RESUMO
Using an interdisciplinary approach, we examined the baseline variation in biological maturity status, training experience, body size, functional capacities (Line Drill test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 test) and motivation for achievement, competitiveness and deliberate practice of youth basketball players according to their participation status in the sport two years after assessment. Fifty-seven players were considered (10.5 to 15.5 years). Two years later we ascertained whether players discontinued participation (dropout), or remained playing engaged within a structured basketball training program. Taller adolescent players were more likely to be selected/promoted in youth basketball regardless of their lower functional capacity. Achievement and competitiveness motivation (will to excel and competitiveness) were related to dropping out or persisting in this sample of youth basketball players. Overall, there is a need to consider the interaction between physical growth, biological maturation, functional capacities and behavioural characteristics, specifically among players on the path to sport expertise.
Assuntos
Desempenho Atlético , Basquetebol , Tamanho Corporal , Motivação , Adolescente , Criança , Humanos , Masculino , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
The interaction of multiple influences on the path to sport success is not yet fully understood by sport scientists. In this study, we examined variation in body size, functional capacities and motivation for achievement, competitiveness and deliberate practice of youth basketball players associated with differences in biological maturity status, chronological age and years of training experience. Reflecting the importance of interactive effects, we examined the relationships between the psychological variables and functional capacities. Fifty-eight male basketball players aged 9.5 to 15.5 years were considered. Variables included chronological age, estimated age at peak height velocity, stature, body mass and sitting height by anthropometry; the Work and Family Orientation and Deliberate Practice Motivation Questionnaires were also used. Finally, the Line Drill test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) tests were used as functional capacities indicators for basketball. Variance components models derived from series of multilevel linear regression models revealed a substantial variation by maturity status for body size, functional capacities indicators, mastery and will to excel. The influence of estimated maturity status on mastery and will to excel was independent of age and years of experience. In contrast, no relationships were observed between psychological variables and functional capacities indicators. We conclude that growth-related changes are relevant to understanding players´ motivations for achievement, competitiveness and deliberate practice. This should be of interest to those involved in the selection and development of youth basketball players.