Changes in physical development, physical fitness and functional capacity of young basketball players aged 16-19 years

Abstract

The most capable young Lithuanian basketball players demonstrate higher anthropometric indices than their non- athlete peers, but in the period of 16-19 years of age, their growth rates are similar. It was established that muscle mass rapidly grew from 17 and static muscle strength significantly increased from 18 years of age. This was affected by both physical load and physiological patterns of growth. We found that although the single muscle contraction power increased during the study period, the results were insufficient due to low jump height and take-off speed. It can be assumed that the individual muscle power adaptation of each player throughout the season has not been focused on the increase of those abilities.