Basketball players usually score points during the game using the jump shot. For this reason, the jump shot is considered to be the most important element of technique in basketball and requires a high level of performance. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the lower limbs during a jump shot without the ball and a countermovement jump without an arm swing. The differences between variables provide information about the potential that an athlete can utilise during a game when performing a jump shot. The study was conducted among 20 second-league basketball players by means of a Kistler force plate and the BTS SMART system for motion analysis. The variables measured included the take-off time, mean power, peak power, relative mean power, jump height, maximum landing force and calculated impact ratio. Surprisingly, more advantageous variables were found for the jump shot. This finding suggests a very high performance level in the jump shot in the studied group and a maximum utilisation of their motor abilities. Both types of jumps were characterised by high mean and peak power values and average heights. The high forces at landing, which result in considerable impact ratios, may have prompted the studied group to land softly. Use of the countermovement jump without an arm swing is recommended to assess and predict the progression of player’s jumping ability

Stiffness, the resistance to deformation due to force, has been used to model the way in which the lower body responds to landing during cyclic motions such as running and jumping. Vertical, leg, and joint stiffness provide a useful model for investigating the store and release of potential elastic energy via the musculotendinous unit in the stretch-shortening cycle and may provide insight into sport performance. This review is aimed at assessing the effect of vertical, leg, and joint stiffness on running performance as such an investigation may provide greater insight into performance during this common form of locomotion. PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched resulting in 92 publications on vertical, leg, and joint stiffness and running performance. Vertical stiffness increases with running velocity and stride frequency. Higher vertical stiffness differentiated elite runners from lower-performing athletes and was also associated with a lower oxygen cost. In contrast, leg stiffness remains relatively constant with increasing velocity and is not strongly related to the aerobic demand and fatigue. Hip and knee joint stiffness are reported to increase with velocity, and a lower ankle and higher knee joint stiffness are linked to a lower oxygen cost of running; however, no relationship with performance has yet been investigated. Theoretically, there is a desired “leg-spring” stiffness value at which potential elastic energy return is maximised and this is specific to the individual. It appears that higher “leg-spring” stiffness is desirable for running performance; however, more research is needed to investigate the relationship of all three lower limb joint springs as the hip joint is often neglected. There is still no clear answer how training could affect mechanical stiffness during running. Studies including muscle activation and separate analyses of local tissues (tendons) are needed to investigate mechanical stiffness as a global variable associated with sports performance.

The basic drill of plyometric training aimed at improving lower limb power and jump height is a drop jump. This exercise can be performed using different techniques, which substantially affects jump variables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the values of the reactive strength index (RSI) for countermovement drop jumps (CDJs) and bounce drop jumps (BDJs). The study was carried out in a group of 8 male youth basketball players. The tests were conducted using the AMTI BP600900 force plate to measure ground reaction forces and the Noraxon MyoMotion system to record kinematic data. Each player performed two CDJs and two BDJs from the height of 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm. The RSI was calculated as a ratio of jump height and contact time. Moreover, the RSI was determined for the amortization and take-off phases separately. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between RSI values for CDJs and BDJs were recorded for jumps from 30, 45 and 60 cm. Differences in RSI values for jumps from 15 cm were not significant. Furthermore, CDJ height values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the values recorded for BDJs. Times of contact, amortization and take-off during BDJs were significantly shorter (p < 0.05) than the respective values obtained for CDJs. Therefore, the use of the RSI to monitor plyometric training should be based on the drop jump technique that is commonly performed by basketball players.

The ability to reach a high running velocity over a short distance is essential to a high playing performance in team games. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between running time over a 10-meter section of a 30-meter sprint along a straight line and changes in the angle and angular velocity that were observed in the ankle, knee, and hip joints. The possible presence may help to optimize motion efficiency during acceleration sprint phase. Eighteen girls involved in team sports were examined in the study. The Fusion Smart Speed System was employed for running time measurements. The kinematic data were recorded using the Noraxon MyoMotion system. Statistically significant relationships were found between running time over a 10-meter section and the kinematic variables of hip and ankle joints. An excessively large flexion in hip joints might have an unfavorable effect on running time during the acceleration phase. Furthermore, in order to minimize running time during the acceleration phase, stride should be maintained along a line (a straight line) rather than from side to side. It is also necessary to ensure an adequate range of motion in the hip and ankle joints with respect to the sagittal axis.

The correct torque ratio between the knee joint extensor and flexor muscle groups can effectively prevent injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and hamstring strain. However, it is unclear whether a high torque ratio of the knee joint flexor muscles to the extensor muscles is beneficial for sport performance. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio and sprint times (10- and 30-m) and jump heights (CMJ—countermovement jump and SJ—squat jump) in soccer players. The study examined 26 young elite soccer players (age: 18.1 ± 0.7 years; body height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 72.7 ± 5.7 kg). Knee joint flexor and extensor peak torques were assessed using the Cybex dynamometer (at 60°/s, 120°/s and 180°/s). Additionally, each participant performed the CMJ, SJ, and 30 m sprint. A significant relationship was obtained between the H/Q ratio (60°/s) and 30 m sprint time (r = 0.47). The positive direction of this relationship may indicate an important role of knee joint extensors in sprinting performance. Moreover, the H/Q ratio was not significantly associated with the CMJ, SJ or 10 m sprint performance. The H/Q ratio should be considered together with the peak torque values in terms of the assessment of sprinting and jumping performance.

This study aimed to investigate whether asymmetry of force, power, and tissue morphology are lower limbs (LL) injury risk factors in physically active adults. Fifty-eight men aged 23.8 ± 1.2 years and forty-seven women aged 23.3 ± 1.0 years were examined. Physical activity level was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and injury data were collected with the Injury History Questionnaire. The countermovement jump was performed to evaluate force and power. LL tissue composition was evaluated by a bioimpedance analyzer. The symmetry indices were calculated. A comparison between injured and non-injured subjects in both sexes was conducted to determine indices associated with injuries. The symmetry indices cut-off points were calculated to establish values indicating a significant injury risk increase, and logistic regression was performed. The relative peak force asymmetry above 4.049% was associated with increased injury risk in men. The LL skeletal muscle mass asymmetry above 3.584% was associated with a higher injury risk in women. Increased asymmetry in indicated indices by 1% was associated with 19.8% higher injury risk in men and 82.6% in women. Asymmetry proved to be an injury risk factor. However, a more suitable index for men is relative peak force asymmetry, whereas LL skeletal muscle mass asymmetry is more suitable for women.