Enhancing Selective Attention in Youth Basketball: Cognitive and Physiological Outcomes of a Representative Training Intervention

Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a basketball training workshop designed to enhance selective attention and interference control in U-17 athletes through increased attentional load during practice. Material and Methods. The study employed a mixed-methods experimental design. Forty competitive basketball players aged 16 years participated in the study and were divided into an experimental group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 19). Selective attention was assessed using the Stroop Colour and Word Test during the pre- and post-intervention phases. Qualitative data were collected through systematic observations and semi-structured interviews with athletes and coaches. The experimental intervention consisted of a basketball training programme that systematically manipulated task constraints and incorporated ecologically representative exercises aimed at increasing attentional demands. Results. After six months of intervention, the experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in the Stroop interference index compared to the control group. In addition, athletes in the experimental group showed significantly decreased response times and fewer errors in the incongruent condition of the test. Qualitative findings indicated the development of more effective attentional strategies, improved ability to filter irrelevant stimuli, enhanced control of impulsive responses, and faster recovery of attentional focus in stressful game situations. Conclusions. The results suggest that a basketball training programme based on systematic manipulation of practice constraints and ecologically valid exercises can effectively support the development of selective attention and interference control in adolescent athletes. Such approaches may contribute to improved decision-making and performance in open-skill team sports.