SAQ TRAINING VERSUS TRADITIONAL CONDITIONING: WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE FOR ENHANCING SKILL PERFORMANCE IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYERS

This study investigates the comparative effectiveness of a twelve-week Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training program versus traditional conditioning on skill performance in women’s basketball players. Using a randomized controlled design, thirty (30) female players were divided into two groups: one receiving structured SAQ training, and the other undergoing conventional conditioning routines focusing on endurance, strength, and basic fitness. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured key basketball skills dribbling, passing, and shooting as well as fitness parameters like sprint speed and agility. The SAQ group showed significantly greater improvements in agility and change-of-direction speed, which translated into better dribbling and passing efficiency under game-like conditions. Although both groups improved in shooting accuracy, the traditional conditioning group’s gains were smaller and less consistent. These findings suggest that SAQ training, by targeting sport-specific movement patterns and reactive speed, is a more effective method for enhancing complex skills in women basketball players compared to standard conditioning. Coaches and strength and conditioning professionals may therefore consider integrating SAQ exercises into regular training to accelerate skill development and on-court performance.