The Comparison of Selected Physical and Physiological Parameters of Elite Basketball Players According to their Playing Positions

Background: This research was conducted to compare the physical and physiological parameters of elite basketball players according to their playing positions and to contribute to the literature. Methods: Eighteen elite basketball players who regularly train and compete in the national team participated in the research voluntarily. Participants were grouped as guard, forward and center according to the pitch positions. Vertical jump and sprint tests were used to evaluate the anaerobic performance of the participants. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test was applied to evaluate the aerobic performances. In addition, hemogram analyzes of the blood samples of the participants were made and hematocrit and hemoglobin parameters related to aerobic performance were examined. Kruskal Wallis-H and Mann Whitney U tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: The analyzes show that the guards had higher vertical jump, yo-yo and VO2max averages compared to the centers, and a significantly lower 30 m running average. It was determined that the forward players had higher anaerobic power than the guards, and yo-yo running and VO2max averages were significantly higher than the center players. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is thought that the difference between guard, forward and center players who voluntarily participated in the study is due to the physical characteristics of the basketball players and the different training programs applied to the players playing in different positions.