A comprehensive analysis of one-foot and two-foot approach jump reliability in youth basketball athletes

The study assessed the intra-week reliability of the one-foot or two-foot approach jumps within youth basketball athletes. In a test-retest design, 108 athletes (33 females and 75 males) performed a maximal jump reach height assessment using both jump strategies following a self-selected run-up. Data were collected using the Vertec system across two sessions, separated by >24 hours and within <7 days. Results were analysed for bias and differences between tests, focussing on absolute (SEM) and relative (ICC) reliability; with statistical significance set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. No significant differences were found between test days for one-foot (female: -0.35 cm and male: -0.84 cm, <i>p</i> > 0.05) or two-foot (female: -0.24 cm and male: -0.15 cm, <i>p ></i> 0.05) jumps. Both tests displayed excellent reliability for both sexes (ICC = 0.99) and low SEM in the one-foot (female: 2.36 [1.93-3.17] cm and male: 2.33 [2.07-2.86] cm) and two-foot (female: 1.42 [1.14-1.87] cm and male: 2.38 [2.07-2.86] cm) approach jump. Females averaged 2.1 cm higher within the two-foot jump compared with the one-foot jump (<i>p</i> = 0.005). Smaller differences between test types were observed for the male athletes (-0.79 cm, <i>p</i> = 0.054) both of which were lower than the associated SEM and likely not significantly meaningful. Overall, the results indicate that the assessment of one-foot or two-foot approach jumps demonstrated excellent reliability in both female and male youth basketball athletes.