The aim of this study was to review and organise current literature about the basketball pass and find the main factors that influence its learning skills and performance. Thirty-seven studies were included after the screening process. The documents were classified into main research topics. This review identified the following conclusions: (i) the assessment of passing performance should be made under uncertain and variable conditions to obtain information on players’ responses to competitive scenarios, (ii) it is advisable to incorporate new and random activities to facilitate the transference of learning to the competition, (iii) it is recommended to include overwhelming factors during the practice to minimise the effect of pressure and choking, (iv) optimal physical conditioning is essential to maintain passing performance during a basketball game, (v) small sided games and changing environments stand as the best training situations to improve passing skills. Furthermore, limited information is available about biomechanical aspects and physical conditioning training programs to improve passing skills in basketball. Likewise, there is sparse data on passing skills development in children.

Study purpose. Regarding Talent identification (TID) programs, which are an integral part of the selection process for elite-level athletes, the authors detected a lack of evidence, as surprisingly little research has been conducted to elucidate the effects of Change of Direction (COD) test performance on TID in basketball. This study aimed to: i) analyze the anthropometrical measures, performance variables of COD and talents values of each basketball player, ii) conduct through a COD test, a talent identification procedure in basketball, and iii) run a correlation analysis to try to explain the relationship between COD test and basketball talent through either offensive and defensive skills. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on nineteen youth basketball players (age = 15.68 ± 1.20 years; height = 188.84 ± 5.81 cm, and weight = of 75.74 ± 8.37 kg) with at least 3 years of experience. To assess the overall performance of the selected players, a questionnaire regarding either offense or defense variable was used. In addition, players were required to perform V-Cut, 5-0-5 and Illinois Dribbling tests. Single beam photocells (Chronojump Boscosystem) were used and 3D motion capture system with a video camera set at 210 Hz (CASIO EX-ZR800) recorded the entire action. Results. Findings point out that the players’ COD test result correlates positively [505 test (Contact time, r = 0.62, p = 0.004 and COD deficit, r = 0.55, p = 0.01) and Illinois Dribbling test [velocity (r = 0.45, p = 0.04)] with offensive skills whilst it correlates negatively [Illinois Dribbling test (r = -0.46, p = 0.04)] with defensive skills. Conclusions. This study highlights the importance to perform a multidisciplinary approach considering either the coaches’ assessment and players’ COD performance to provide relevant information for TID.

Los objetivos del estudio fueron analizar como afectaba la incertidumbre a los Tiempos de Reacción (TR), y la evaluación del Punto de No Retorno (PdNR). Participaron diez jugadores experimentados. Se utilizaron LEDs para proyectar objetivos/targets en pantallas. Al encenderse el LED los participantes debían pasar hacia el objetivo/target lo más rápido posible para evaluar sus TRs. En la fase segunda y durante el Tiempo de Movimiento (TM) del pase el objetivo/target podía cambiar aleatoriamente a otra posición en cinco instantes con un retraso progresivo dependiendo del TR y TM de cada jugador. Los resultados indicaron que la incertidumbre incrementa TR, pero no afecta TM. Cuando se retrasó el cambio de objetivo/target, no cambiaron ni TR ni TM, pero aparecieron errores. El PdNR se determinó en 2/5TM+TR, dado que los errores se dispararon a partir de ahí. Se sugiere continuar el estudio para definir un entrenamiento que disminuya errores y TRs.

Running-induced fatigue affects several biomechanical parameters, and yet few studies are focused on the acceleration spikes’ asymmetries. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 30 min run on lower limbs spikes’ asymmetries. Eighteen recreational runners (35.6 ± 7.5 years; seven women) performed a treadmill running protocol at a moderate speed and acceleration spikes’ asymmetries and kinematic (temporal) parameters were measured via accelerometers—on the tibias and sacrum—and photogrammetry. Acceleration spikes’ parameters were continuously measured and averaged per minute to assess the relationship between fatigue and acceleration spike asymmetries via a linear regression model. Right tibial acceleration spikes increased over time (r = 0.9; p < 0.001) and left tibia spikes decreased (r = 0.78; p < 0.001), with a rise in tibial load asymmetry from 9% to 25% at the end (r = 0.98; p < 0.001). This study suggest that fatigue affects the acceleration spikes of the two legs differently, with increasingly greater acceleration spikes in the right (dominant) leg. These findings should be considered, as greater asymmetries are related to overuse injuries and lower efficiency. Also, in studies focusing on running mechanics with fatigue, it is recommended that researchers collect data from both limbs, and not only from the right (dominant) leg.

Running-induced fatigue affects several biomechanical parameters, yet few studies are focused on the acceleration spikes asymmetries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 30-minute run on lower limbs spikes’ asymmetries. Eighteen recreational runners per-formed the test at a moderate speed and acceleration spikes asymmetries and kinematic (temporal) parameters were measured via accelerometers -on tibias and sacrum- and 2D photogrammetry. Acceleration spikes parameters were continuously measured and aver-aged per minute to assess the relationship between fatigue and acceleration spike asym-metries via a linear regression model. Right tibial acceleration spikes increased over time (r = 0.9; p < 0.001) and left tibia spikes decreased (r = 0.78; p < 0.001), with a rise in tibial load asymmetry index from 9% at the start of the test to a 25% at the end (r = 0.98; P < 0.001). The study suggest that fatigue affects acceleration spike of both limbs differently, with increasingly greater acceleration spikes in the right-dominant leg. The findings should be considered, as greater asymmetries are related to overuse injuries and lower ef-ficiency. Also, in studies focusing on running mechanics with fatigue, it is recommended to collect data from both limbs, and not only from the right-dominant.

Performance in mathematics is highly linked to the capacity for abstraction and the cognitive demands of the different exercises and problems, which is a fact to take into account when planning academic activities. The present study involving 160 15-year-old students shows that mathematics study and grades are highly correlated with mental workload. Mental workload was analyzed by means of the NASA-TLX test at the beginning of the school year, and was analyzed with the grades obtained at the end of the school year. The high correlation of the NASA-TLX test variables on mental workload, effort and performance (r = -.956***, -.944***, and -.933*** respectively) are an excellent predictor of future academic performance in mathematics grades.