Search Results (50)

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of shot selection on the muscle coordination characteristics during basketball shooting. Methods: A three-dimensional motion capture system, force platform, and wireless surface electromyography (sEMG) were used to simultaneously collect shooting data from 14 elite basketball players. An inverse mapping model of sEMG signals and spinal α-motor neuron pool activity was developed based on the Debra muscle segment distribution theory. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and K-means clustering were used to extract muscle coordination features. Results: (1) Significant differences in spinal segment activation timing and amplitude were observed between stationary and jump shots at different distances. In close-range stationary shots, the C5-S3 segments showed higher activation during the TP phase and lower activation during the RP phase. For mid-range shots, the C6-S3 segments exhibited greater activation during the TP phase. In long-range shots, the C7-S3 segments showed higher activation during the TP phase, whereas the L3-S3 segments showed lower activation during the RP phase (p < 0.01). (2) The spatiotemporal structure of muscle coordination modules differed significantly between stationary and jump shots. In terms of spatiotemporal structure, the second and third coordination groups showed stronger activation during the RP phase (p < 0.01). Significant differences in muscle activation levels were also observed between the coordination modules within each group in the spatial structure. Conclusion: Shot selection plays a significant role in shaping neuromuscular control strategies during basketball shooting. Targeted training should focus on addressing the athlete’s specific shooting weaknesses. For stationary shots, the emphasis should be on enhancing lower limb stability, while for jump shots, attention should be directed toward improving core stability and upper limb coordination. Full article

The scissor jump (SKJ) is vital in badminton, particularly for backcourt shots, but fatigue increases lower limb load and injury risk. This study investigates how quadriceps fatigue affects biomechanical characteristics and load during SKJ landing, aiming to understand its impact on injury risk. This study involved 27 amateur male badminton players from Ningbo University. Quadriceps fatigue was induced via knee exercises and footwork drills. Biomechanical data before (prior fatigue—PRF) and after fatigue (post fatigue—POF) were recorded using a force platform and motion capture system. Muscle activation was measured with EMG and analyzed through musculoskeletal modeling, with paired t-tests and SPM 1D (Statistical Parametric Mapping 1D) for statistical analysis. Under the POF condition, knee flexion angle increased, and power decreased (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively); ankle plantarflexion angle increased, and power decreased (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). As fatigue progressed, joint reaction forces initially decreased but later increased. Joint energy dissipation decreased, with differences more pronounced in the coronal than sagittal plane. Achilles tendon force and anterior–posterior tibial shear force decreased, while coronal plane center-of-mass displacement increased. Findings show quadriceps fatigue harms limb stability, upping knee and ankle loads, disrupting the movement pattern, and risking coronal plane injuries. It is recommended that athletes enhance quadriceps endurance, improve neuromuscular control, and refine landing techniques to maintain stability and prevent injuries when fatigued. Full article

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system against an optical motion capture system in detecting motion in the dynamically complex and constraint-governed task of the basketball layup shot. Ten basketball players performed 10 trials with and 10 without a defender. Key kinematic variables (jump height, take-off angle, joint angles, and centre of mass (COM) displacement) were derived, and agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plots) and disagreement (root mean square difference (RMSD) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM)) calculations were carried out for each trial. The IMU system provided agreeable results for jump height and take-off angle, while joint angles and COM displacement agreement were plane-specific. A between-condition analysis demonstrated the IMU system reliably detected joint angle differences between defended and undefended conditions comparable to the optical system for nine out of twelve joint angles, with shoulder flexion-extension and external-internal and elbow external-internal joint angles showing inconclusive results. Ultimately, the IMU system was generally able to detect similar magnitudes of difference between conditions to those detected by the optical motion-based system. Therefore, conclusions can be drawn for between-condition comparisons if data are derived from either system. Full article

Background/Aims: Table tennis performance is influenced by various factors such as technique, tactics, and fitness. Additionally, many shots are executed at high speeds, developing significant levels of explosive strength in the lower extremities. This study aimed to assess the jump capacity and the elasticity index of the lower limbs among young table tennis players based on sex. Additionally, this study assessed leg asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant limbs during jump tests. Methods: A total of 40 players (20 boys and 20 girls), aged 16–18 years, participated in the study. Vertical countermovement jump, squat jump, and horizontal jump tests were conducted to evaluate both vertical and horizontal jumping capacities, as well as leg asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Results: Differences were observed in both vertical and horizontal jumps, with male players achieving better results in all jumping capacities. However, female players obtained better values in elastic index. Additionally, significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant legs in both male and female players. Conclusions: Considering that explosive strength is one of the most essential physical capacities in this sport, this information could prove valuable for talent identification, the design of training programs, and the optimization of physical performance monitoring systems in table tennis. Full article

A common approach to simulating a Lévy process is to truncate its shot-noise representation. We focus on subordinators and introduce the remainder process, which represents the jumps that are removed by the truncation. We characterize when these processes are self-similar and show that, in the self-similar case, they can be indexed by a parameter $\alpha \in (-\infty ,1)$. When $\alpha \in (0,1)$, they correspond to $\alpha$-stable distributions, and when $\alpha =0$, they correspond to certain generalizations of the Dickman distribution. Thus, the Dickman distribution plays the role of a 0-stable distribution in this context. Full article

(1) Background: The pull-up jump shot is a commonly used scoring technique in basketball. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of knee brace stiffness on knee joint mechanics during the pull-up jump shot in female basketball players and to evaluate the potential risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries associated with different stiffness levels. (2) Methods: Sixty-six female basketball players performed pull-up jump shot drills while kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a Vicon motion capture system and a Kistler ground reaction force (GRF) plate. (3) Results: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that both low-stiffness and high-stiffness knee braces significantly reduced knee flexion angles (p = 0.001) but increased indirect contact forces in the sagittal plane (p < 0.01). Notable differences were observed between low-stiffness and high-stiffness braces, as well as between braced and unbraced conditions. However, no significant differences were detected between the effects of low-stiffness and high-stiffness braces. (4) Conclusions: Athletes should select knee braces based on the intensity of competition and training, and those with ACL concerns should opt for high-stiffness knee braces for enhanced joint stability. Full article

Background: This study aimed to analyze the effect of caffeine ingestion on basketball performance in semi-professional female players. Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized experimental design was conducted, in two different periods separated by a week. Twelve female basketball players ingested 3 mg of caffeine/kg of body mass or a placebo. After 60 min, participants completed two repetitions of the specified sequence: Abalakov jump, countermovement jump (CMJ), 5-0-5 (505) test, and 20 m sprint. Later, external loads and game statistics were recorded during a 30-min simulated basketball game. Results: Significant improvements were observed in CMJ height and 505 test with caffeine ingestion compared to the placebo. Significant moderate differences were evident between conditions in external load variables, specifically, an increased number of high-intensity changes of direction during simulated games with caffeine ingestion. Two-point shot efficiency significantly improved after pre-caffeine ingestion compared with placebo. Conclusions: Three mg of caffeine per kg of body mass may serve as an effective ergogenic aid to increase physical performance and some variables of performance index in highly trained basketball players. Full article

Recent studies have shown that lower-limb plyometric training can effectively enhance muscle strength and explosiveness, which are particularly important for improving jumping ability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of plyometric training on vertical, lateral, and horizontal jumping abilities, and their subsequent impact on basketball shooting performance and sports injury prevention. A quasi-experimental design was used, recruiting 30 male college-level basketball players from Taiwan, who were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Both groups participated in 2 h of basketball training daily, while the experimental group additionally engaged in plyometric training twice a week. The results revealed significant improvements in the experimental group in several key areas, including rate of force development (RFD), ground reaction force (GRF), jump height, jump distance, and both horizontal and vertical forces, across vertical, lateral, and horizontal jumps. Specifically, vertical jumps required the highest ground reaction force, followed by lateral jumps, with horizontal (step-back) jumps requiring the least. The optimal angles for the resultant force during take-off were found to be between 66.1° and 66.8° for lateral jumps, and between 56.2° and 57.2° for step-back jumps, while vertical jumps did not show significant variation in take-off angle. In terms of basketball performance, the experimental group demonstrated significantly better post-test results in all three types of jump shots, with the highest accuracy observed in the vertical jump shot, followed by the lateral jump shot, and the lowest in the step-back jump shot. Furthermore, the experimental group experienced a substantial reduction in sports injury rates, with the injury rate decreasing to 6%. These findings indicate that plyometric training not only enhances jumping performance, but also contributes to injury prevention by strengthening lower-limb muscles. This study provides a theoretical basis for coaches to develop comprehensive training programs that improve athletic performance and reduce injury risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the influence of competition level and player position on shooting accuracy and kinematic parameters in U18 male basketball players, focusing on two-point jump shots and free throws. Methods: Thirty-eight higher-level (HL-group) and forty-one lower-level (LL-group) participants, categorized into guard, forward, and center subgroups, completed a two-point basketball shooting test, followed by a free-throw shooting test after a 30 min interval. These tests were administered using a crossover, counterbalanced approach with the Latin square method to ensure effective randomization. Results: The results indicated that the HL group displayed significantly faster (12.5%) shot release times (RTs) and closer-to-optimal 45° (8.1%) ball entry angles (EAs) into the hoop for free throws, as well as superior (24.2%) shot success rates (SSRs) for two-point jump shots compared with the LL group. Across all groups and subgroups, a higher EA was achieved in two-point shots than in free throws, though free throws showed higher SSR. This study found no positional differences in shooting mechanics or performance, suggesting that modern training practices may foster consistency across player roles. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the potential for targeted drills to improve RTs, EAs, and SSRs, especially in LL players. Coaches can apply these insights to enhance shooting mechanics and consistency, thereby elevating performance in young basketball athletes. Future research should investigate the impact of fatigue and defensive pressure on shooting parameters across varied competitive contexts. Full article

The primary objective of this research was to determine coaches’ assessments of the key variables that define the success model in athletic throwing disciplines, as well as to evaluate differences between sexes in the disciplines of javelin, discus, shot put, and hammer throw. Thus, 35 elite coaches were asked about the influence of maximum strength and explosive power factors, manifested through various physical exercises, on final success in throwing disciplines. The questionnaire gathered general information about the coach’s achievements as an athlete and coach and key strength and power metrics, including knee lunge, knee jerk, back squat, bench press, deadlift, standing long jump, standing triple jump, and the 20 m sprint. A two-way within–within 2 × 4 ANOVA revealed a significant effect of sex (male, female) (p < 0.001, η² ranged 0.820–0.996) and discipline (javelin, discus, shot put, hammer) (p < 0.001, η² ranged 0.359–0.996) in all variables except triple standing jump. These findings offer valuable insights into how explosive power and maximum strength are perceived by elite coaches to affect success in different throwing disciplines. The results have practical applications, as they can inform the design and refinement of success models tailored to throwing disciplines, providing essential guidelines for optimizing contemporary training approaches in elite athletics and enhancing performance outcomes across genders and specific events. Full article

Background: This study compared the effects of low- and moderate-volume supplementary plyometric training in preadolescent female handball players. Methods: Thirty-nine preadolescent handball players (age: 12.9 ± 0.5 years, maturity offset: −1.50 ± 0.56 years) were randomly assigned into three groups: low-volume plyometric training group (LPT, n = 12); moderate-volume plyometric training group (MPT, n = 15); and control group (CG, n = 12). The supplementary plyometric training program was performed twice per week for 10 weeks, along with normal training (3 times/week). Each supplementary session included two upper- and three lower-body exercises performed for two sets (LPT, 36–54 foot contacts, duration 12 min) or four sets (MPT, 72–108 foot contacts, duration 24 min). The CG performed technical handball drills for 20 min. Results: Compared with the control group, both LPT and MPT resulted in similar improvements in modified T-test performance (15.1% and 18.6%, p < 0.01, respectively); linear sprint performance over 5, 10, and 20 m (between 5.1% and 8.8%, p = 0.02 to 0.001); countermovement jump (28.0% and 22.1%, p < 0.05, respectively); and standing long jump (12.6% and 12.5%, p = 0.024, respectively). Handgrip strength and overarm shot ball velocity improved similarly in all groups (CG, MPT, and LPT), by 8–11% (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Very-low-volume supplementary plyometric training performed for 12 min per session for two sessions per week results in considerable improvements in running speed, change of direction ability, and leg power and is as effective as a moderate-volume program. These findings are important for pre-adolescent female team sports players, who may benefit from a minimal but effective supplementary training, resulting in large benefits in leg speed and power. Full article

This study examines the influence of fatigue and defensive pressure on the kinematic parameters of the three-point jump shot in basketball. Fourteen male collegiate basketball players (age: 21 ± 3 years old, body height: 186.35 ± 7.02 cm, body mass: 82.20 ± 10.99) participated in the study. Each participant performed three-point jump shots under four conditions: without defense, with defense, without defense after a fatigue protocol, and with defense after a fatigue protocol. Kinematic data were collected using the Xsens MVN inertial suit system and the OptoJump Next system. The analysis focused on various parameters including jump height, center of mass, release height, shoulder angle, and segment velocities. The repeated-measures ANOVA was used to observe the differences between each shot condition (fatigue, defense). Results indicated significant changes in the kinematic parameters due to both fatigue and defensive pressure. Fatigue notably changed shooting performance, affecting jump height and release mechanics. The defensive pressure altered shooting technique, leading to quicker ball release and higher release points. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating fatigue and defensive scenarios in training, suggesting that coaches develop more targeted training plans to improve performance under conditions of fatigue and defensive pressure. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the implementation of an experimental program with combined plyometric and coordination exercises for a time interval of 6 months aimed at improving the jump shots of U12 junior players through the use of information technologies. One hundred seventeen female basketball players, aged between 10 and 12 years (U12), participated in this study. The study subjects were divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG), with 60 (51.3%) subjects, and the control group (CG), with 57 subjects (48.7%). The 6-month experiment program implemented in the experimental group included exercises that combined coordination exercises with plyometric exercises in the execution of throwing skills and skills specific to the basketball game by using the MyVert portable smart sensor. This study included an initial test and a final test, in which three motor tests adapted to the specifics of the basketball game were applied in order to evaluate jump shots: a throw-after-step test, a standing shot test and a shot-after-dribbling test. Only the results of the experimental group showed statistically significant progress (p < 0.05) between the final and initial testing in all three motor tests for the following parameters: maximum jump height (cm), average jump height (cm), power (watts/kg) and successful shots (no). The gains of the control group were not statistically significant in any test. It should be noted that the number of throws scored in the basket of the experimental group increased significantly, a fact highlighted by the very large size of Cohen’s value > 3 in all the tests of this study. The results of the experimental group as a result of the implementation of the experimental training program using MyVert technology were superior to the results of the control group. The practical implications of the present study will contribute to the optimization of the athletes’ training methodology in order to improve the physical and technical levels in relation to the peculiarities of age and training level. Full article

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between a comprehensive physical testing battery and measures of golf performance in elite female amateur players. Nineteen category one (handicap ≤ 5) or better golfers (age: 16.26 ± 1.28 years, height: 166.26 ± 3.62 cm, mass: 64.04 ± 11.27 kg, wingspan: 146.53 ± 15.59 cm, handicap: +1.45 ± 0.7) volunteered to participate in this investigation. All golfers attended a single 90 min testing session where golf shot data (clubhead speed [CHS], ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor) were measured with a Trackman 4 launch monitor and a battery of physical assessments were carried out. These included anthropometric data and assessments for seated thoracic rotation, the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), isometric bench press, countermovement jump (CMJ), and seated medicine ball throws for distance. Pearson’s r correlations showed CHS was the golf metric that most commonly demonstrated large associations with physical testing data, most notably with force at 100 ms during the isometric bench press (r = 0.70). Median split analysis was also conducted for the IMTP (force at 200 ms), isometric bench press (force at 100 ms), and CMJ (positive impulse). The results showed that players who produced more force at 200 ms during the IMTP exhibited a greater CHS (g = 1.13), ball speed (g = 0.90), and carry distance (g = 1.01). In addition, players with a greater positive impulse during the CMJ showed a greater ball speed (g = 0.93), carry distance (g = 1.29), and smash factor (g = 1.27). Collectively, these results highlight the relevance of explosive force production capabilities in both the lower and upper body for female golfers. This information can be used by practitioners to better target key physical attributes during testing and training of female players. Full article

For basketball technique elements to become stable and automated, the technique must be executed correctly from the initial stages of the learning process. The jump shot is considered the most crucial shooting action, equally effective in various on-court situations. Ideal techniques may not unconditionally be the best for every player because they differ in motor and morphological characteristics. One of the shooting methods is shot with one hand from the spot, which, in terms of complexity and required motor abilities, is at a lower level of demand when compared to the jump shot. The first aim of this research is to define the kinematic pattern of the jump shot and the shot with one hand from the spot and determine if there are differences between them. The second aim is to establish whether there is a significant difference in the level of motor skills between the two groups. The participant sample consists of 29 junior basketball players. They were divided into two groups: G1 = players who perform the shot with one hand from the spot (N = 14); G2 = players who execute the jump shot (N = 15). MANOVA was used to determine the differences in observed kinematic parameters between the group and in the measured tests assessing motor abilities. The kinematic parameters of the upper extremities, the parameters of the basketball player’s take-off, and the angle of the ball’s impact were analyzed. It was determined that the kinematic pattern of these two shooting techniques significantly differs (F = 12.86, p = 0.00). There was a statistically significant difference between the group of participants performing the jump shot and the group performing the one-handed chest shot from the spot (F = 5.51, p = 0.00) in motor ability tests. The group that performed the jump shot showed significantly better results in three of the five measured tests (PLANK, MED_THR, POL_BACK). Shooting with one hand from the spot is a technically correct shooting method recommended to be performed until the player possesses a certain level of motor skills that enables proper execution of the jump shot. Full article