Fitness training program for basketball and volleyball athletes

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the fitness training program in basketball and volleyball of Saint Louis University and University of Baguio Athletes. Specifically, it sought to find out the question on the fitness levels of athletes, the level of effectiveness of the activities in their fitness training program, the intensity, frequency and duration of training program and the level effectiveness; of the activities incorporated in the training program based on off-, pre- and in-season of training to gain peak performance. This thesis entitled, Fitness Training Program in Basketball and Volleyball of Saint Louis University and University of Baguio Athletes sought to assess the fitness levels of the athletes based on agility, endurance, flexibility, power speed and strength tests. It sought to answer the level of effectiveness of the activities in the fitness training program in basketball and volleyball in terms of aerobic, circuit, cross, isokinetic, isometric, isotonic and plyometric training. It also sought to answer the intensity, frequency and duration of the training program. Further, it sought to answer the level of effectiveness of the activities incorporated in their training program in terms of off, pre, and in-season of training to gain peak performance. The experimental and descriptive methods of research were used. The standard fitness tests to measure the fitness levels of the athletes were utilized and the questionnaire was supplemented by an observation and interviews. Percentages, weighted mean, rank and t-test were used as statistical tools. From the data gathered, the findings are hereby presented. 1. Based on the results of the experiments regarding the fitness level of the athletes when tested and grouped according to experimental and control group towards gaining peak performance in basketball vary significantly in agility and strength tests while in volleyball, there was a significant difference in the flexibility test. 2. The level of effectiveness of all the activities of the fitness training program in basketball of SLU and UB were considered as very effective while the activities in volleyball, circuit training was rated as effective to gain peak performance. 3. It was found out that SLU and UB athletes have different intensity and duration of training program in basketball and volleyball to gain peak 'performance in terms of aerobic, circuit, cross, isokinetic, isometric, isotonic and plyometric training. However, SLU and UB athletes have the same frequency and training but not in volleyball. 4. The level of effectiveness of all the existing activities incorporated in the training program in basketball during off season were considered very effective while during in-season, 2-1-2 zone defense was rated effective and the others very effective. Further, in volleyball, all the activities during pre and in season of training were interpreted as very effective but during off-season circuit training, weight training, plyometric training and set-up plays were rated effective the others very effective. From the results, the following conclusions have been drawn. 1. The fitness levels of the athlete have been proven beneficial towards gaining peak performance in basketball and volleyball of Saint Louis University and University of Baguio. 2. The activities of the fitness training program have been proven very effective to gain peak performance. 3. The more intensive, the longer, and more frequent, the fitness training program, the greater the effects to gain peak performance. 4. The existing activities incorporated in the training program vary depending on the type of training season. To further improve the fitness training program the following are recommended. 1. For better quality of training program, determining the fitness levels of the athletes by the use of the standard fitness tests for the athletes are very important. 2. Athletes should engage in fitness training activities in order to maintain and develop high level of physical fitness as a supplement to gain peak performance. 3. Procurement of fitness facilities, materials and equipment should be given priority by the school administration and must be included in the school budget. 4. Athletes should be exposed to more competitions. 5. There should be a physical fitness specialist whose main function is to monitor the fitness level of athletes. 6. The physical fitness activities that are incorporated in the training program should be increased in terms of intensity, frequency, and duration of training. 7. A replication of this study with more respondents and sports involved shall be made.