Effects of specialized training on body composition, vertical jump and sprint performance in basketball players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Basketball is a high-intensity, intermittent sport that requires well-developed strength, power, speed, and optimal body composition. The development of these physical components is associated with athletic performance, particularly in young adult players. Although combined training approaches incorporating strength, plyometric, and sprint exercises are widely used, their effectiveness in improving both morphological and performance-related variables remains a subject of practical interest. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week specialized training program on body composition, vertical jump performance, and sprint performance in basketball players aged 18–22 years. Materials and Methods. A total of 20 volunteer basketball players aged 18–22 years participated in the study. All participants were actively competing at the university level. The training program was conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. It included structured strength, plyometric, and sprint-based exercises. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Vertical jump performance was measured using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test. Sprint performance was evaluated using 20 m and 30 m sprint tests. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, depending on data distribution. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated to assess the magnitude of changes. Results. The results indicated statistically significant improvements in all measured variables following the training program (p < 0.001). Body fat percentage decreased, while total and lower extremity muscle mass increased. Additionally, vertical jump performance (CMJ) improved significantly. Sprint times over both 20 m and 30 m distances decreased, indicating enhanced speed and explosive power. Effect size analysis demonstrated moderate to large improvements across variables. Conclusions. The 8-week specialized training program was associated with significant improvements in body composition, vertical jump performance, and sprint performance in basketball players. These findings suggest that integrated training approaches may contribute to performance-related adaptations. However, due to the absence of a control group, the results should be interpreted as within-group changes, and causal conclusions cannot be drawn. Future studies using controlled designs are recommended.