Contribution of Strength, Speed and Power Characteristics to Change of Direction Performance in Male Basketball Players

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the modified t−agility test (MAT) time and muscular strength and power of lower limb extensors, adductors (AD), and abductors (AB). Nineteen male basketball players performed: linear sprint tests at 5 m and 20 m, MAT, countermovement (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ), leg press exercise, AD and AB hip maximum isometric strength measurements. All of them were left leg dominant. The correlation analysis showed a significant, moderate to very large negative relationship between MAT test time initiated to the left and height of CMJ and DJ (r = −0.69 and −0.54; p < 0.01, both), left (r = −0.56; p < 0.01) and right leg (r = −0.41; p < 0.05) AD, left leg AB (r = −0.48; p < 0.05) maximum isometric strength, left (r = −0.72; p < 0.01) and right (r = −0.64; p < 0.01) leg power output in leg press. In the case of the MAT test initiated on the right side first, the correlations were found between CMJ height (r = −0.46; p < 0.05), AD and AB maximum isometric strength of left (r = −0.58 and −0.84; p < 0.01, both) and right leg (r = −0.58 and −0.79; p < 0.01, both), and both legs power output in leg press (r = −0.66 for left and r = −0.59 for right; p < 0.01, both). The regression analyses showed that the prediction model of left leg press peak power, left leg AD maximum isometric strength, and CMJ height could explain up to 93% of the MAT test time initiated to the left first. The model, including left leg AB and AD maximum isometric strength, could explain up to 83% of the MAT test time initiated to the right side first. Findings from this study demonstrate that AB and AD maximum isometric muscle strength are highly related to MAT test performance, which is particularly important when the first turn is performed in the non−dominant direction in this test.

Exploring the relationship between lower limb strength, strength asymmetries, and curvilinear sprint performance: Findings from a pilot study

“… 6 , 7 Investigations have unveiled the significance of knee flexors (K F ) and hip extensors strength for linear and also CoD speed, 8 – 10 and high levels of hip adductor (H ADD ) and abductor (H ABD ) strength were found to play an important role for modified T-test and the 90° CoD sprint performance. 11 , 12 Furthermore, the presence of inter-limb asymmetries in hip and knee strength has emerged as a crucial predictor of CoD sprint performance. 7 , 13 These findings hold substantial implications and have prompted coaches to incorporate specific modes of strength exercises into training programmes that efficiently improve linear and CoD sprint performance 14 , 15 and prevent injury 16 of athletes.…”

Effects of coach-delivered verbal encouragement on the physiological and psychological responses of adolescent players in small-sided basketball games

“…Basketball players require robust physiological capabilities, such as endurance, strength, agility, and motor skills, to perform the physically demanding actions of the game, from sprinting and jumping to precise ball-handling ( Maggioni et al, 2019 ; Zhang et al, 2019 ; Papla et al, 2022 ; Kumari et al, 2023 ). Equally important are psychological strengths, including mental skills and mental toughness, which enable them to make tactical decisions, communicate effectively, and remain resilient under the high-pressure conditions of competitive play.…”

Vertical Jump and Relative Strength are Strongly Associated with Change of Direction in Professional Male Basketball Players

“…jump performance, lineal sprint, etc.) across different playing levels or age categories [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]; according to a recent systematic review [4], only 9 studies quantified relationships between COD and several performance tests in professional male basketball players. These studies indicate equivocal relationships between performance during the COD and jump capacity, for example: 5 jump test: r = -0.61, p = 0.02; squat jump (SJ): r = -0.11, p = 0.37; countermovement jump (CMJ): r = -0.35, p = 0.15 [11]; and CMJ: r = -0.59; SJ: r = -0.47, p < 0.05 [12]; and broad jump: r = -0.54, p ≤ 0.05; reactive strength index: r = -0.64, p ≤ 0.05 [13]; and CMJ: r ≥ -0.44, p < 0.05; drop jump: r ≥ -0.45, p < 0.05; reactive strength index: r ≥ -0.42, p < 0.05 [14].…”