194717

A critical evaluation of the physiological adaptations of explosive strength training in

basketball players.

Specificity is an essential aspect of all strength and conditioning programming and

determining how to elicit the most appropriate training adaptations through the utilisation of

effective training interventions should be a priority of all strength and conditioning coaches

(Suarez et. Al., 2019). The development of athletic performance within a selected sport is

supported by training programs that provide an adequate stimulus to the appropriate motor

system through specific training exercises. (Siff & Verkhoshanky, 1999).

 Introduction to sport/Requirements of sport/athletes

Basketball has seen a dramatic rise in global popularity due to the dynamic nature of the sport

(Ostojic et al., 2006). Basketball is a team sport played in intermittent spells of high intensity

action, combined with periods of lower intensity activity and recovery between, to fulfil both

offensive and defensive responsibilities.

The discontinuous periods of activity often involve multidirectional movements, typically

consisting of running, shuffling and jumping for different durations, frequencies and

distances (Crisaulli et al., 2002). In addition to high intensity shuffling and sprinting, jumping

forms a crucial aspect of the sport, occurring more frequently in basketball than in other team

sports (Stojanovic et al., 2017), and plays a key role in scoring, rebounding and blocking,

emphasizing the importance of being able to perform maximal effort movements regularly.

To perform these movements throughout the duration of a 40 minute game, efficient

anaerobic and aerobic systems are required (Ciuti et al, 1996).

Although there are high cardiovascular demands throughout the sport, with the aerobic

metabolic system playing a significant role (Nazaraki et al., 2009), anaerobic metabolism is
194717

considered the primary energy system as success is often determined by explosive sporting

movements (Puente et al., 2016) and conditioning these specific activities by prioritising

training methods that elicit the required adaptation should be prioritised by strength and

conditioning coaches (Siff & Verkhoshanky, 1999).

o Repeated sprint ability?

o Ability to maintain power output across repeated contractions rather than

solely looking at sheer generation of peak power

 Introduction/explanation of explosive strength

The development in an athlete’s ability to generate power may be one of the most essential

physiological adaptations in improving sports specific performance as possessing an ability to

exert large amounts of force in the early stages of movements has a key role in various

athletic activities (Fleck & Kraemer, 1997).

Explosive strength refers to an athlete’s ability to produce maximal amounts of force in

minimal time. Explosive strength training elicits increases in muscle activation and rates of

force development (Hakkenen et al., 1985).

 Discussion of stretch-shortening cycle

 Continue with evidence to support adaptations of explosive strength training

 Implementation of different training means and their adaptations

 Consideration of training level

194717

 Contribution of energy systems

 Consideration of positional differences/demands

 Is explosive strength relevant/beneficial for basketball players

 How best elicit adaptation through training – which modality is most beneficial to

basketball players and why?