We conducted a study on a sample of 25 female basketball players from the Slovenian U18 women's national basketball team, aged 16 to 18. The aim was to analyze differences in physical characteristics and motor and functional abilities between different types of players (guards, forwards, centers), between two generations (2004 and 2005), and between the five players with the most minutes played at both European Championships. The measurements were performed using a battery of tests used by the Slovenian Basketball Association in its annual regular measurements. The measurements included anthropometric measurements, vertical jump tests, speed, agility, and aerobic endurance test. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the individual types of players in terms of physical characteristics and motor and functional abilities. Center players were the tallest, heaviest, with the greatest arm span, reach height, and highest percentage of fat mass. Defenders stood out in jumping, speed, agility, and endurance. The wing players had intermediate values, confirming their versatility. Statistically significant differences were found between the generations. The 2005 generation was taller, heavier, and had a higher percentage of fat mass, while the 2004 generation achieved better results in jumping and speed, and the 2005 generation was better in agility tests. An analysis of the five players with the most minutes in both championships showed differences in physical characteristics as well as motor and functional abilities, proving that success at the highest level of competition is not necessarily conditioned by uniform physical profiles of players. The findings of our research confirm the importance of an individualized approach to the physical preparation of players, the importance of a planned training process, and long-term monitoring of players for optimal development. The study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between physical characteristics, motor and functional abilities, and player types in Slovenian women's youth basketball.
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