Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an in-season strength and conditioning program on physical abilities in under-16 sub-elite basketball players.
Methods: Sixteen young male basketball players were assessed using countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), 10-meters sprint and Pro Agility Test, before and after an 8-week in-season strength and conditioning program. Both the control group (BASK; N.=7) and the experimental group (SC; N.=9) were involved in regular basketball practice; additionally, the SC group performed 4 sessions per week of training intervention considering postmatch days and prior days to next match. The training protocol consisted of three components: a stabilization block, a neuromuscular/strength block (i.e. circuit of mobility, plyometric, coordination, reaction, and stability exercises) and a power block (i.e. resisted movement training performed with VertiMax V6 platform).
Results: Substantial improvements in CMJ (likely; d=0.30-0.47) were found in both groups. Moreover, the SC group displayed substantial increase in SJ (likely; d=0.07-1.26) and also in 10 m-sprint (d=-0.13-1.34). The between-group analysis also revealed greater improvements for the SC group in 10-m sprint (d=1.37) and SJ (d=0.50).
Conclusions: In -season regular basketball practice plus strength and conditioning training program can lead to a greater improvement on jumping and sprinting abilities in male young basketball players comparing to the regular basketball training.