Specialization of playing positions in youth basketball: maturity related aspects

Wierike, S. te (2012) Specialization of playing positions in youth basketball: maturity related aspects. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.

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Abstract

The first aim of this study was to analyse how often male players from the Dutch Basketball Academy Noord (n = 43) changed from the guard, forward, and centre position in the ages 13-16 and I 6- I 9 (part I). Results revealed that few players changed position (I 8% of the youngest group and I 0% of the oldest group) and only nine players filled in more than one position (five in the youngest and four in the oldest age group). These results suggest that most players are specialized in one position at an early age. The second aim was to investigate differences in chronological age and maturity status between the three positions and whether there were differences in anthropometry and sport-specific skills between players of different positions while controlling for their maturity status (part 2). Forty-five male basketball players from the same basketball academy participated (mean age 14.7I ± 0.93 years). Anthropometric, maturity-related and sport-specific characteristics were measured and playing positions were retrieved. MAN(C)OVA's were performed to investigate differences between the three playing positions, with maturity status as covariate. With chronological age being similar (p>.05), differences were found for age at Peak Height Velocity (PHV), height, weight and slalom sprint between the three positions (p<.05). Age at PHV was a significant covariate for both anthropometric variables (p<.O 1 ), while it was not for the sport-specific skills (p>.05). No significant differences were found between positions while controlling for the maturity status of players (p> .05). Findings of both parts of this study suggest that players are specialized too early in one position and that maturity status influences the determination of positions. To increase the performance level of Dutch basketball players, it is recommended to train at different positions when players are young and start to specialize at a later age, to diminish the influence of players' maturity status on the determination of their playing position.

Item Type:	Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Supervisors: and Elferink-Gemser, dr. M.T. & and Visscher, prof. dr. C. and University of Groningen and Center for Human Movement Sciences
Faculty:	Medical Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 11:03
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 11:03
URI:	https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2290

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