SUMMARY
This study investigated the impact of consecutive basketball games on the physical demands and well-being of young players under 18 years of age (U-18), focusing on peak demands (PD). Monitoring 17 players during 10 matches (5 weekends), the external load was evaluated expressed as relative distance (RD) (m min−1), distance traveled in high speed running (HSR) (m min−1 ), maximum accelerations (ACC) (n·min−1) and maximum decelerations (DEC) (n·min−1) normalized by playing time, and the Hooper index was used to evaluate the state of well-being. Additionally, linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models were used to detect differences, revealing a significant decrease in RD·min−1 (F = 4.71, p = 0.04) during the second consecutive match. ACC·min−1 also showed significant differences (χ2 = 6.44, p = 0.01) between players in one or two games. However, the PD remained unchanged. On the contrary, the Hooper index improved significantly between the parties (2.67 u. [95% CI 0.11–5.24]arbitration [IC del 95 % 0,11-5,24]; p = 0.04, large d = 1.25), indicating greater well-being on the second day of competition. Although differences in RD·min−1 suggest the onset of residual fatigue, U18 teams appear to adapt correctly to a two-game schedule through player self-regulatory rhythm and team rotation. The positive change in well-being on the second day suggests the need for a comprehensive approach to evaluating basketball performance.
