IS CHANGE OF DIRECTION ABILITY RELATED TO VERTICAL JUMP PERFORMANCE IN FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS?

Abstract

Aim:The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between vertical jump performance and change of direction ability in female soccer players. Method: Nineteen female soccer players (Age=18,20±2,44 years, Height=160,24±3,52 cm, Weight=57,24±6,28 kg, Body mass index=19,46±4,48) from second division team in Turkish Professional Soccer Female League were tested for vertical jump (countermovement jump) and change of direction ability with zig zag test. Relationship between zig zag test and vertical jump were assessed by Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient test. Results: According to study results, there was a low correlation (r =0.62, p < 0.05) between vertical jump and zig zag tests. Conclusion: As a result, it is recommended that high-intensity exercises, especially jumping, change of direction and sprint drills, should be included sufficiently in the training planning so that female football players can demonstrate their optimal performance during the game.