Baena-Raya, A, Jim énez-Reyes, P, Romea, ES, Soriano-Maldonado, A, and Rodríguez-P érez, MA. Gender-specific association of the sprint mechanical properties with change of direction performance in basketball. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2868-2874, 2022-We evaluated the gender-specific associations between the mechanical variables derived from the horizontal force-velocity (FV) profile (i.e., theoretical maximal force [F 0 ], velocity [V 0 ], maximal power output [Pmax], peak ratio of the effective horizontal component [RF peak ], and the force application technique index [D RF ]) and the change of direction (COD) performance for basketball players. Seventy-one players (23 women and 48 men) were assessed for the horizontal FV profile and COD using the modified 505 and V-cut tests. The FV profile parameters were significantly higher for the men than those for the women. The F 0 , RF peak , and Pmax were strongly associated with performance in the 505 test (women r range 5 20.72 to 20.82; men: r range 5 20.67 to 20.75; p , 0.001) and the V-cut test (women r range 5 20.68 to 20.76; men r range 5 20.45 to 20.50; p , 0.001), as well as with a lower COD deficit (women r range 5 0.58 to 0.75 (p , 0.01); men r range 5 0.49 to 0.54; all p , 0.001). For the women, a 1 N•kg 21 increase of the F 0 was associated with 20.20 seconds and 20.56 seconds in the 505 and V-cut tests, respectively, and 0.16 seconds for the COD deficit. In the men, it was associated with 20.13 seconds and 20.37 seconds in the 505 and V-cut tests, respectively, and 0.10 seconds for the COD deficit. F 0 , RF peak , and Pmax are the most determinant sprint mechanical properties to successfully COD and reduce the COD deficit. The horizontal FV profile assessment is recommended for diagnosing and prescribing a training program for basketball players.