Although maximum height (Hmax), muscle force (F), and power output (P), have been routinely obtained from maximum vertical jumps for various purposes, a possible role of the countermovement depth (Hcmd) on the same variables remains largely unexplored. Here we hypothesized that (1) the optimum Hcmd for maximizing Hmax exists, while (2) an increase in Hcmd would be associated with a decrease in both F and P. Professional male basketball players (N=11) preformed maximum countermovement jumps with and without arm swing while varying Hcmd ± 25 cm from its preferred value. Although regression models revealed a presence of optimum Hcmd for maximizing Hmax, Hmax revealed only small changes within a wide range of Hcmd. The preferred Hcmd was markedly below its optimum value (p < .05). However, both F and P sharply decreased with Hcmd, while F also revealed a minimum for Hcmd close to its highest values. Therefore, we conclude that although the optimum Hcmd should exists, the magnitude of its effect on Hmax should be only minimal within a typical Hcmd range. Conversely, F and P of leg muscles assessed through maximum vertical jumps should be taken with caution since both of them could be markedly confounded by Hcmd.

The aims of this study were (a) to identify and compare the speed and agility of 12- and 14-year-old elite male basketball players and (b) to investigate relations between speed and agility for both age groups of basketball players, to help coaches to improve their work. Sixty-four players aged 12 (M = 11.98 years, SD = 0.311) and 54 players aged 14 (M = 14.092 years, SD = 0.275) were tested. Three agility tests: agility t-test, zigzag agility drill, and agility run 4 × 15 m and 3 speed tests: 20-m run, 30-m run, and 50-m run were applied. Fourteen-year-old players achieved significantly better results in all speed and agility tests compared with 12-year-old players. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.81, p = 0.001) showed that 12-year-old players have the same ability in the 30- and 50-m runs. The other correlation coefficient (r = 0.59, p = 0.001) indicated that 20- and 30-m runs had inherently different qualities. The correlation coefficients between agility tests were <0.71, and therefore, each test in this group represents a specific task. In 14-year-old players, the correlation coefficients between the speed test results were <0.71. In contrast, the correlation coefficients between the agility tests were >0.71, which means that all the 3 tests represent the same quality. During the speed training of 12-year-old players, it is advisable to focus on shorter running distances, up to 30 m. During the agility training of the same players, it is useful to apply exercises with various complexities. In speed training of the 14-year-old players, the 30- and 50-m runs should be applied, and agility training should include more specific basketball movements and activities.

We analyse and compare NBA and Euroleague basketball through box-score statistics in the period from 2000 to 2017. Overall, the quantitative differences between the NBA and Euroleague have decreased and are still decreasing. Differences are even smaller after we adjust for game length and when playoff NBA basketball is considered instead of regular season basketball. The differences in factors that contribute to success are also very small—(Oliver’s) four factors derived from box-score statistics explain most of the variability in team success even if the coefficients are determined for both competitions simultaneously instead of each competition separately. The largest difference is game pace—in the NBA there are more possessions per game. The number of blocks, the defensive rebounding rate and the number of free throws per foul committed are also higher in the NBA, while the number of fouls committed is lower. Most of the differences that persist can be reasonably explained by the contrasts between the better athleticism of NBA players and more emphasis on tactical aspects of basketball in the Euroleague.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of plyometric training on sprint abilities. Young basketball players (N=33, Age=15-16) from OKK "Stari Ras" and OKK "Novi Pazar" from Novi Pazar were divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG, n=16; BH=185.45±8.75cm; BM=76.87±11.51kg) with training experience (TE=4.69 ±1.40 years) and a control group (CG; n=17; BH=184.16±6.93cm; BM=76.87±11.51kg) with training experience (TE=5.53±3.18 years). The EG was made up of the players from basketball team OKK "Stari Ras", who in addition to basketball trainings also took part in plyometric training. The CG was made up of the players from basketball team OKK "Novi Pazar", who at that time only took part in basketball trainings. To assess their sprint abilities, three tests were used: Sprint Speed at 5m (S5m), Sprint Speed at 10m (S10m), Sprint Speed at 20m (S20m). The measurement was done with the help of the photocells "Microgate", a parameter which was monitored and the processed time was read in 1/100s. The experimental program lasted for 10 weeks (2x per week). To determine the effect of plyometric training on the sprint abilities of young basketball players, the analysis of covariance ANCOVA was used. The results showed that the EG group achieved significantly greater progress than the CG group on the tests: S5m and S20m. There was no difference between the EG and CG group on the S10m test. Based on these results we concluded that plyometric training has positive effects on the development of sprint abilities in young basketball players.

Within the limitations of the survey methodology, elite junior basketball players appear to consume higher absolute energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes than nonathletes, but the contribution of macronutrients to daily energy intake and the nutrient density of food choices was similar for both groups. Elite junior basketball players might benefit from nutrition education targeting carbohydrate and protein intake. Dietary modifications that increase intakes of vitamin A, zinc, calcium and niacin in the diets of both groups might also be of value.