Effect of Different Individualised Strength Training Approaches to Improve Physical Performance in Male Basketball Players

Abstract

Training individualisation is a key principle for maximising improvements in players’ performance, but there are still few approaches to individualisation of training in basketball players. The aims of this study were as follows: (I) to analyse the effects of two individualised training approaches on performance in male basketball players; (II) to compare the inter-individual differences in adaptations of these physical abilities; and (III) to assess differences in physical performance between two time periods of training intervention. Forty-five male basketball players (age, 22.3 ± 4.18 years; body height, 1.86 ± 0.15 m; body mass, 86.3 ± 7.85 kg) were divided into three groups: a vertical group (n = 15), who performed an individualised training programme based on a force–velocity profile; a horizontal group (n = 15), who underwent individualised intervention based on change of direction deficit; and a control group (n = 15). The assessments included jump and speed tests. Strength training was administered twice weekly for 8 weeks. Both intervention groups demonstrated large significant group x time interactions in jump (ηp2 ≥ 0.24, p < 0.01) and speed (ηp2 = 0.23, p < 0.01), with no significant changes in the control. The largest performance gains were achieved in the specific force orientation targeted by each intervention. These findings suggest that addressing the individual needs of each player and the specificity of the physical ability are key considerations for training programming in basketball players.