Changes in strength and endurance performance during a competitive season in female basketball players : strength training sessions before vs. after sport specific training

Abstract

Oja, Tuomas 2014. Changes in strength and endurance performance during a competitive season in female basketball players: Strength training sessions before vs. after sport specific training. Coaching and Fitness Testing. 55 pp. Because of the conditions of most semi-pro leagues, teams and players often cannot train optimally. Practice times are inconsistent and strength trainings have to be held either before or after sport specific training. The aim of this study was to find, whether the in-season resistance training is more beneficial to be performed before or after sport specific training, or does the timing has any effect at all to the physical performance of players. In addition, how a certain type of resistance training program will affect the performance during the competitive season. The measurements were done during the competitive season (Fall 2011 – Spring 2012). Subjects of this study (n=17) were divided into two groups, S+B (strength + basketball), age 20 ± 4, body weight 62,8 ± 7,8 kg, height 170,7 ± 5,8 and B+S (basketball + strength), age 18,7 ± 2,7, body weight 72,3 ± 13,7 kg and height 174,9 ± 2,6 cm. The measurements were done three times and included before the season measurements (B- SEA) (20-24.9.2011), mid-season measurements (M-SEA) during the Christmas break (7-15.12.2011), and post-season measurements (P-SEA) within a week when the season ended, 17-18.4 2012 (junior team players) and 21-22-5.2012 (women team players). A statistically significant change (p<0.05) was observed in the squat in the S+B-group from the B-SEA value of 75 ± 18 kg to the P-SEA value of 90 ± 24.6 kg. A significant change (p<0.05) was noticed in the bench press, from the B-SEA value of 41.1 ± 8.8 kg to the P-SEA value of 45 ± 8.6 kg. A significant change (p<0.05) was observed in the squat in the B+S-group from that of B-SEA 74.4 ± 18.6 kg to M-SEA 81.8 ± 20.2 kg. Also a significant change (p<0.05) was found in the clean from M-SEA 45 ± 11.7 kg to P-SEA 47.5 ± 10.9 kg (p=0.049), but not in B-SEA – P-SEA. No significant (p<0.05) changes were observed in 20meter or endurance test run times in neither of the groups. In the B+S-group jump tests, a significant change (p<0.05) was found in FJ from that of M-SEA 36.5 ± 4 cm to P-SEA 38.3 ± 3.9 cm. There was a significant change (p<0.05) in the B+S-group average force (N) values in 500-1500ms from that of B-SEA 2157 ± 622N to P-SEA 2451 ± 526N. Also a significant change (p<0.05) was found on average force 0-500N and 500-1500N M-SEA – P-SEA values, 0-500N (M-SEA 1598 ± 333 N to P-SEA 1881 ± 440 N) and 500-1500N (M-SEA 2160 ± 384 N to P-SEA 2470 ± 513 N). The findings suggest that the subjects were able to maintain or improve physical fitness level (strength and endurance) during the competitive season. According to the present results, it seems that strength training before the sport specific training is more beneficial during the competitive season.