The effects of resistance band training on strength, vertical jump and sprint performance in young male basketball players: a randomised controlled trial

This study aims to investigate the effects of a six-week resistance band training programme on strength, vertical jump and sprint performance in young male basketball players. The study employed a pre-test–post-test experimental design with a control group. Twenty male basketball players (age: 16.35 ± 0.67 years; height: 177.95 ± 8.10 cm; body weight: 70.52 ± 10.69 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups (experimental, n = 10; and control, n = 10). The experimental group underwent a six-week resistance band training programme in addition to their basketball training, whilst the control group continued with their routine basketball training only. The players underwent testing for leg strength, back strength, vertical jump height, 30-metre sprint performance and handgrip strength before and after the six-week intervention. Data meeting the assumptions of normality were analysed using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Leg strength (F = 12.909, p = 0.002, η p ² = 0.418), back strength (F = 7.385, p = 0.014, η p ² = 0.291), vertical jump performance (F = 11.780, p = 0.003, η p ² = 0.396) and dominant hand grip strength (F = 13.179, p = 0.002, η p ² = 0.423). In contrast, no significant group × time interaction was observed for 30 m sprint performance (F = 1.099, p = 0.308, η p ² = 0.058) or non-dominant hand grip strength (F = 0.249, p = 0.624, η p ² = 0.014). In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that a six-week resistance band training programme may improve leg strength, back strength, dominant-hand grip strength and vertical jump performance in young male basketball players. No significant improvements were observed in non-dominant hand grip strength or 30-m sprint performance. Overall, these findings indicate that resistance band training may represent a practical, low-cost and feasible strategy for supporting the development of strength- and power-related performance during the in-season period in young male basketball players.