Scaling equipment effect on technical–tactical actions in U-13 basketball players: a maturity study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the performance of technical–tactical actions in two different types of tournaments and the influence of biological age on the performance of young basketball players. Thirty-seven under-13 male basketball players (age = 12.91 ± 0.57 years) were selected from four southeast Spanish teams to participate in two different tournaments on two consecutive days. The following technical–tactical variables were analysed: (a) Ball Obtained; (b) Ball Handler Player Actions; (c) Ball Handler Player Finished Actions; and (d) Ball Handler Shooting Performance. The results showed that reduced basket height and a closer three-point line promoted a higher number of balls obtained, 1 vs. 1 situations, finished ball player actions, shots, and the efficacy of offence phases. There was a significant increase in the number of balls obtained, 1 vs. 1 situations played, the number of plays finished with a lay-up or shot, number of received personal fouls, number of plays finished in 1 vs. 2, and those finished in equality and inferiority with a high defence opposition. The modified version presented a higher number of technical–tactical actions in Late Maturity players. The authors of this study believe that it is necessary to conduct more experimental studies and use bio-banding strategies in young basketball competitions.