3 × 3 Basketball: Neuromuscular Fatigue Develops While External Intensities Are Maintained in Late Tournament Stages

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Basketball Performance Analysis
• Neuromuscular Physiology

Background:

• 3x3 basketball is a rapidly growing sport with unique physical demands.
• Understanding player fatigue and performance decrements across tournament stages is crucial for athlete support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the physical demands and acute neuromuscular responses of male players during official 3x3 basketball tournaments.
• To identify potential fatigue markers and performance changes throughout a multi-day tournament format.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-three male players were monitored during two tournaments, tracking movement intensity via microsensors.
• Bilateral countermovement-jump testing (jump height, time to takeoff, modified Reactive Strength Index) was performed pre- and post-game.

Main Results:

• Movement intensity remained consistent, but neuromuscular responses like time to takeoff and modified Reactive Strength Index showed significant changes, indicating fatigue.
• Jump height did not significantly differ, but decreases in time to takeoff and poorer modified Reactive Strength Index were observed on day two and in later-stage games.

Conclusions:

• Players maintain physical intensity but experience neuromuscular fatigue on day two of 3x3 basketball tournaments.
• Fatigue negatively impacts neuromuscular status in later tournament stages, necessitating targeted support strategies.