Understanding Key Factors in Basketball Dropout

Abstract

Dropout from performance-level sport represents a critical challenge in youth and young adult athletic development, with implications for long-term physical activity and psychological well-being. This study investigates factors associated with withdrawal from performance basketball among former athletes, with particular emphasis on academic demands, psychological experiences, coaching climate, injuries, and post-dropout adjustment. Objectives: The primary objective was to identify key individual, psychological, and structural factors influencing dropout from performance basketball and to explore athletes’ experiences during and after withdrawal from competitive sport. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between 1 and 30 April 2025 on a sample of 48 former performance basketball players (32 women, 16 men), aged 18–29 years. Data were collected online using a 33-item questionnaire developed for this study, informed by existing literature on sport dropout and validated through expert consultation. Descriptive statistical analyses were applied, complemented by categorical analysis of open-ended responses. Results: Dropout occurred predominantly during late adolescence, with a mean withdrawal age of 17.5 years, despite early engagement in basketball (mean starting age = 8.91 years). The most frequently reported reasons for dropout were other academic opportunities and perceived lack of progression pathways. Psychological demands were high, while access to psychological support during athletes’ careers was limited. Coach-related pressure, injury experiences, and insufficient recovery resources further contributed to withdrawal decisions. Post-dropout experiences included both emotional difficulties and positive life reorientation, with the majority of participants continuing to practice basketball at a recreational level. Conclusions: Dropout from performance basketball emerges as a multifactorial and transitional process rather than a single negative outcome. The findings underline the need for athlete-centred development models that integrate dual-career support, psychological services, and supportive coaching environments to promote sustainable engagement in sport.

Article history: Received 2026 January 09; Revised 2026 February 20; Accepted 2026 February 27; Available online 2026 March 30; Available print 2026 April 30.

AUTHORS CONTRIBUTIONS
Ildiko Manasses and Claudiu-Adrian Pașcan contributed to the conceptualization, design of the study and initial drafting of the manuscript. Denisa-Annamária Kis contributed to the data collection, literature review and writing of the manuscript. Paula-Alina Apostu and Maria-Daniela Macra-Oșorhean contributed to the methodological design, data analysis, interpretation of results and also scientific supervision. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflict of interest.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This article is the result of teamwork between the authors and started from the findings in Kis Denisa Annamária’s dissertation thesis.