Change-of-Direction Repeated Sprints in Adolescent Female Basketball Players

The purpose of this randomized crossover study was to compare the acute effects of repeated-sprint protocols incorporating different numbers of 180-degree changes of direction in adolescent female basketball players. Twenty participants completed three exercise conditions in a randomized, counterbalanced order: 10 × 15-m linear sprints, 10 × 15-m sprints incorporating one 180-degree change of direction, and 10 × 15-m sprints incorporating two 180-degree changes of direction. Each sprint was followed by 30 seconds of passive recovery. Sprint performance, perceived exertion, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were assessed. The study examined whether increasing the number of changes of direction affected repeated-sprint performance and acute perceptual and cardiovascular responses.

Inclusion Criteria: * Female basketball players aged 16-18 years. * Currently competing in the U16 or U18 basketball leagues in Denizli, Türkiye. * At least two years of structured basketball training experience. * Regular participation in at least three training sessions and one official match per week. * No injury or illness that could prevent maximal sprint performance. Exclusion Criteria: * Reporting an injury before testing that could prevent maximal sprint performance. * Failure to attend all testing sessions or complete all three experimental conditions.