CHANGES IN COURT DIMENSIONS, BASKET HEIGHT AND BASKETBALL CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE UNDER-12 CATEGORY

This text explores a study dedicated to proposing modifications to the format of the basketball game aimed at 11 and 12-year-old children. The common practice is that the rules for the youth categories are the same as those applied in professional competitions, an approach that does not adequately align with children's growth and development. The research aimed to suggest adjustments to the dimensions of the court, the height of the basket and the characteristics of the ball (such as circumference and weight) for competitions aimed at the Under-12 category. The methodology used was the Allometric equation/Power model: y=bxª, where x represents the measurement of a body part or a general measurement, such as mass or height, and y refers to the size of another body part or a bodily function. Thus, we arrived at the following specifications: the circumference of the ball was established at 64.02 centimeters, with a weight of 455 grams; the length of the court was defined as 20.44 m, while its width is 11.00 m; the three-point line at 5 m; the free throw line is 4.23 m; the diameter of the center circle is 2.6 m; the restricted area is 4.23 m long and 3.60 m wide; the free throw circles are 2.6 m in diameter; the game lasts 25.00 min; and the height of the basket is 2.61 m. By taking into account the physiological limitations of children, the research was able to present new dimensions for the game of basketball in the Under 12 category, promoting technical and cognitive development and making the practice more engaging.