Effect of Individualized Training Based on Change of Direction Deficit on Speed Performance in Basketball Players

Barrera-Domínguez, FJ, Scott Talpey, Almagro, BJ, and Molina-López, J. Effect of individualized training based on change of direction deficit on speed performance in basketball players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2025—Linear and changes of direction (COD) speed are considered key performance determinants in basketball. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of an individualized COD deficit-based training program on linear speed and COD efficiency, and performance in basketball players. In addition, the differences in linear speed and COD performance between 2 time periods (4 and 8 weeks) with this training were analyzed. Thirty-six male basketball players (age, 21.4 ± 3.23 years; height, 1.87 ± 0.07 m; body mass, 83.6 ± 7.83 kg) were divided into an intervention group (INT, n = 18), who performed an individualized COD deficit-based training, and a control group (CON, n = 18), who underwent a nonindividualized multidirectional repeated sprint training program. Both groups performed the intervention 2 days per week. Baseline, 4-week, and 8-week assessments included 10 meters linear speed and COD (5 + 5 meters at 45°, 90°, and 180° cut) tests. An improvement in multidirectional speed efficiency was observed from 4 weeks in the INT group (effect size [ES] ≥ 1.61, p < 0.01), with no change in the CON group. After 8 weeks, significant improvements were observed in the INT players' mean speed performance (mean difference [MD] −0.09, ES = 0.34, p < 0.01), with COD180° showing the greatest changes (MD ≤ –0.18, ES ≥ 0.44, p < 0.01). In conclusion, an individualized COD deficit-based training program improved speed performance after 8 weeks, with changes in multidirectional speed efficiency after first 4 weeks. Given basketball's unpredictable and multidirectional nature, strength and conditioning coaches should seek the optimal trade-off between the linear and multidirectional speed demands on their players.