There were two aims of this study: first, to investigate physical fitness and match performance differences
between under-16 (U16) and under-18 (U18) female basketball players, and second, to evaluate the relationship
between physical fitness and game-related performances. Twenty-three young, female, elite Spanish basketball players
(16.2 1.2 years) participated in the study. The sample was divided into two groups: U16 and U18 players. The
average scores from pre- and post-season physical fitness measurements were used for subsequent analyses.
Anthropometric variables were also measured. To evaluate game performance, game-related statistics, including the
number of games and minutes played, points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks per game, were recorded for every
competitive match in one season. When anthropometric and physical performance variables were compared between
groups, the U18 group demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) higher values in upper (+21.2%) and lower (+27.11%) limb
strength compared to the U16 group. Furthermore, no significant differences between groups were observed in match
performance outcomes. Only two performance variables, steals and assists per game, correlated significantly with jump
capacity, speed, agility, anaerobic power, repeated sprint ability and aerobic power (p ≤ 0.005). These findings can help
optimize training programs for young, elite female basketball players.