Factors influencing the invitation for national squad selection in youth basketball: The role of relative age, maturity, and birthplace

(Faktoren, die die Nominierung für die Nationalmannschaft im Jugendbasketball beeinflussen: Die Rolle des relativen Alters, der Reife und des Geburtsorts)

This study examined within-group factors associated with youth basketball players invited to national squad selection camps within Basketball England`s talent identification and development system. Data from 253 players (140 males, 113 females) were analysed for relative age, biological maturity, anthropometric characteristics, playing position, and region of birth. A significant Relative Age Effect was evident in both sexes, with an overrepresentation of players born in the first two quarters of the selection year (males: chi^2 (3) = 27.07, p < .001; females: chi^2 (3) = 9.47, p = .024). However, there were no significant differences in maturity timing or anthropometric characteristics by birth quarter, suggesting prior filtering of later-maturing players before national camp selection. Regional differences in height and mass were significant in males (height: F(8,125) = 2.34, p = .022; mass: F(8,125) = 2.31, p = .024). Guards were the most frequently selected playing position in both sexes (males: chi^2 (3) = 23.37, p < .001; females: chi^2 (3) = 33.31, p < .001). These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of selection influences within TID systems and suggest that regional context and population concentration may influence access to national pathways.
© Copyright 2026 Journal of Sports Sciences. Taylor & Francis. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Bibliographische Detailangaben
Schlagworte:
Notationen:Spielsportarten Nachwuchssport
Tagging:Profiling
Veröffentlicht in:Journal of Sports Sciences
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: 2026
Jahrgang:44
Heft:8
Seiten:1089-1101
Dokumentenarten:Artikel
Level:hoch