The impact of differential training on shooting efficiency in young basketball players

Abstract

Aim of the study: Basketball requires training strategies that foster skill development, adaptability, and creativity in diverse scenarios. Variation has long been recognized as a key component of effective teaching and learning, a principle emphasized by the differential training (DT) approach. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of DT in improving shooting accuracy under varying constraints. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was employed. Results: Mixed model analyses demonstrated a significant effect of time on 2-point shooting accuracy (p < .001), with the experimental group exhibiting greater post-test improvements compared to the control group (β = –2.48, p = .042). These gains were sustained during retention testing (p = .001), although a modest decline was observed post-retention (p = .044). For 3-point shooting, both groups showed improvement over time (p = .004), but no significant differences between groups were found. Game-based performance during 1×1 match play improved significantly across time points (p < .001), with numerically greater gains in the experimental group, though not statistically significant. Performance in the 30-shot test was significantly influenced by constraint conditions, with Constraint 1 yielding the highest scores. Accuracy reductions were observed under Constraints 2, 3, and 4 (e.g., Constraint 4 vs. Constraint 1: β = –11.76, p = .020), while session number consistently affected outcomes (p < .001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that DT enhances skill acquisition and retention, supporting its efficacy in optimizing basketball-specific performance over time. Additionally, constraint manipulation primarily impacted shooting performance during extended tasks, with reduced perceptual load under less familiar conditions