The aim of the master's thesis was to examine the relationship between curved and linear sprinting performance and jump performance test results. The broader purpose of the research was to contribute to a better understanding of curved sprinting and the development of this ability, as it represents an important factor for success in team sports. Although both types of sprint belong to forms of speed, the question arises whether performance in each is conditioned by different muscular capacities for force production, as there are important differences between them in terms of movement mechanics and muscle activation. Twenty-four young female footballers participated in the study, with a mean age of 17.4 ± 1.2 years, a body mass of 57.2 ± 7.3 kg, and a height of 167.0 ± 5.3 cm. The sample included central defenders (n = 5), full-backs (n = 4), central midfielders (n = 6), wide midfielders (n = 4), and forwards (n = 5). The jump performance tests consisted of the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg countermovement jump (CMJL or CMJR), and drop jump (DJ). The sprint tests included a linear sprint (LS) over 30 m (with split times at 10 m and 20 m) and curved sprints to the left and right (curvilinear sprint; CSL or CSR) over 30 m (with split times at 10 m and 20 m) with a radius of 9.15 m. For each test, participants performed two attempts, and the better result was used for further statistical analysis. After completing the measurements, the results of straight and curved sprints were compared using a paired-samples t-test. Differences between all three conditions (LS, CSL, CSR) were examined using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between jump performance test variables and LS variables, as well as between jump performance test variables and CSL and CSR variables. The results showed that participants required less time to complete LS at all split times (4.82 s) compared to CSL (5.05 s) and CSR (5.19 s). Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) and moderate negative correlations between CMJ and LS split time at 30 m (r = -0.51), and CSR split time at 30 m (r = -0.43); CMJL and CSR split time at 30 m (r = -0.41); CMJR and LS split time at 20 m (r = -0.42); CMJR and LS split time at 30 m (r = -0.52); and CMJR and CSR split time at 30 m (r = -0.44). Thus, LS and CS results were found to be statistically significantly related across all split times. We also found a clear relationship between CMJ or single-leg CMJ variables and sprint test variables. No relationship was found between SJ and DJ variables and LS and CS variables. Furthermore, no major differences were observed in the correlations between jump performance test results and both straight and curved sprint performance. This suggests that the same determinants of jump performance influence performance in both LS and CS. However, further research is needed to determine whether improvements in specific jump performance tests are directly reflected in improvements in LS and CS performance.
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