Contribution of Strength Characteristics to Change of Direction and Agility Performance in Female Basketball Athletes

Abstract

Research has often examined the relationship between 1 or 2 measures of strength and change of direction (COD) ability reporting inconsistent relationships to performance. These inconsistencies may be the result of the strength assessment used and the assumption that 1 measure of strength can represent all "types" of strength required during a COD task. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between several lower-body strength and power measures, COD, and agility performance. Twelve (n = 12) elite female basketball athletes completed a maximal dynamic back squat, isometric midthigh pull, eccentric and concentric only back squat, and a countermovement jump, followed by 2 COD tests (505 and T-test) and a reactive agility test. Pearson product-moment correlation and stepwise regression analysis were performed on all variables. The percentage contribution of each strength measure to an athletes total strength score was also determined. Our results demonstrated that both COD tests were significantly correlated to maximal dynamic, isometric, concentric, and eccentric strength (r = -0.79 to -0.89), with eccentric strength identified as the sole predictor of COD performance. Agility performance did not correlate with any measure of strength (r = -0.08 to -0.36), whereas lower-body power demonstrated no correlation to either agility or COD performance (r = -0.19 to -0.46). These findings demonstrate the importance of multiple strength components for COD ability, highlighting eccentric strength as a deterministic factor of COD performance. Coaches should aim to develop a well-rounded strength base in athletes; ensuring eccentric strength is developed as effectively as the often-emphasized concentric or overall dynamic strength capacity.

Relationship between isometric mid-thigh pull variables and sprint and change of direction performance in collegiate athletes

“…38 These findings are consistent with Hori et al 16 who found significant negative correlations between 1RM front squat and modified 505 performance. In addition, our findings are consistent with the work of Spiteri et al 15 , in that IPF during the IMTP showed significant relationships to COD performance. Sprinting and COD requires acceleration of body mass, and is highly dependent upon absolute strength levels, with research showing transfer effects from long-term periodized strength training to positively improve COD performance.…”

“…Tillin et al 14 found normalized PF at 100 ms during an isometric back squat to correlate to 5-and 20-m sprint performance in rugby players. In addition, Spiteri et al 15 found a significant correlation (r = 0.79) between IPF during the IMTP and 505 COD performance in female basketball athletes.…”

“…The execution of efficient COD requires linear acceleration, force absorption, isometric strength during the foot plant, and concentric strength to position the body appropriately to rapidly decelerate and re-accelerate in a new direction. 15 Stronger athletes have also shown to adopt more efficient lower body positions while producing faster COD performances. 20 Increased strength levels have found to contribute to increased storage of elastic energy during the eccentric phase of stretch-shortening cycle activities.…”

Physical Profiles of Regional Academy Netball Players

“…Also, no technique or strength measures were assessed within the current study, however previous research in female basketball athletes show faster athletes apply increased braking forces and shorter ground contact times during 505 performances. [36][37][38] Additionally, the same authors found faster athletes to observe greater eccentric and isometric strength values as compared to slower athletes. Therefore, differences in 505 performances between age categories may be attributed to superior movement mechanics and strength capacity.…”

A Step towards a Field Based Agility Test in Team Sports

“…To enable objective performance criteria for use in athlete-practitioner decision making during the rehabilitation process [14] appropriate agility tests are required. A major hurdle to overcome in implementing agility performance tests with athletes or applying during injury rehabilitation is the need for force plates [16], timing gates [17] and expensive camera systems [6,17]. The aims of this study were to assess the reliability and practicality of implementing a field based agility test encompassing perceptual-agility action performance.…”