Abstract
Handheld load has been reported to enhance horizontal jump performance, however little
is known about its influence on ground reaction forces (GRF), especially in female
athletes. This study investigated the effects of individualized optimal handheld loading
on the technical and physical ability to apply GRF during horizontal jumping in female
netball players. Maximal effort, single standing, horizontal jumps were performed
by 13 female netballers. Participants performed the jumps under 2 conditions: 1) unloaded,
and 2) loaded. Eccentric mean horizontal GRF significantly increased with loading
(p<0.05; Effect Size [ES]= 0.74). The ratio of horizontal-to-total GRF significantly
increased (p<0.05; ES=0.57), however resultant GRF did not, suggesting that the technical ability
to apply force in the direction of intended movement may be of greater importance
than the magnitude of force applied. Jump distance also increased from 188.2±16.1 cm
to 196.4±13.6 cm (p<0.01; ES=0.55) with handheld load. In conclusion, individualized optimal handheld
loading improved single horizontal jump performance in this population of athletes;
most likely through various mechanisms that allowed for increased eccentric horizontal
GRFs and the technical ability of force application. Findings could have practical
implications for the strength and conditioning coach, trainer and athlete.
Key words
horizontal force - ratio of force - netball - halters - force application
