Maximize or Normalize? Examining Single-Leg Drop-Land-Cut Distances in Young Athletes: A Pilot Study

This study investigated differences in leap distance for a single-leg drop-land-cut (CUT) task based on using either a maximal or normalized (150% leg length) method or the influence of condition order and leg dominance on distance achieved. Twenty-six young court and field sport athletes (61.5% female) completed the single-leg drop-land-cut task on the dominant and nondominant leg under maximal and normalized conditions in a randomized order. Multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance tests with post hoc pairwise comparisons were used to determine the effect of condition (maximal and normalized), leg dominance (dominant and nondominant), and interaction effect on leaping distance. Potential order effects were explored as a between-subjects factor within the analysis of variance. Our findings showed significantly larger leap distances under the maximal condition (P < .001, ηp2 ≥ .417), with the maximal mean being 154.5 (24.7) cm (175.1% [18.6%] leg length) and the normalized mean being 140.7 (19.7) cm (159.0% [5.8%] of leg length). Furthermore, greater distances were achieved during the maximal task when performed following the normalized task (P < .001, 24.5% further). Practically, the normalized task may be better suited for heterogeneous samples; yet, the maximal task may be more suitable for homogeneous samples or pre-post study designs.