Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the effects of a 52-week physical exercise program on strength-speed manifestations in Russian child basketball players between 12 and 13 years old. Methods. Single-blind randomized, parallel, controlled trial conducted at secondary school No. 60 in Kirov, Russia. The Russian basketball-playing children were divided into a control group (n = 20) and an experimental group (n = 20); Both groups performed the physical education lessons according to the curriculum, however, the experimental group also performed series of physical exercises aimed at developing specific strength-speed. The strength-speed assessment considers the horizontal jump, Abalakov jump, 20-meter sprint and 40-second run tests. Results: The experimental group improved the horizontal (p <0.001; d = 0.08) and vertical jump tests (p = 0.01; d = 0.05). In relation to the speed tests, both groups improved lactic sprint capacity (p < 0.05 d < 0.2), while alactic speed only improved significantly in the control group (p = 0.02; d = 3, 39). Conclusion: A 52-week program with physical exercises can be effective in improving the strength-speed manifested in Russian child basketball players between 12 and 13 years old.