Interpersonal dynamics and relative positioning to scoring target of performers in 1 vs. 1 sub-phases of team sports

J Sports Sci. 2012;30(12):1285-93. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2012.707327. Epub 2012 Aug 1.

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effects of relative positioning of attacker-defender dyads to the basket on interpersonal coordination tendencies in basketball. To achieve this aim, four right-hand dominant basketball players performed in a 1 vs. 1 sub-phase, at nine different playing locations relative to the basket (from 0° to 180°, in 20° increments). Performers' movement displacement trajectories were video-recorded and digitized in 162 trials. Results showed that interpersonal coordination tendencies changed according to the scaling of the relative position of performers to the basket. Stable in-phase modes of coordination were observed between performers' longitudinal and lateral displacements (50.47% and 43.02%) on the left side of the court. On the right side of the court, a shift in the dominant mode of coordination was observed to a defender lead-lag of -30°, both for longitudinal and lateral displacements (30.51% and 32.65%). These results suggest how information about dribbler hand dominance and relative position to the basket may have constrained attacker-defender coordination tendencies in 1 vs. 1 sub-phases of basketball.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Athletic Performance*
  • Basketball*
  • Competitive Behavior*
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Movement*
  • Task Performance and Analysis*