In a recent study, researchers have delved into the influence of caffeine ingestion on the performance of college basketball players, specifically focusing on three-point shooting accuracy and various parameters during a basketball exercise simulation test (BEST). The findings shed light on the nuanced effects of caffeine timing and its potential to enhance certain aspects of basketball-related performance.
The study results were published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.
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The study, conducted with eighteen college basketball players (mean age: 24.4 ± 1.5 years, height: 181.7 ± 9.5 cm, body mass: 80.9 ± 13.2 kg), investigated the effects of caffeine (3 mg/kg body mass) ingestion in three different conditions: (a) placebo and placebo, (b) caffeine and placebo, and (c) placebo and caffeine. The participants, after a familiarization trial, ingested either a placebo or caffeine pill 75 and 15 minutes before engaging in four quarters of the BEST, which included a three-point shooting protocol. Key performance parameters, including vertical jump height, 6 m sprint timing, BEST completion timing, three-point shooting accuracy, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, blood glucose, blood lactate, and psychological measures, were meticulously measured.
Findings:
Results of the study indicated notable differences in BEST completion timing among conditions (placebo and placebo = 26.4 ± 2.0 s, caffeine and placebo = 25.8 ± 2.0 s, placebo and caffeine = 25.9 ± 2.1 s; p = .031).
However, three-point shooting accuracy remained consistent across conditions (placebo and placebo = 12.33 ± 4.10; caffeine and placebo = 12.61 ± 2.81; placebo and caffeine = 11.67 ± 3.77; p = .648).
The study found no significant effects on vertical jump height or sprint times.
Interestingly, the research revealed that manipulating the timing of caffeine ingestion did not lead to improvements in three-point shooting accuracy, vertical jump height, or 6 m sprint timings.
However, caffeine demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing overall performance times during the simulated basketball exercise, regardless of the timing of ingestion.
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These findings provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between caffeine and basketball performance. While three-point shooting accuracy remained unaffected, the study underscores the potential benefits of caffeine in optimizing overall performance during basketball-related activities. As athletes and researchers continue to explore ways to enhance sports performance, this study adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about the role of caffeine in the dynamic world of collegiate basketball.
Further reading: Tan ZS, Sim RYY, Kawabata M, Low DY, Wang Y, Burns SF. Timing of Caffeine Ingestion Does Not Improve Three-Point Shooting Accuracy in College Basketball Players. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. Published online January 24, 2024. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0217