body fat percentage of 7.6% among basketball athletes in the literature. Thus, the percentage of fat observed in this study falls within the suggested range for athletes in this sport. It is worth noting that maintaining a low body fat percentage can significantly contribute to improved athletic performance, particularly in activities involving jumping and sprinting. (Knihs, 2016)
The average VO2max found in this study was 48 ml/kg/min. This value is similar to the aerobic capacity reported for basketball players, which typically ranges between 42 and 59 ml/kg/min (Nunes et al., 2008). Nunes et al. (2008) conducted a study and reported an average VO2max of 46.9 ml/kg/min, with higher values observed among players in the point guard and small forward positions compared to those in the pivot position. In our study, the average VO2max of 48 ml/kg/min was observed, with the small forward, shooting guard, and point guard positions exhibiting higher oxygen consumption than the pivot positions.
In terms of weight, the average recorded in our study was 77 kg. Nunes et al. (2008) also investigated weight in relation to positions and found that small forward and point guard tend to have lower weights compared to pivots. The pivot position, due to its characteristics involving physical contact and active involvement in rebounding, often presents higher values in variables related to body weight. (Nunes et al., 2008)
Furthermore, Gomes et al. (2015) noted that pivot players are generally slower due to the positional requirements they face. These positional characteristics contribute to the observed differences in metabolic and anthropometric variables. Specifically, lighter players with lower body fat percentages tend to exhibit better performance in running and VO2max tests. (Gomes et al., 2015)
It is important to consider that metabolic and anthropometric variables can differ depending on functional specialization within the game. Consequently, distinct somatic and metabolic profiles can be observed based on players' positions. Center, for instance, typically exhibit higher weight and height compared to other positions (Powers, & Howley, 1994). On the other hand, despite not reaching statistical significance, shooting guard demonstrate a higher oxygen uptake, highlighting the need for faster movements and their significant impact on oxygen consumption, particularly given their shorter stature. (Powers, & Howley, 1994)
Moreover, the relationship between anthropometric measurements, body composition, and physical performance indicators cannot be overlooked. These variables have shown strong associations, suggesting that lighter players with lower body fat percentages may possess enhanced running capabilities and higher VO2max values (Gomes et al., 2015). These findings emphasize the importance of considering both body composition and physical fitness parameters when evaluating basketball players.
The literature provides valuable insights into the physiological demands and performance indicators specific to basketball. For instance, Powers and Howley (1994) highlight the significance of skeletal muscle structure and function in sports performance. Understanding the metabolic pathways utilized during basketball can further enhance our comprehension of the sport's energy demands.
The present study's findings align with previous research, indicating that basketball athletes rely on both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems during game play. This is consistent with Pojskić et al. (2015), who reported positional differences in the aerobic and anaerobic power of elite basketball players. Such variations highlight the unique physiological demands imposed by different positions in the sport. It is crucial to acknowledge that assessing body composition, metabolic capacity, and performance indicators can provide valuable insights for designing effective training programs and optimizing performance in basketball. Coaches and trainers can use this information to tailor training strategies that address the specific physiological requirements of each player's position.
Future research could explore additional variables, such as muscle strength and power, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the physical capacities associated with basketball performance. Furthermore, longitudinal studies could investigate how these physiological parameters evolve over time and assess the impact of specific training interventions on performance outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into the anthropometric and metabolic characteristics of basketball players, shedding light on body composition, aerobic capacity, and physical performance across different positions. The findings demonstrated that the players analyzed exhibited favorable body fat percentages within the recommended range for athletes in this sport, which can positively impact athletic performance, particularly in activities involving jumping and sprinting. Moreover, the aerobic capacity, measured by VO2max, was found to be adequate for basketball players, aligning with previous literature. Variations in metabolic and anthropometric variables were observed among positions, with point guards and wings displaying higher oxygen consumption compared to pivots. These findings highlight the importance of position-specific metabolic demands and maintaining optimal body composition for optimal athletic performance.
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Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 28, Núm. 304, Sep. (2023)