MONITORING ANTHROPOMETRIC AND MOTOR PERFORMANCE CHANGES IN U16 BASKETBALL PLAYERS OVER A 12-WEEK COMPETITIVE PERIOD
MONITORING ANTHROPOMETRIC AND MOTOR PERFORMANCE CHANGES IN U16 BASKETBALL PLAYERS OVER A 12-WEEK COMPETITIVE PERIOD

Summary/Abstract: The objective of this study was to observe alterations in anthropometric features and motor performance in male basketball players under 16 years of age over a 12-week duration throughout the competitive season. Methods: A cohort of 59 male youth basketball players (mean age = 15.9 ± 1.01 years) from four teams competing in the Albanian U16 National Championship were evaluated. All teams held routine training sessions in Tirana, Albania. Measurements were conducted at two intervals—before (T1) and following 12 weeks of training and competition (T2). Anthropometric measurements comprised body height, weight, and waist circumference. Motor performance was evaluated by upper limb strength assessments (medicine ball chest and overhead throws), a 20-meter sprint, and the Agility T-test. Paired sample t-tests were employed to assess differences between T1 and T2 readings, with significance established at p < 0.05. Results: Notable enhancements were detected in all assessed metrics. Elevations in stature (p < 0.001), mass (p < 0.001), and waist circumference (p = 0.002) signified physical maturation. Upper limb strength demonstrated significant improvements in both the chest pass (p < 0.001) and overhead pass (p < 0.001). Moreover, performance in the 20-meter sprint and Agility T-test exhibited considerable improvement (p < 0.001), indicating better speed and agility. Conclusion: The results indicate that a 12-week regimen of organized basketball training and competition significantly enhances both physical growth and motor performance in U16 male basketball players. Ongoing monitoring may enhance training optimization and athlete development in young sports.

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