Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 647 https://internationalpubls.com Constructing Norms for Skill Test Items as a Barometer for Sports Potential Betwixt Basketball Players Vineet Nehra1, Ajaz Ahmad Dar1 1 Department of Physical Education, CT University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India Corresponding Author’s: vineetnehra2009@gmail.com Article History: Received: 12-12-2024 Revised: 25-01-2025 Accepted: 05-02-2025 Abstract: The Aim of this study was to examine the Dataset, Grade Distribution and Constructing Percentile Scores of Basketball Skill Test Items. For this investigation, sixty (N=60) state level girls basketball players from different sports centres of selected districts of Haryana were selected for the purpose of the present study. The participants were aged between 15 and 17 years. All the subjects were informed about the objective and protocol of the study. The primary data for the present study was gathered on the specified test items (viz., Field Goal Speed Test, Basketball Throws for Accuracy and Basketball Dribble Test). G*Power version 3.1.9.7 was used to analyse the power and to compute sample size with graphics options. The normality of the data was checked by using the Shapiro- Wilk Test of Normality. Under the data analysis, exploration of data was made with descriptive statistics and graphical analysis. Distribution of Grades under Normal Distribution was used, further it was sorted into five grades (viz., Excellent, Good, Average, Poor and Very Poor). The percentile calculator was utilized to generate a table that enumerates every 5th percentile, while also displaying the quartiles and deciles. The SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20.0 was used for all analyses. Field Goal Speed Test: In field goal speed test, score between 9.75-11.167 was considered as Excellent, 8.333-9.75 as Good, 5.499-8.333 as Average, 4.082-5.499 as Poor and score between 2.665-4.082 as Very Poor. Basketball Throws for Accuracy: In basketball throw for accuracy test, score between 21.955-24.294 was considered as Excellent, 19.416-21.955 as Good, 16.877-19.416 as Average, 14.338-16.877 as Poor and score between 11.799-14.338 as Very Poor. Basketball Dribble Test: In basketball dribble test, score between 21.5-23.934 was considered as Excellent, 19.066-21.5 as Good, 16.632-19.066 as Average, 14.198-16.632 as Poor and score between 11.764- 14.198 as Very Poor. In Field Goal Speed Test: The above table indicates that the highest scores of field goal speed test are at 100th percentile is 10 and the lowest scores are at Zero percentile is 5 for Basketball players. In Basketball Throws for Accuracy: The above table indicates that the highest scores of basketballs throw for accuracy test are at 100th percentile is 25 and the lowest scores are at Zero percentile is 13 for Basketball players. In Basketball Dribble Test: The above table indicates that the highest scores of basketball dribble test are at 100th percentile is 23 and the lowest scores are at Zero percentile is 11 for Basketball players. Keywords: Constructing, Dataset, Grade Distribution Percentile Scores, Basketball, Skill Test Items. 1. Introduction Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 648 https://internationalpubls.com Physical fitness is a good summative measure of the body’s ability to perform physical activity and exercise, and it also provides an important summative indicator of health. (Tomkinson et al. 2018). Physical activity and physical fitness are significant skill and health-related factors for the youth population (Ren et al. 2021). A norm is a benchmark against which grades are measured. It is to some extent the basic components of a scientific test because all tests are regulated and controlled by standards (Bal & Sharma 2024). To counteract the negative effects of physical inactivity and promote health, the WHO recommends at least 150 min of at least moderate or 75 min of vigorous physical activity per week, complemented by strength training twice a week (Bal 2024). To achieve competitive success in any sport an adequate level physical fitness should be achieved (Bal & Singh 2018). Physical fitness measurement has emerged as an index of health status in children and youth (Ortega et al. 2008). Regular physical fitness evaluation allows monitoring it over time and identifying trends in different population groups (Lamoureux et al. 2019). Physical fitness is defined as the capacity to perform daily activity with vitality and sharpness, without undue fatigue while being able to appreciate recreation time interests and to meet the unpredicted emergencies (Singh & Singh 2017). A new fitness concept, health-related fitness, has been introduced on the basis of relationships between physical activities, fitness, and health (Blair et al. 1989). Fitness, in various forms, increases performance and improves safety (Sharkey1990). Improvements in physical fitness through appropriate physical activities in an older adult should enable them to maintain and promote health and well-being into later years of life (Zajko et al. 2009). Individuals having an appropriate level of health-related fitness may work efficiently, reduce the risk of disease and injury, look their physical best, and participate and enjoy physical activity (Huang & Malina, 2002). Fitness, in various forms, increases performance and improves safety and leads to greater reserve capacity to resist physical stress (Aastrand 1956). To develop health-related fitness norms according to age and gender of older adults, with the expectation that our research might provide useful information for targeting effective physical activity interventions towards people at risk for declining health and to improve the health status of the general population (Kim et al. 2020). 2. Selection of Subjects For this investigation, sixty (N=60) state level girls basketball players from different sports centres of selected districts of Haryana were selected for the purpose of the present study. The participants were aged between 15 and 17 years. All the subjects were informed about the objective and protocol of the study. Subjects with history of any infective or respiratory ailment condition were excluded from the study. Purposive sampling was used keeping in view of administrative feasibility. The participants participated in the study voluntarily. The informed consent of participants was not conducted or granted in this study because all participants’ privacy and personal identity information were maintained. 3. Selection of Test Items The primary data for the present study was gathered from the state level girls’ basketball players from different sports centres of selected districts of Haryana focusing on the specified test items. i.Field Goal Speed Test Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 649 https://internationalpubls.com ii.Basketball Throws for Accuracy iii.Basketball Dribble Test 4. Description of the Test Items Field Goal Speed Test: The tester asks the basketball player to stand at any position under the basket and the maximum number of baskets he needs to make in 30 seconds which provides a score for this test. This item measures the player's ability to consistently score field goals as quickly as possible under time pressure. Scoring - The number of successful baskets thrown in 30 seconds provides the score for this test. Basketball Throws for Accuracy: This test measures the ability of a consistently accurate throw and the strength of the shoulder. In this test, a circular or rectangular target is placed on the wall which is installed 14 inches above the ground. The player is placed 40 feet away from the target and is asked to hit the ball in the center. The player can use the hook pass or overhand pass method to hit the target with the ball. Scoring - Three points are awarded for each hit in the middle or line of the inner rectangle or circle; two points are awarded for each hit in the middle rectangle and its line. A total of ten trials, scores, are used to evaluate the Basketball Passing Test item of the Battery. Basketball Dribble Test: This basketball test item has been designed with the aim of measuring the ability to control the ball and the level of agility of a player. The player has to cover the maximum distance in 30 seconds while zigzag dribbling around the obstacle. 4 cones or obstacle are placed in a straight line at a distance of six feet The first cone or obstacle is to be placed at a distance of 12 feet from the starting line which is 6 feet wide. The player must start dribbling from one end of the starting line and reach the opposite side of the starting point, dribbling around all the cones or obstacles. Scoring - The score is equal to the number of zones covered in 30 seconds. In short, the player gets one point for each obstacle he crosses. However, the two sides of the final constraint and the starting line mark provide two distinct points because they each represent the boundaries of the two. 5. Research Design Evocative or observational Research Design was utilized for the purpose of this study. The design is non-experimental as there was no manipulation for the independent variable, no experimental or control group, and no randomization. This is an exploratory study that has employed method of data collection and analysis quantitatively. 6. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Participation in the study is subject to a number of inclusion and exclusion criteria: Table-1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 650 https://internationalpubls.com Inclusion Criteria Exclusion Criteria For this investigation, sixty (N=60) state level girls basketball players from different sports centres of selected districts of Haryana were selected for the purpose of the present study. Any acute or chronic physical disease that would limit the ability of the players to participate in the study. Denial to give informed consent. Only female subjects were included for the present study. 7. Ethical Considerations Certain ethical concerns were applied to the current investigation. During the process of collecting and presenting research results, the investigator keeps the following ethical considerations in mind: i.Integrity ii.Dignity iii. Autonomy iv.Confidentiality v.Responsibility vi.Competence vii. Justice and Privacy 8. Statistical Techniques G*Power version 3.1.9.7 was used to analyse the power and to compute sample size with graphics options. The normality of the data was checked by using the Shapiro-Wilk Test of Normality. Under the data analysis, exploration of data was made with descriptive statistics and graphical analysis. Distribution of Grades under Normal Distribution was used, further it was sorted into five grades i.e., i.Excellent ii.Good iii.Average iv.Poor v.Very Poor The percentile calculator was utilized to generate a table that enumerates every 5th percentile, while also displaying the quartiles and deciles. The SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20.0 was used for all analyses. 9. SWOT Analysis Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 651 https://internationalpubls.com Table 2 SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. Sr. No. SWOT Inferences 1. Strengths The conclusions of this study can benefit players, coaches, trainers, instructors, physical education teachers, and sports psychologists, among others in relation to following test items: i.Field Goal Speed Test ii.Basketball Throws for Accuracy iii.Basketball Dribble Test 2. Weaknesses A limited diversity existed among the athletes; therefore, the results cannot be generalized into other sports settings. 3. Opportunities Study may help to design the basis of development of scientific training programs for different sports categories also. 4. Threats The researcher did not account for additional variables such as interest, attitude, cooperation, home environment, genetic composition, socioeconomic, cultural, religious, educational background, and nutrition, which might have posed risks to the study. 10. Results Table 3 Descriptive statistics of test items (viz., field goal speed test, basketball throws for accuracy and basketball dribble test). Descriptive Statistics: Field Goal Speed Test Basketball Throws for Accuracy Basketball Dribble Test Minimum 5 13 11 Maximum 10 25 23 Range 5 12 12 Size 60 60 60 Sum 415 1165 1144 Mean 6.916 19.416 19.066 Median 7 20 19 Mode 6 20,21 19 Standard Deviation 1.417 2.539 2.434 Variance 2.009 6.45 5.927 Mid-Range 7.5 19 17 Interquartile Range 2 3 3 Sum of Squares 118.583 380.583 349.733 Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 652 https://internationalpubls.com Mean Absolute Deviation 1.161 2.061 1.837 Root Mean Square 7.058 19.579 19.218 Std Error of Mean 0.183 0.327 0.314 Skewness 0.336 -0.461 0.984 Kurtosis 2.342 3.015 4.731 Coefficient of Variation 0.204 0.130 0.127 Relative Standard Deviation 20.496% 13.08 12.769 Figure-2: Graphical illustration of normal distribution concerning field goal speed test. Figure-3: Graphical illustration of normal distribution concerning basketball throws for accuracy. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 653 https://internationalpubls.com Figure-4: Graphical illustration of normal distribution concerning basketball dribble test. Table 4 Distribution of grades of test items (viz., field goal speed test, basketball throws for accuracy and basketball dribble test). Sr. No. Test Items Very Poor Poor Average Good Excellent 1. Field Goal Speed Test 2.665- 4.082 4.082- 5.499 5.499- 8.333 8.333-9.75 9.75- 11.167 2. Basketball Throws for Accuracy 11.799- 14.338 14.338- 16.877 16.877- 19.416 19.416- 21.955 21.955- 24.294 3. Basketball Dribble Test 11.764- 14.198 14.198- 16.632 16.632- 19.066 19.066- 21.5 21.5- 23.934 Field Goal Speed Test: In field goal speed test, score between 9.75-11.167 was considered as Excellent, 8.333-9.75 as Good, 5.499-8.333 as Average, 4.082-5.499 as Poor and score between 2.665-4.082 as Very Poor. Basketball Throws for Accuracy In basketball throw for accuracy test, score between 21.955-24.294 was considered as Excellent, 19.416-21.955 as Good, 16.877-19.416 as Average, 14.338-16.877 as Poor and score between 11.799- 14.338 as Very Poor. Basketball Dribble Test: In basketball dribble test, score between 21.5-23.934 was considered as Excellent, 19.066-21.5 as Good, 16.632-19.066 as Average, 14.198-16.632 as Poor and score between 11.764-14.198 as Very Poor. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 654 https://internationalpubls.com Table 5 Percentile norms of subjects for test items (viz., field goal speed test, basketball throws for accuracy and basketball dribble test). Percentiles: Field Goal Speed Test Basketball Throws for Accuracy Basketball Dribble Test 0th 5 13 11 5th 5 14.95 15 10th 5 16 16 15th 5 16.85 17 20th 6 17 17 25th 6 18 18 30th 6 18 18 35th 6 19 18.65 40th 6 19 19 45th 7 20 19 50th 7 20 19 55th 7 20 20 60th 7 20 20 65th 7 21 20 70th 8 21 20.3 75th 8 21 21 80th 8 21.2 21 85th 9 22 21.15 90th 9 22 22 95th 9 23 22 100th 10 25 23 Field Goal Speed Test: The above table indicates that the highest scores of field goal speed test are at 100th percentile is 10 and the lowest scores are at Zero percentile is 5 for Basketball players. Basketball Throws for Accuracy The above table indicates that the highest scores of basketballs throw for accuracy test are at 100th percentile is 25 and the lowest scores are at Zero percentile is 13 for Basketball players. Communications on Applied Nonlinear Analysis ISSN: 1074-133X Vol 32 No. ICMASD (2025) 655 https://internationalpubls.com Basketball Dribble Test: The above table indicates that the highest scores of basketball dribble test are at 100th percentile is 23 and the lowest scores are at Zero percentile is 11 for Basketball players. Acknowledgement A special acknowledgement of appreciation for this work in preparing the original manuscript is due to assistance from CT University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. References [1] Aastrand, P. O. (1956). Human physical fitness with special reference to sex and age. Physiological reviews, 36(3), 307-335. [2] Bal, B.S. (2024). Distribution of grades and percentile norms of students of physical education for locomotor competence. International Journal of Physiology, Nutrition and Physical Education, 9(1),150-154. [3] Bal, B.S., & Sharma, S. (2024). 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