Validity and Reliability of Jumping and Linear Sprinting Tests to Assess Neuromuscular Performance in Professional Basketball Players

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.