Inertial movement demands comparison between winning and losing quarters in youth basketball players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare relative external load demands between winning and losing quarters, as well as the magnitude of scoreboard differences in these quarters (close, balanced, and unbalanced) in basketball players. Data were collected from 11 male basketball players Under 18 on the same team during 21 official games over two competitive seasons. External load demands for each quarter were recorded using microsensors to derive values for the following variables: PlayerLoad (PL), frequency of total and high-intensity accelerations (ACC), jumps, decelerations (DEC), changes of direction (COD) and total inertial movement analysis (IMA) events combined. All variables were normalized relative to players` game minutes (∙min^-1). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc tests were used to test statistical significance (p <.05), and standardized Cohen’s effect size was calculated to evaluate the differences between winning and losing quarters. Additionally, differences among game quarters were also analysed. For all variables, statistically non-significant differences (p>0.05) with unclear-small effects were found between winning and losing game quarters. Furthermore, based on quarter score differences, only small, statistically significant differences were observed between close and balanced quarters for total IMA and total COD during losing quarters. In conclusion, winning and losing quarters, as well as the magnitude of the score within the quarter, resulted in similar external load demands in terms of total and high intensity actions. A variety of contextual factors (opposing team level, game plan or scoreboard dynamics) may explain team success rather than individual players demands.