The effect of repeated sprint ability on physiological and physical profiles of young basketball players

The purpose of this study was to describe the dynamics of a repeated sprint ability (RSA) cycling protocol in young elite basketball players. Twenty-two elite male basketball players (aged 18.3 +/- 0.6 years; training years 9.1 +/- 1.3 years) performed 3 bouts of a repeated sprint ability (RSA) protocols, consisting of 5 x 6-s cycling sprints with a 24-s rest interval between sprints. The work decrement during the first trial was high (14.1 +/- 4.8%) and after 5-minute rest did not change significantly. The total work decreased by 5.5% in the second work interval and by 2.9% in the third interval. During the 5-minute passive rest, young basketball players' peak power recovered about 90% of the initial levels. It is suggested that rest intervals are sufficient to continue the game with adequate performance potential. A reduction in work decrement, while maintaining the capacity of all sprints, is needed to achieve a higher repeated sprint ability.