Basketball load management according to match day during the preseason

Abstract Purpose Managing training loads in professional basketball has become increasingly complex. The ability to obtain objective data through technological devices generates a vast amount of information that must be properly interpreted to individualize player needs, while still considering the team-based nature of training. More scientific evidence is needed to understand how loads are distributed across a microcycle, and how they differ between training and competition. Methods This study analyzed 12 players from a Spanish first-division (ACB) professional basketball team over three preseason microcycles, including two official matches, using inertial measurement units (WIMU PRO™). A descriptive analysis of the variables was conducted, along with linear mixed models based on game situation and Match Day. Results Competition showed higher external load than training across most variables ( p < 0.001), with notably greater values in explosive distance (9.81 ± 1.27 vs 4.24 ± 1.69 m/min), player load (1.22 ± 0.16 vs 0.64 ± 0.19 AU/min), and high-speed running (4.79 ± 1.82 vs 1.26 ± 1.55 m/min). Additionally, load distribution decreased progressively over the microcycle, with the lowest values observed on MD-1. Conclusions Strength and conditioning coaches should establish general patterns for load distribution during microcycles, increasing loads on match days that are furthest from competition. Individualized adjustments should then be applied based on each player’s context and innate characteristics.