Differences in isometric strength tests and jump tests between professional and amateur basketball players

Abstract

This study assesses the differences in strength levels and explosive jumps between professional and amateur basketball players to know which factors or variables discriminate the level of performance in jump ability. We evaluated different tests in basketball players (n = 26), both professionals (n = 14) and amateurs (n = 12). Isometric force production was measured at different angles for knee flexion (90° and 170°) and extension (90° and 120°) with a load cell, model SSM-AJ-5000N. Explosive strength was measured through dynamic battery jumps proposed by Bosco (1983). Significant differences were found between categories for the height and power variables. There were also differences in explosive force production for the extensor muscles of the knee at 90°. Furthermore, different correlations have been observed, depending on the category. We can conclude that there are differences between categories, not only in the value of the variables, but in the correlation of these. Different variables could be monitored and worked on in training to improve the performance for each category.