Impact of maximal and submaximal resistance training on selected strength parameters among basketball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of maximal and submaximal resistance training on selected strength parameters among male basketball players at the collegiate level. Strength, explosive power, and agility are vital qualities in basketball performance, influencing rebounding, sprinting, jumping, and defensive actions. The present research involved forty-five college-level male basketball players aged 18-22 years, randomly divided into three groups: Maximal Resistance Training Group (MRTG), Submaximal Resistance Training Group (SMRTG), and Control Group (CG). Participants were assessed on four selected parameters: leg strength (vertical jump test), abdominal strength (sit-up test), upper body strength (bench press 1RM), and agility/explosive power (20 m sprint test). Both MRTG and SMRTG underwent an eight-week intervention program, while the control group continued regular practice without structured resistance training.
Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) followed by post hoc comparisons. Results revealed significant improvements in all measured parameters for both MRTG and SMRTG compared to the control group. Furthermore, MRTG showed greater gains than SMRTG across most measures, especially in leg strength and bench press performance. These findings confirm the efficacy of structured resistance training in enhancing basketball-specific physical qualities, and they highlight the superiority of maximal training in eliciting greater strength adaptations. The study concludes with implications for strength and conditioning coaches, emphasizing the need for integrating periodized maximal resistance training into basketball training regimens to optimize performance.