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The study aimed to analyse and comprehend the variability in training load periodisation among elite basketball coaches, identifying specific strategies employed during different stages preceding matches. The external workload was monitored during the three practices prior to the first match of the week using wearable microtechnology over six seasons (2016–17 to 2021–22). Eight variables were collected for analysis during all sessions and across the six coaches: total duration, Player Load (PL), accelerations (ACC), decelerations (DEC) and number of JUMPS in both total (t) and high intensity bands (h). The study revealed significant variations in training load variables across pre-match sessions, with MD-1 showing distinct differences compared to MD-3 and MD-2. Coaches exhibited diverse approaches in managing external load variables, particularly evident in MD-3 where Co1 imposed the lowest load and Co3 the highest. Results showed significant variability in training load variables across pre-match sessions, with MD-1 exhibiting distinct differences compared to MD-3 and MD-2. Significant variability was observed among coaches for each MD. While there was a general trend that all coaches followed to some extent, each coach still had their unique methods or strategies, and these differences were most apparent during the MD-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the extent of home-court advantage (HA) and home win percentage (HW) based on sex and team ability in Spanish basketball leagues. Data from the first divisions of male and female basketball over 12 seasons (2010-2023) were analyzed. HA (%) was calculated as (total home wins/total wins) * 100 and HW (%) as (total home wins/total home games) * 100. Teams were categorized into higher-and lower-ability based on their season win percentage using cluster analyses. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare HA and HW between sexes and team ability clusters. Results showed that males exhibited higher HA and HW compared to females (p < 0.05). Additionally, males had higher HA than females within both higher- and lower-ability teams (p < 0.05) and higher HW only within lower-ability teams (p < 0.001). Lower-ability teams had higher HA than higher-ability teams (p < 0.001). while higher-ability teams had higher HW (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that team sex and ability significantly influence HA and HW effects in Spanish basketball leagues. Female teams demonstrate a more even distribution of wins between home and away venues, while lower-ability teams rely more on home games for wins. Understanding these effects can aid in developing strategies tailored to sex and ability among Spanish basketball teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]