Basketball Case Study

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Exercise is an activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness. (Oxford Dictionary, 2017) The Australian Government guidelines recommend adults do at least 30 minutes of moderate to intensive physical activity on most or all days of the week. (Australian Government, 2014) The benefits of exercise are extensive which can include social, physical and mental benefits, however, many people do not achieve the required amounts, for a number of possible reasons.

As stated above, there are many benefits of exercise beginning with mental health. A Penn State University study found that “those who exercised, whether it was a mild, moderate or vigorous workout, had more pleasant feelings than those who didn’t.” …show more content…

An effective training program for a basketball player should be aimed at achieving specific goals and be individualised to maximise the capabilities of that particular player. Testing of this player is essential to maximise their training plan. This testing would gather baseline data on the fitness components necessary for basketball, which is speed, agility, strength, and speed and will evaluate the strength and weakness of the player to decipher what training is required for them to improve their game.

To test the player’s ability to quickly change direction without losing control, balance, and speed I would use the Illinois agility test. The Illinois agility test begins with the player laying on their stomach, on the ‘start’ command they get to their feet as fast as possible and complete the course showcased in figure 1 as quickly as possible, making sure the player touches one foot on the end line. This test is used to assess the player’s speed, body control, agility, reaction time and coordination which are all vital aspects of basketball.

Figure 1: Floor plan for Illinois agility …show more content…

These energy systems are called the ATP-CP, lactic acid, and aerobic energy system. For a basketball player, all systems are used during a game. During a game, 85% of the basketball player energy comes from ATP-CP system, followed by 15% of a combination of the lactic acid and aerobic energy system. (J Hoefs, 2015) The majority of basketball plays they usually last around 10 seconds, which vitalises the ATP-CP system as it provides quick bursts of immediate energy but only last for less than 10 seconds. Sample plays of this energy system vitalisation include accelerating and running up and down the court, changing direction, interceptions, rebounding, layups and jump shots.

The lactic acid system is the dominant supplier of energy for exercise run at near maximal intensity from around 10 seconds to 2 minutes. During this energy production, the body uses carbohydrates to release ATP and a by-product is lactic acid. Sample plays using this system includes fast breaks, full-court defensive pressure or running offensive

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