Dynamic and Isometric Force-Time Curve Characteristics Influencing Change of Direction Performance of State-Level Netball Players

Although multiple lower-body strength capacities are required to change direction rapidly, there is limited knowledge about the relative importance of these factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between dynamic and isometric lower-body strength capacities and change of direction (COD) time in state-league netball players. Seventeen female athletes completed maximal isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and modified 5-0-5 COD tests. Pearson's product moment correlations were used to determine the relationship between COD time and several IMTP and CMJ force-time curve characteristics. To assess the level of contribution of each force-time curve characteristic to COD time, multivariate-linear stepwise regression analyses were performed. A significant moderate correlation was noted between net relative peak force (PF) during the IMTP and COD time (r = 0.488, p = 0.047), accounting for 23.8% of the variance in COD time. Moreover, concentric relative impulse during the CMJ was strongly correlated with COD time (r = 0.718; p = 0.001), explaining 81.9% of the variance in COD time when combined with net relative braking PF in a stepwise regression. Based on these findings, female netball players who display higher concentric and isometric strength, as well as the ability to express higher impulses during the concentric phase of the CMJ, are likely to perform CODs faster. This may occur because COD requires the generation of greater propulsive forces, as well as reduced braking and contact times, along with greater isometric strength enabling effective repositioning of center of mass during COD tasks.