An Examination of Position Specific Performance Variables in Men’s and Women’s Division III Basketball

Researchers have identified aerobic capacity, sprinting ability, agility, and vertical jump performance as key components to both the men’s and women’s game of basketball. However, only a few studies compared the differences in these variables across the sexes. While researchers in the past have concluded there is a dramatic gap in performance between men and women in basketball, a more recent study may indicate that this gap is in fact closing. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study will be to examine position specific performance variables in Division III men’s and women’s basketball players. METHODS: A total of 40 male and female Division III basketball players will be recruited for this study (males: n = 20, females n = 20). Athletes will be assessed in four separate tests. Prior to participation in these tests, the athletes will be led through a dynamic warm up. Lower body anaerobic power will be evaluated via the countermovement jump (CMJ) and maximum vertical jump (MVJ). Agility will be evaluated via the T-Test. Indirect VO2max of the athletes will be examined through the 20 m “beep” test