Effect of a specialized program on the development of speed-strength abilities in 14-15-year-old basketball players

Information on coaching practices related to specialized training programs that affect speed and strength qualities in 14-15-year-old basketball players is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a specialized, periodized training program on the development of speed-strength qualities in 14-15-year-old boys playing basketball. Nineteen basketball players aged 14.5± 0.5 years who participated in a regular, well-organized training program were studied. A specialized methodology was applied for 5 months, from October 2024 to March 2025. Training sessions were held three times a week, with a wave distribution of intensity: Monday – high-intensity pure strength; Wednesday – explosive focus with variations and sprints; and Friday – emphasis on contrasting methods, including plyometrics and medicine ball throws. To determine the effect, a test battery of 10 tests was applied, including anthropometric measurements (height, weight, horizontal and vertical stretch) and physical fitness indicators (10 m and 20 m running, 5-0-5 test, long jump, push-ups with hands on hips, and isometric pull from mid-hip). The trainings were held three times a week, with a wave distribution of intensity: Monday – high-intensity pure strength; Wednesday – explosive focus with different variations and sprints; and Friday – emphasis on contrasting methods, including plyometrics and medicine ball throws. To determine the effect, a test battery of 10 tests was applied, including anthropometric measurements (height, weight, horizontal and vertical stretch) and physical fitness indicators (10 m and 20 m running, 5-0-5 test, long jump, push-ups with hands on hips, and isometric pull from mid-hip). After implementing the program, the basketball players showed statistically significant improvements in agility (5-0-5 test), upper-body strength, and lower-body strength (hands-on-hips jump and isometric pull from mid-hip). Positive developments were also observed in speed and explosive lower limb strength across other indicators, such as the 10 m and 20 m sprints and the long jump, although these improvements were not statistically significant. The results confirm the positive impact of a specialized, periodized strength-training program, which has been proven to enhance the development of speed-strength qualities in 14-15-year-old basketball players. This contributes to higher sports performance and injury prevention.