Basketball neuromuscular demands are highly position-dependent, making it important to consider this factor in performance assessment. This study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of jumping and linear sprinting tests for professional basketball players based on their playing position. A total of 102 professional basketball players, classified as Bigs and Guards, were assessed during the preseason through Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Single-Leg CMJ (SL-CMJ), Arm Swing CMJ (CMJA), and linear sprinting over 5, 10, and 20 m. Relative reliability analysis was carried out by calculating the Intraclass Correlation Index (ICC), and the coefficient of variation (CV) was used as an absolute reliability indicator. The jumping and linear sprinting tests showed good to excellent relative reliability (ICC: 0.81–0.97) and absolute reliability (CV: 0.1–2.6) with a minimum detectable change ranging from 5.38 to 20.82% and from 4.76 to 10.43% for jumping and linear sprinting tests, respectively. Both Bigs and Guards showed excellent absolute reliability in all tests. Bigs showed greater ICC than Guards in SJ, CMJ, CMJA, and the 10 and 20 m sprints, while Guards outperformed in the 5 m sprint. SL-CMJ showed greater absolute reliability for Bigs, while relative reliability was higher for Guards. In conclusion, these findings may aid basketball physical coaches in the selection of the most suitable jumping and sprinting tests for preseason neuromuscular performance monitoring based on players’ playing position.

This study aimed to analyze basketball players’ jumping bhavior in the Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), and Free Arm Swing CMJ (CMJ Free) during a professional basketball season and check if it is modulated by the players’ specific playing position, the time played on court, and the different leagues. Fifty-three male professional basketball players were assessed in three different moments of the season through SJ, CMJ, and CMJ Free. Between the beginning of pre-season (1st assessment) and the second round of the season (3rd assessment), there was a strong increase in performance in the three jumps (SJ Height: 5.6%, η²_P = 0.234, p = 0.007; CMJ Height: 5.1%, η²_P = 0.177, p = 0.007; CMJ Free height: 4.11%, η²_P = 0.142, p = 0.01). There was also a significantly large increase in SJ and CMJ between the 2nd and 3rd assessments and in the CMJ Free between the 1st and 2nd assessments. No significant interactions were found between jumping performance and the group factors (players’ specific playing position, time played on court, and league). In conclusion, SJ, CMJ, and CMJ Free performance strongly increases between 1st and 3rd assessment, without being influenced by the specific playing position or the minutes played per game.

Objectives: Sprinting and jumping abilities are key determinants of basketball performance. This study aims to analyze changes in sprinting and jumping performance among professional basketball players during the preseason and to determine whether these adaptations are influenced by specific playing positions (Guards vs. Bigs). Methods: A total of 106 professional basketball players from European leagues were evaluated twice over a 6-week preseason. Neuromuscular assessments included linear sprints (5, 10, and 20 m), a change of direction test, curved sprints, and multiple jump tests: Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Single-Leg CMJ (SL-CMJ) and Arm-Swing CMJ (CMJA), Single Leg Hop for Distance (SHDJ), Lateral Bound Jump (LBJ), and Single-Leg Repeated Jumps (SLRJ). The training program integrated 6–8 weekly basketball-specific technical–tactical sessions with two to three strength and conditioning sessions targeting maximal strength, power, and hypertrophy. Results: Players significantly improved linear and curved sprint performance, and jumping ability, particularly CMJ, CMJA, and right-leg SHDJ. Minimal changes were observed in SJ, LBJ, and SLRJ. Positional differences were small, with Guards showing greater gains in CMJA than Bigs (6.85% vs. 1.87%). Conclusions: A 6-week preseason training program may be associated with improvements in sprinting (linear 5, 10, 20 m, and curved sprint) and vertical jump performance (CMJ, CMJA, SHDJ) in professional basketball players, with limited influence of playing position. Guards appear to benefit more from arm-swing vertical jump development.