Leg extension force-velocity imbalance has negative impact on sprint performance in ball-game players

Ballistic actions are imperative in sports where performance depends on power production across a relevant range of contraction- and movement velocities. Force-velocity-power ($$) profiling provides information regarding neuromuscular capabilities and vertical performances, but knowledge regarding its associative value towards horizontal movements is scarce. Therefore, we conducted $$ profiling and analysed associations with uni- and multidirectional ballistic performance tasks in 27 international- to national-level athletes (18.9 ± 2.6 years, 182.9 ± 7.1 cm and 79.2 ± 11.9 kg). Low to moderate correlations were observed between theoretical maximal power ($$max) and horizontal acceleration (R = -0.43), speed (R = -0.64), sprint (R = -0.60) and agility (R = -0.59) performances. Force-velocity imbalance (Fv_IMB) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) strengthened the correlations towards sprinting ability (from -0.60 to -0.74) and agility (from -0.59 to -0.68), however, both correlations remaining weaker than for jumping performances (R = 0.78-0.86). In conclusion, $$ profiling provides information of importance for horizontal and vertical performances with a significant positive effect of $$max, but negative effect of Fv_IMB. Assessment of lower-extremity neuromuscular capabilities through $$ profiling and associated development of training programmes targeting compensation of either force- or velocity deficit may benefit the ability to utilise a given power potential.