Success in basketball is predicated on players optimising multiple basketball-specific skills, which are influenced by many different physical characteristics. As a result, numerous tests have been introduced for the purposes of identifying talent and quantifying fitness across various samples of adult male players.

The wide range of tests and outcome variables reported in the literature illustrates the need to identify (a) physical characteristics that are most important for optimal match performance and (b) the most suitable tests and outcome variables for quantifying physical characteristics of interest.

Tests that are most suitable to identify talent may differ from tests that are most suitable for tracking changes in fitness and fatigue

Future research should focus on developing standardised testing batteries in conjunction with the International Basketball Federation and national governing bodies that contribute to meaningful normative data. A large international data set will facilitate an understanding of historical trends and allow basketball practitioners to become familiar with minimum and desirable fitness standards for their players.