A comparison of physical fitness by competitive levels in youth basketball players

Some basketball teams use train two teams at the same time. Even more, some younger players train and compete in a higher competitive level. The aim of this study was to compare the physical fitness (PF) between under sixteen (U16) and under eighteen (U18) basketball players. Body mass and height were assessed with a bioimpedance balance and a stadiometer. The strength levels were assessed for upper limbs by the number of push-ups (per 30s) and lower limb’s with a horizontal jump without preparatory race (in centimetres). Coordination was measured by dribbling 5 barriers in the diagonal with a distance of 1m (The first barrier at a distance of 8m from the start and the last at 1m of the basket). The speed was measured with a 20 meters sprint test (seconds). The seat and reach flexibility test and the up the back test in centimetres measured the flexibility. One way ANOVA assessed the statistical differences between groups. The significance level was 5%. Only significant different were founded between U16 and U18 players in weight. No significant differences were founded between groups in anthropometrics, strength, speed, coordination and flexibility. In this team, no significant differences in physical fitness between U16 and U18 competitive levels were founded. Thus, youngers basketballers should be encouraged to train and compete in a higher competitive level.