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Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-up on isokinetic knee strength in female youth netball players. Method Secondary school netball players (n=23) participated in a seven-week intervention study. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to assess concentric and eccentric peak torque measures of the right leg during seated knee flexion and extension actions at 60%. Results There were no significant differences found between pre-and post-measures in peak torque, angle of peak torque and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio. Conclusions There was no improvement in knee strength after performing the NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-up. This could indicate that the programme does not contain sufficient stimulus to improve isokinetic knee strength in female youth netball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were to determine the acute effects of handheld loading on horizontal jump distance and biomechanics during a single standing horizontal jump in female netball players, and to determine individualised optimum loads relative to body mass (BM), for enhancing jump distance. Twelve netball players performed single, standing horizontal jumps while holding load in each hand. The loaded jump conditions included: baseline (0 kilograms (kg)), 2 kg, 4 kg, 6 kg, 8 kg, and 10 kg. A significant increase in jump distance was found at the 4 kg load. Distance increased on average from 171 ±15.3 centimetres (cm) to 177 ±15.4 cm (Effect size [ES]=0.39, p=0.04). The handheld loads of 4 kg and 10 kg produced notable increases in vertical and horizontal concentric ground reaction forces (GRF) (ES=0.25-0.62 (4 kg) and 1.19-0.22 (10 kg)). The predicted optimal relative load to enhance jump distance was 6.4 ±4.0 % BM, producing an increase in jump distance of 9.5 ±6.8 cm (ES=0.61). In conclusion, handheld loading enhanced horizontal jump performance in female netball players, most likely through an increase of concentric GRF's. These findings could be used by strength and conditioning coaches, trainers and athletes to provide an enhanced overload stimulus to develop lower body power. Such overload stimulus should be specific to sports or athletic movements that require horizontal force production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical performance characteristics of female youth netball players to provide a physical performance profile and determine if there are differences between level of performance (grade) and/or playing positions (circle versus non-circle) for this group. There is currently limited data on this topic and identifying a performance profile could potentially assist with selection, training, coaching and game development. METHODS: A total of 102 youth female netball players (mean ±SD: age 13.3 ±0.50 y, height 166.95 ±5.72 cm, body mass 60.94 ±12.80 kg) participated in this study. Measurements included anthropometry (height and body mass), lower body power (vertical and horizontal jump), balance (modified star excursion balance test and time-to-stabilisation), core strength (prone hold), change of direction (T-test), and split sprint times (2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 m). T-tests were used to determine differences in all measures between players in different grades and between players in different positions. RESULTS: Outcomes of this data showed significant differences in performance measures between playing grades. There were significant (p<0.05) differences for playing grade on jump performance, change of direction, and 5 m sprint times. Grade one players had significantly greater horizontal jump performance (mean difference: 15.98 cm & 25.34 cm, p<0.05) and significantly lower change of direction times (mean difference: -0.56 s and -1.50 s, p<0.05) than grade two and grade four players. Grade one players were also faster over 15 m compared to grade two players (mean difference: -0.11 s, p<0.05). Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in balance (mean difference: -3.59 composite score) and change of direction (mean difference: 0.68 s) between grade two circle and non-circle playing positions. DISCUSSION: The results of this study show there were differences in the physical performance capabilities between netball players of this age group playing at different levels. There were also differences between playing positions, providing information that could assist position-specific coaching. These findings have provided general guidelines for a physical performance profile for youth netball players. The results shown in this study could be expected given the game requirements and positional demands of netball, and pre-allocated grades. Similar findings have been found in other studies specific to rugby league, football and volleyball. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Findings from this study suggest the development of horizontal lower body power, change of direction and speed is important in developing youth netball players in this age group. General guidelines of physical performance measures could also be used for talent identification and selection. Future research involving maturation status, sport-specific skills based variables and physiological measures should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]