Correlates of concentric jump metrics with directional sprint velocities and MDSA performance in university field athletes

Abstract

Rapid sprinting in team sports relies on concentric power for propulsion and efficient change-of-direction (COD) transitions, however traditional assessments often overlook holistic multidirectional capabilities. This study examined the correlations between concentric metrics from countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) assessments and multidirectional sprint performance, including the novel multidirectional sprint area (MDSA) method. Twenty-eight university-level athletes (age: 20 ± 1 years; body mass: 68 ± 9 kg; height: 166 ± 6 cm) playing hockey and rugby participated in a correlational study. Participants completed linear sprints, deceleration, COD (45°, 90° and 135° angles bilaterally), as well as MDSA evaluations, alongside CMJ and DJ tests on force plates. Data were analysed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations emerged between CMJ height, concentric mean force, peak power, vertical velocity at take-off, and the modified reactive strength index (RSI-mod) with Phase 1 and 2 sprint velocities across directions (r = 0.390–0.825, p < 0.05– 0.01) and MDSA total and segmental areas (r = 0.450–0.810, p < 0.05–0.01). DJ height, peak power, relative peak power, peak drive-off force, and RSI were positively correlated with velocity (r = 0.458–0.778, p < 0.05–0.01) and MDSA (r = 0.575–0.710, p < 0.01), whereas the CMJ contraction time displayed negative associations (r = -0.400, p < 0.05). The associations between concentric CMJ and DJ metrics and multidirectional sprint performance indicated that elevated jump height, peak power, drive-off force, and RSI were associated with enhanced sprint velocity, with prolonged contraction times linked to reduced performance. These metrics exhibited strong positive correlations with MDSA total and directional areas, highlighting the critical role of concentric force and power in supporting holistic multidirectional sprint ability.