MONITORING OF A COMPETITIVE MICROCYCLE IN PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S BASKETBALL THROUGH INERTIAL DEVICES

Abstract

The implementation of effective load control strategies in training is essential to improve performance. The purpose of this study was to make a first approach to monitoring load with a professional women's basketball team. Ten players were equipped with an inertial device and a heart rate band during one microcycle. The load supported by the players during training and competition was analysed using External Load variables: (i) Distance performed, (ii) Distance performed at high intensity, (iii) PlayerLoad, (iv) Jumps, (v) Accelerations and Decelerations, (vi) Peak and average speed; and Internal Load variables: (i) Average and peak heart rate, (ii) Zones of % peak Heart Rate. Differences between training and competition were analysed using an ANOVA. The competition was the most demanding condition in all the variables studied except jumps per minute.