The Relationship Between Kinematic and Kinetic Characteristics of Countermovement Jump and Change of Direction in Elite Female Basketball Players

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is a dynamic strength test used to assess neuromuscular performance in athletes, particularly in sports requiring rapid changes in direction (COD), such as basketball. Methods: Twelve professional female basketball players with over 1 year of resistance training and 6 years of specialized training participated. They performed unloaded CMJ (ULCMJ), loaded CMJ (LCMJ), and modified 505 (Mod-505) COD tests sequentially. Pearson’s correlation analyzed associations between CMJ and Mod-505 variables. Participants were categorized into fast and slow Mod-505 groups, with differences assessed using t-tests (p < .05). Results: The fast Mod-505 group showed shorter total times and better performance in entry velocities (EnV1 and EnV2), with no difference in ground contact time. They had higher ULCMJ jump heights, eccentric peak force, mean power, and concentric duration. Negative correlations were found between Mod-505 total time and both ULCMJ and LCMJ jump heights, while positive correlations existed between LCMJ eccentric phase peak power and mean velocity. (r = .58-.83, p = .05). Conclusion: The CMJ is a standardized method for assessing lower limb muscle strength and evaluating professional female basketball players’ COD performance. Enhancing lower body dynamic strength may improve jumping and COD abilities in this athletic population.