Predicting Time to Take-Off in a Countermovement Jump for Maximal Quickness from Upright and Squat Starting Positions

A countermovement jump (CMJ) is common in sport and often time-constrained. Little is known about contributors to quickness in jumps. This study examined effective predictors of time to take-off and effects of the starting position on reaction time and take-off time in a countermovement jump performed for quickness from upright and squat positions. Forty-nine collegiate athletes performed CMJs for quickness from upright and squatting starting positions to 75% of their maximal jump height. Several variables were calculated from the kinetic data related to jump performance. Correlation and multiple regression were used to determine variables related and predictive of time to take-off under both conditions. Paired t-tests evaluated differences in reaction and take-off times between conditions. In the upright condition, an increasing rate of force development and force, and decreasing time variables, impulses, and countermovement depth were associated with shorter time to take-off. The time to take-off prediction included rates of force development, force, time, and impulse. In the squat condition, shorter time to take-off was associated with lesser time variables, eccentric impulse, force at the end of the eccentric phase, and countermovement depth, and a greater rate of force development, concentric impulse, peak power, peak force, and reaction time. The time to take-off prediction equation included time to the bottom of the countermovement, time to peak force, and peak power. Reaction and take-off times were longer in the upright condition. Quick jump efficiency may be improved by strategies to increase maximum strength and the eccentric rate of force development while decreasing countermovement depth and time to bottom.