Match Activities in Basketball Games: Comparison Between Different Competitive Levels

Abstract

Ferioli, D, Schelling, X, Bosio, A, La Torre, A, Rucco, D, and Rampinini, E. Match activities in basketball games: comparison between different competitive levels. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 172–182, 2020—This study examined the (a) differences in the activity demands of official basketball games between different competitive levels (from elite to amateur levels) among a large cohort of adult male players and (b) match-to-match variations of basketball physical demands. Video-based time-motion analysis (TMA) was performed to assess the players' physical activity among 136 players. Match-to-match variations were determined analyzing 2 consecutive matches of the same level on 35 players. The frequency of occurrence (n per minutes) and the duration in percentage of playing time were calculated for high-intensity activity (HIA), moderate-intensity activity (MIA), low-intensity activity (LIA), and recovery (REC). Division I performed an almost certain greater number of HIA, MIA, and total actions per minutes of playing time compared with Division II that performed similarly to Division III. Division VI performed a likely-to-very likely lower number of LIA, MIA, and total actions per minute compared with Division III. Division I spent almost certain greater playing time competing in HIA and MIA compared with lower divisions. Time spent at REC was very likely greater in Division VI compared with all other Divisions. The frequency of occurrence was less reliable than percentage duration of game activities. Matches of different competitive levels are characterized by different physical activities. The ability to sustain greater intermittent workloads and HIA, and the ability to quickly recover from high-intensity phases during competitions should be considered as key components of basketball. The match-to-match variations values observed in this study might be useful to correctly interpret individual TMA data.

Accelerometry as a method for external workload monitoring in invasion team sports. A systematic review

“…Therefore, recent investigations identified that microtechnologies (e.g. wearable microsensors and accelerometers) may represent a valid and practical alternative to TMA and offer distinct advantages compared with TMA such as the relative simplification to analyze data using either proprietary or used-defined algorithms that quantify movement, detect forces generated by the athlete related to gravity, the non-invasiveness, the measuring of internal and external workload simultaneously and the real-time feedback to minimize fatigue and injury risk while ultimately improving performance [18,30,33,47,149].…”

“…For these reasons, recent investigations identified that microtechnologies (e.g. wearable microsensors and accelerometers) may represent a valid and practical alternative to TMA and offer distinct advantages compared with TMA such as the relative simplification to analyze data using either proprietary or useddefined algorithms that quantify movement [30,33]. Given this background, the purposes of the present study were to reflect the current state of knowledge, outline best practices and conclude recommendations about the use of accelerometry as a method of workload monitoring in invasion team sports.…”

Seasonal changes in physical capacities of basketball players according to competitive levels and individual responses

“…Thus, suggesting a further enhancement of their ability to maintain acid-base balance during submaximal intermittent exercise, reducing the anaerobic contribution to the test and improving the buffering capacity [42]. The additional adaptations observed among these Division I players during the competitive phase of the season may be a consequence of the greater intermittent workload and high-intensity phases exerted by elite players during basketball games [1,43]. In addition, higher-level competitive players usually undergo a greater training load compared to their lower level counterparts [5].…”

Comparing the External Loads Encountered during Competition between Elite, Junior Male and Female Basketball Players

“…EL is defined as the work completed by athletes, measured independently of their internal (e.g., heart rate, rating of perceived exertion) responses [2]. Time motion analyses, local positioning systems (LPS), and accelerometers are commonly used to quantify EL in basketball players during competition, with an increasing number of studies emerging in this area [3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

“…Existing comparative EL data between sexes are indicative of sub-elite, adult players, and given the variations in match demands that exist across playing levels [3] as well as the morphological and physiological differences reported between junior and senior players [14], existing outcomes may not be transferable to elite, junior players. Data representative of elite, junior players is important given the high participation rate of youth in basketball across many countries [15] and the subsequent growing need to ensure data are available for the development of age-and sex-specific training and player management strategies in the sport.…”