Differential Repeated Sprinting Training in Youth Basketball Players: An Analysis of Effects According to Maturity Status

 

The differential learning approach, which includes fluctuations that occur without movement

repetitions and without corrections has received growing interest in the skill acquisition field.

This study aimed to determine the effects of a 9-week training intervention involving differential

repeated sprint training on a series of physical tests in youth basketball players. A total of 29 participants

with different maturity statuses (pre-peak height velocity (PHV), n = 7; mid-PHV, n = 6; post-

PHV, n = 16) completed 2 sessions per week of differential repeated sprint training for a period of 9

weeks. Sessions consisted of 2 Å~ 10 repetitions sprints of 20-m whereby participants were instructed

to perform various additional fluctuations for each repetition. Before and after the training intervention,

participants completed jumping tests (countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg CMJs, the

modified 505 agility test, and straight sprinting tests (0–10 splits time), and maturity status was

evaluated as well. Within-group analysis showed improvement in CMJ asymmetries and changes

in direction asymmetries and 10-m sprint performance for the pre-, mid-, and post-PHV groups,

respectively (p < 0.05), with large to very large effects. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that

changes in sprint time in post-PHV players were greater than in the pre- and mid-PHV groups (p <

0.05), with moderate effect. Adding random fluctuations during repeated sprint training appear to

be a suitable and feasible training strategy for maintaining and enhancing physical performance in

youth basketball players, irrespective of maturity status. Furthermore, the present findings encourage

practitioners to implement the present approach in youth athletes to improve their physical

performance, but they should be aware that training response can vary according to maturity status.