Jumping ability is related to change of direction ability in elite handball players

This study investigated the relationship between vertical and horizontal jumping ability and change of direction (COD) to measure athletic performance in 51 elite male handball players.

Countermovement jump (CMJ), peak power, and standing long jump (SLJ) were measured. Participants performed a 20-m sprint test (time measured at 5, 10, and 20 m) and a zigzag test (COD: 135°, 90°, and 45°). The COD deficit, an index of the time required for COD, was calculated. The correlations between CMJ height and zigzag test times were relatively large (at 135°, r =  - 0.607; at 90°, r =  - 0.594; at 45°, r =  - 0.613; p < 0.01), whereas those between CMJ height and COD deficit were moderate (at 135°, r =  - 0.399, p < 0.01; at 90°, r =  - 0.350, p < 0.05; at 45°, r =  - 0.323, p < 0.05). SLJ showed a negative moderate correlation with COD deficit (at 135°, r =  - 0.439, p < 0.01; at 90°, r =  - 0.469, p < 0.01; at 45°, r =  - 0.380, p < 0.01).

This study is the first to analyse SLJ ability and COD deficit parameters of handball players. We found that SLJ ability is moderately related to COD time and deficit; therefore, SLJ measurement may be a useful predictor of athletic performance.