BASKETBALL TRAJECTORY AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF BRAZILIAN ATHLETES THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREERS: A STUDY ABOUT THE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE (LBF)

Abstract

Starting in the 2000s, we observed a challenging scenario for the development of female basketball athletes in Brazil. In 2010, the Women’s Basketball League (LBF) was created to restructure that sport in the country. The aim of the study was to describe LBF 2018 athletes’ trajectories and sociodemographic profiles throughout their careers. Data were collected through an online questionnaire voluntarily answered by 57 athletes (average age 25.9 ± 6.6 years). The school was the main place for their first contact with basketball. Most athletes (79%) played for junior National Teams and 30% reached the adult National Team. Brazil’s Southeast stood out as the main region for practicing female basketball. A career in basketball creates a perception of improvement in terms of social class. Finally, the group of athletes had higher levels of education than the average Brazilian population.

Keywords:
Basketball; Women; Professional practice