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Are There Sensitive Periods for Skill Development in Male Adolescent Basketball Players?
Eduardo Guimarães1, Adam D G Baxter-Jones2, A Mark Williams3
1Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, PORTUGAL.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 10, 2024
Summary
Adolescent basketball players experience skill development spurts aligned with their growth spurt, particularly around peak height velocity (PHV). Coaches can optimize training by considering individual player development relative to PHV for enhanced skill acquisition.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Adolescent Development
- Skill Acquisition
Background:
- Physical capacity development during adolescence is well-documented.
- Limited research exists on sport-specific skill development spurts during adolescent growth.
- Understanding skill development relative to biological maturation is crucial for training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the timing, intensity, and sequence of basketball-specific skill spurts.
- To align skill development with biological age (years from peak height velocity, PHV) rather than chronological age.
- To identify sensitive periods for skill development during the adolescent growth spurt.
Main Methods:
- 160 adolescent male basketball players (aged 11-15) were tested biannually over 3 years.
- Years from PHV attainment were estimated for each player.
- Six basketball skills were assessed, and skill velocities were modeled.
Main Results:
- Maximal gains for slalom dribble occurred 12 months before PHV.
- Speed shooting, passing, and slalom sprint spurts peaked 6 months before PHV.
- Control dribble and defensive movement peaks coincided with PHV attainment.
Conclusions:
- Most basketball skill spurts align with peak height velocity (PHV).
- Different skills exhibit distinct development patterns relative to PHV.
- Coaches should consider players' growth status for tailored training programs to maximize skill development.
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