Female Judo Athletes' Physical Test Performances Are Unrelated to Technical-Tactical Competition Skills

This study analyzed the relationship between generic and judo-specific physical test performances and technical-tactical competition performances among 19 female judo athletes. Participant data were gathered in two stages: (a) physical tests-countermovement jump (CMJ), handgrip strength, Special Judo Fitness Test and Judogi Grip Strength Test; and (b) match performances recorded for technical-tactical analysis. Pearson's linear correlation and multiple linear regression analysis showed no significant correlations between any technical-tactical parameter and judo-specific physical tests. However, the number of attacks during matches was significantly positively correlated with countermovement jump height (CMJ(JH); r=0.69, p=.002), peak power output (CMJ(PPO); r=0.53, p=.002), and peak velocity (CMJ(PV); r=0.62, p=.001). Effective time during matches was significantly correlated with all CMJ parameters (except maximum force; r=0.65-0.76, p <=.01) and with right hand grip strength (r=0.48, p=.037). Match effectiveness was correlated with CMJ(PPO) (r=-0.67, p=.001), mean power output (CMJ(MPO); r=-0.54, p=.017), and CMJ(PV) (r=-0.54, p=.004). The explained power of variance was low for all variables at 45-54%. We conclude that judo-specific performance tests do not seem to be related to female judo athletes' technical-tactical skills in official competition, though athletes with higher lower limb muscle power and higher handgrip strength showed higher time effectiveness during matches.