How Basketball Players' Wellness and Training Load Vary Across Different Game Schedules

Professional basketball players face varying game schedules throughout the season. Researchers set out to explore how these different weekly contexts affect the well-being and training load of players. The team studied was involved in two major competitions: the top-tier Spanish league, Endesa League, and the Basketball Champions League in Europe. The study used a wellness questionnaire and the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) to measure players' well-being and training load, respectively. Non-parametric statistics were employed due to the sample size and the nature of the scores. Interestingly, the players' wellness scores remained steady across different weekly contexts. Whether they had no games, one game, or multiple games in a week, their wellness levels stayed consistent. However, the training load showed significant differences. In weeks with games, especially those with multiple games, the training load varied depending on how close the games were. In weeks without games, there were periods of load alternation, suggesting a shift in training intensity. This study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between wellness and training load. By tracking these factors, coaches can better plan and adjust training sessions to optimize player performance and reduce the risk of injury.