Progression of Spanish National Team Basketball Players by Age and Sex

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between basketball players that have participated in the Spanish national team at different age categories and their progression through these categories. This progress is differentiated according to sex. The data for this study contain information about 320 players (163 females and 157 males). Results show that only a small percentage of players recognized as talented young players reached athletic excellence when adults. The evolution of the level of participation for females and males was similar. There was a break in the continuity of participation when comparing under-16 and senior categories. This rupture is also observed in female players in the move from under-18 to senior categories.