Abstract

Lithuanian deaf basketball players keep continuing on series of impressive victories. In 2013, they became the champions of Deaflympics, which is one more great achievement for the representatives of this social group; it increases the number of victories of Lithuanian basketball school at the international arena (Šatas, Milašius, 2008). Our previous works on deaf basketball players’ preparation (Šatas, Radžiukynas, 2003; Šatas, Milašius, 2008) did not include comparative analysis of Lithuanian deaf basketball national team players’ game in two successful Deaflympic Games. The sport results achieved by Lithuanian deaf basketball players prove ability of this social group people to successfully reach remarkable sport victories. The aim of the work was to investigate the indices of game quality of Lithuanian deaf basketball national team members – Deaflympics champions in 2013, and to compare them with Lithuanian team’s game results in 2009 Deaflympics. Systemic analysis method was employed to carry out analysis of Lithuanian deaf basketball national team players’ game actions in matches played during the 21st and 22nd Deaflympic Games. Official FIBA matches’ statistics were used to register match activity of Lithuanian deaf basketball national team. Methods of mathematical statistics were applied for the research data analysis. The research data show better results in fast breaks indices in Taipei Deaflympics’ matches comparing to the ones demonstrated during the Games in Sofia. This fact shows greater performance level of all the participating teams in 2013 Games. Greater effectiveness of fast breaks in 2013 Sofia Games was also influenced by less number of lost balls (by 1.33 times) and missed shots (up to 1.67 times), as well as by increased number of players in fast breaks (by 2.36 times). Summarized results of the research allow stating that the playing of Lithuanian deaf basketball national team players is effective. Lower level of some indices in the 22nd tournament was covered by more precise threepoints and free throws, as well as by more effective fast breaks comparing to the previous Games. Effectiveness of match activity in 2013 Deaflympics possessed variety in meeting different teams. Worse indices of competitive activity were demonstrated in meeting the teams of similar performance level. During the Deaflympics in 2013, Lithuanian team’s total throws precision was 53.1 percent in meeting Taipei team, 46.7 percent – Argentina team, 45.3 percent – Greece team, 47.1 percent – Russia team, 53.8 percent – Ukraine team, and 49.1 percent – Venezuela team. Lithuanian team demonstrated the least number of turnovers in matches with Argentina and Ukraine teams – 18 and 19 turnovers (respectively), the least number of fouls (13) was achieved during the match with Taipei team. Other indices of game activity used to experience different alterations and were dependent on the opponents’ teams’ technical and tactical condition, as well as on individual skills of the players. Such skills were demonstrated in rebounds, steals and passes, assists and fast breaks. Verf.-Referat