Predictive Value of Skill Performance Model Based on Body Type and Physical Abilities among Youth Basketball Players

Abstract

The importance of this research comes from identifying the fundamental factors that help determine the basic physical dimensions directly affecting the skill performance of young basketball players. This enables coaches to design more effective training programs and predict performance by developing predictive models based on body shape and physical abilities. It also promotes the use of scientific data and evidence in developing training curricula and can lead to the development of new training methods and tools based on research data. This contributes to raising the overall level of athletic performance and provides objective criteria for selecting young players based on specific anthropometric and physical indicators. The study aims at building predictive equations to forecast skill performance in terms of body shape and physical abilities of young basketball players. The researcher used the descriptive, survey, and correlational methods, as they are suitable for the nature of the problem being addressed. The research population was defined purposively as young basketball players from six clubs in Baghdad and Diyala for the season 2023-2024. The total number of players was 75, and a purposive sample of four clubs was selected. The number of players is (30), and the field research procedures included conducting exploratory and main experiments that included physical ability tests (arm strength endurance test, leg strength endurance test, arm speed strength test, leg speed strength test, arm explosive power test (medicine ball 2 kg), leg muscle explosive power test, speed endurance test) basketball skill performance variables (defensive pull test, defensive movement test, high dribbling and receiving test ending with jump shot, high dribbling and receiving test ending with a layup shot) in addition to using the Japanese scientist Hirata’s model to estimate body type in terms of height and weight. In light of the results obtained by the researcher and through the analysis and discussion of the data, he concluded that there is a strong and close relationship between physical abilities, body type and skill performance level in basketball. The researcher also developed a precise predictive equation that can predict skill performance levels based on physical abilities and body type. He recommends adopting these predictive equations as a scientific tool to help coaches evaluate players and guide training plans more accurately and effectively. The researcher further recommends designing customized training programs that consider each player's individual physical abilities, including exercises to develop strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility alongside skill training, to ensure a balance between physical and technical aspects.