Background/Objectives: Adolescent female basketball players are frequently affected by lateral ankle sprains that may progress to chronic ankle instability (CAI) if not adequately managed. This double-blind, prospective, cluster-randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of hop-stabilization training (hop training) and those of traditional balance training on ankle instability and functional performance of this population. Methods: Thirty-two adolescent female basketball players with CAI were cluster-randomized into the hop training group (HG; n = 16) or balance training group (BG; n = 16). Participants completed three 20 min sessions per week for 6 weeks. The hop training protocol comprised multiplanar hopping exercises with progressive increases in the landing volume and an emphasis on controlled landing mechanics. The balance training protocol included single-leg stance and basketball-specific dynamic activities with gradually increasing difficulty. Primary outcomes were self-reported ankle stability (Cumberland ankle instability tool [CAIT] score) and performance test results (t-test, lateral hop test, figure-8 hop test results). Secondary outcomes included static and dynamic balance and isometric ankle strength (dorsiflexion [DF], plantar flexion, inversion, eversion [EV]). Assessments were conducted at baseline and after interventions. Results: The HG and BG exhibited significant improvements in CAIT scores and balance. However, the HG demonstrated significantly greater enhancements in dynamic performance test results and notable improvements in DF and EV strength compared to those of the BG. Conclusions: Hop training comprising the close replication of the multidirectional and dynamic demands of basketball was more effective than traditional balance training for enhancing functional performance and ankle strength.

Park, H-S, Song, K-J, Lim, Y-E, Kim, J-Y, and Yoon, J-H. Identification of key power predictors of bat swing speed in youth baseball hitters using PLS-SEM: Implications for training design. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—Bat swing speed (BSS) is a critical performance metric in baseball, reflecting efficient energy transfer through the kinetic chain. This study aimed to identify key predictors of BSS in youth baseball hitters using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Ninety-six male players (age: 13.9 ± 1.1 years) participated. Bat swing speed was measured using an inertial measurement unit during standardized tee-ball swings. Players then completed 3 medicine ball throw (MBT) tests—rotational medicine ball throw (RMBT), backward overhead medicine ball throw (BOMBT), and seated medicine ball throw—to assess explosive upper- and whole-body power. Lower-body power was evaluated through countermovement jump (CMJ) testing on a force platform, from which propulsive peak force, propulsive peak power, total impulse, rate of force development, and jump height were derived. Partial least squares structural equation modeling results showed that MBT significantly predicted BSS ( R ² = 0.654, f ² = 0.685, p < 0.001), with BOMBT and RMBT exhibiting the strongest factor loadings. Countermovement jump did not directly predict BSS but showed a significant indirect effect through MBT ( β = 0.284, p < 0.001), indicating a foundational contribution of lower-body power to swing-specific performance. These findings suggest that MBT, particularly BOMBT and RMBT, serves as a practical, sport-specific tool for assessing BSS in youth baseball players. Although CMJ is not a direct predictor of swing velocity, it may reflect underlying neuromuscular readiness. Integrated upper- and lower-body power profiling may enhance training strategies for youth athletes.