The aims of the present study were to (a) set kinematic behavior parameters during official matches by principal component analysis (PCA), (b) examine the distribution of birth dates in competitive basketball, differentiating by playing position, and (c) analyze the relative age effect (RAE) on kinematic performance according to playing position. A total of 94 young elite athletes participated in an official U18 Euroleague tournament (8 clubs, 4 days, 3 games). Kinematic motion variables were measured using an inertial device worn by all players during matches. A total of 252 variables were measured, a PCA was performed to select them for final analysis and 3 principal components and 6 variables were extracted (maximum acceleration [MAcc], average acceleration [PAcc], landing 8-100 G [Ldg 8-100 g·min-1], relative distance [RD], jump average take off [MJumpsTO], and jump average landing [MJumpsLdg]). These variables explained 66.3% of total variance. Differences were found in RD (p = 0.04; Omega2p = 0.02), PAcc (p = 0.04; Omega2p = 0.02), MAcc (p < 0.01; Omega2p = 0.03), and Ldg 8-100 g/min (p = 0.02; Omega2p = 0.02) because of RAE. There were differences by playing position in Ldg 8-100 g/min (guards, p = 0.04; Omega2p = 0.03), MAcc (forwards, p < 0.01; Omega2p = 0.07; centers, p < 0.01; Omega2p = 0.44), PAcc (centers, p < 0.01; Omega2p = 0.34) and in MJumpsLdg (centers, p = 0.03; Omega2p = 0.13). Results suggested that RAE does have an impact on kinematic variables, and is affected by playing position in variables such as MAcc, PAcc, MJumpsLdg, and Ldg 8-100 g/min. The extracted variables are well-known intensity indicators and fundamental performance variables. This evidence should be taken into account by sport scientists and coaches to develop individualized training programs and match tactics.
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