# Training to Compete: Are Basketball Training Loads Similar to Competition Achieved?
## 4 Discussion  
The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the demands experienced by professional basketball players in both training and competition, considering context and specific positions. Initially, the values of kinematic external workload (eTL), neuromuscular external workload (eTL), and minute-weighted internal workload (iTL) were established. These values were weighted to avoid errors in data interpretation, as is recommended for parameters like distance [51]. The description of the internal and external load demands during training was carried out from the 5 vs. 5 game simulation situations and official 5 vs. 5 matches. In all the monitored training sessions, 5 vs. 5 competition situations were recorded with different objectives (learning the attacking movement, teaching defensive organizations, etc.). In Table 2, it can be seen that the values of the variables are high in the training sessions, with the vast majority showing an increase as the training sessions progress, quite noticeable in the first two weeks of monitoring. In response to the question of whether training mirrors competition, it should be noted that in the studied sample, this was not the case. The results indicate significant differences in all the eTL variables, except for the J + 3G/MIN (jumps) variable. Additionally, there were significant differences in the iTL variables, with higher demand values in competition. Similar results have been found in other studies in women's basketball [40] and in semi-professional and professional male players [38; 39]. However, some of the literature reports that training demands in semi-professional basketball exceed those of competition [37]. Competition demands are higher than those of training. Factors such as pressure for results, stress from facing an unknown opponent, and the presence of spectators can increase a player's stress and demand during competition, which can be measured with next-generation sensors. Regarding the distance covered in this study, the players achieved an average of 61.70 \(\pm\) 8.47 m/min in competition. These results were lower than a previous study with players from different national category teams, where 82.6 \(\pm\) 7.8 m/min was recorded [27]. Professional players move more efficiently, as they need to cover less distance to achieve game objectives. The accelerations, decelerations, and acceleration-to-deceleration ratios per minute were higher in competition than in training. Accelerations and decelerations, which are implicit in actions like changes of direction, drives to the basket, fast breaks, etc., are explosive actions that can lead to injuries. It is necessary to plan and monitor appropriate training situations with high-demand game-specific actions and opposition. Moreover, it is crucial to establish an adequate acute-to-chronic workload ratio [12]. In terms of the neuromuscular external workload, PL/MIN was much higher in competition compared to training, with a strong effect size. Similar findings were reported in Australian semi-professional basketball [39]. However, another study in Australian semi-professional basketball found higher arbitrary PL units in training than in competition [37]. PL represents the change in accelerations and decelerations in the body and is the unit that largely indicates the objective eTL supported by players [37], hence the importance of this variable, along with heart rate and high workload demands, for coaches and fitness trainers [52]. The iTL of both training and competition was analyzed using the average and maximum heart rate reached by the players [51]. The HRAVG obtained in competition, HRAVG = 145 \(\pm\) 33, was lower than that reported in other studies: HRAVG = 169 \(\pm\) 8 [27] and HR = 158 \(\pm\) 10 [5]. Professional players have better adaptation to competition demands. The HRAAX results were lower than those reported in another study [5]. Both HRAVG and HRAAX reached significantly higher values in competition than in training, with a moderate effect size for HRAVG.