The Difference in Vertical Jump Performance in Recreationally Trained Soccer and Basketball Males: A Pilot Study

Event Center A & B

Assessing lower body peak power output (PPO) in vertical jump performance is critical in sports. Vertical jump height (VJH) and PPO measures may allow practitioner to consider the differences in the needs of vertical jump performance in recreationally trained soccer and basketball players. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the difference in VJH and lower body PPO in recreationally trained soccer and basketball males. Methods: Nine recreationally trained males volunteered to participate in two sessions, a familiarization and a testing day. During the familiarization day, participants performed a dynamic warm-up followed by performing countermovement vertical jumps. On testing day, participants were asked to follow the same protocol as familiarization day. Participants performed three countermovement vertical jumps with 15s rest between each jump and were instructed to jump as high and as quickly as possible using an arm swing during each jump. A Vertec® was used to measure VJH and PPO was calculated using Sayers equation. A 2x1 one-way analysis of variance was conducted to test difference between soccer and basketball players in VJH and PPO. Results: No significant (p>0.50) difference were found between recreational basketball and soccer players in VJH and PPO. Conclusion: The results of the study conclude that there is no differences between recreationally trained soccer and basketball players. This may be attributed to the participants training level, lack of sport specific training, consistency in training, and/or rigorous training. Future research should investigate the differences in vertical jump performance for soccer and basketball collegiate athletes.