Associations Between Sprint Mechanical Properties and Change of Direction Ability and Asymmetries in COD Speed Performance in Basketball and Volleyball Players

This study aimed to assess the associations between sprint force-velocity profile variables with change of direction (COD) performance and to investigate the impact of these variables on asymmetries in COD speed performance. Ninety-nine participants (volleyball players: n = 44, basketball players: n = 55) performed 40 m sprints for Fv relationship calculation, two COD tests (Modified Agility T-test and 505 test). A partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationships between the variables. The V₀ was the most influential variable; it was negatively associated with COD performance variables (β = -0.260, -0.263 and -0.244 for MAT, 505-D and 505-ND, respectively), and F₀ (β = 0.169, 0.163) was associated with the COD performance variables (COD deficit D and COD deficit ND, respectively), slightly larger than the effects of Fv_slope (β = -0.162, -0.146), D_RF (β = -0.159, -0.142) and P_max (β = -0.162, -0.146). For COD deficit imbalance, the D_RF (β = -0.070) was the most influential variable followed by Fv_slope (β = -0.068), F₀ (β = 0.046) and gender (β = 0.031). V₀ and RF_max were the critical variables for improving COD performance that includes linear sprints, while D_RF, Fv_slope, F₀ and P_max collectively influence 180° COD performance. Meanwhile, D_RF and Fv_slope were important factors for asymmetries in COD speed performance. It is recommended to use the Fv profile to diagnose different COD movement patterns and then develop training plans accordingly for team sports played on smaller courts, such as basketball and volleyball.