Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Motoric and Selected Basketball Skills in Pre-Pubescent Basketball Players

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8 weeks neuromuscular training program (NTP) on motoric and selected basketball skills in pre-pubescent male basketball players. Twenty-four male basketball players were divided into two homogeneous groups according to pre-test results; an intervention group (n = 12, age = 10.6 ± 0.75 years) and a control group (n = 12, age = 10.8 ± 0.68 years). All players trained together as a team; however, the intervention group participated in an 8 weeks NTP two times per week, while the control group followed their regular basketball training system as guided by their coach. Motoric skills were assessed according to the results of an agility t-test, 20 meters sprint, and tests of back strength, vertical jump, standing long jump, sit and reach, and standing stork balance. Basketball skills were assessed according to shooting and dribbling tests. Significant differences were found only in vertical jump and flexibility in the control group (p<0.05), whereas significant differences were found in all motoric and shooting skills in the intervention group (p<0.05). In addition, according to pre-test and post-test analysis of variance (ANOVA) results of the motoric and basketball skill scores of the groups, significant differences revealed in favor of the intervention group in agility, back strength, long jump, flexibility, and balance (p<0.05). The present study demonstrated the significant effects of NTP, which focused on motoric and shooting skills in pre-pubescent male basketball players.