The Effect of Hamstring Shortness on Vertical Jump and Balance Performance in Youth Basketball Players

Background: Hamstring flexibility significantly influences athletic performance, particularly in dynamic actions like vertical jumps and balance. This study seeks to uncover the connection between hamstring shortness and the dynamic interplay of vertical jump height and balance in these youth basketball athletes. Material Method: The study included 84 male youth basketball players with hamstring shortness. Participants underwent assessments including hamstring flexibility, hip flexed and knee extended (HF-KE), Sit and Reach Test, popliteal angle measurement, vertical jump measurement with the Optojump device, and balance measurement with the Y balance test. Results: The findings from our study indicate a significant association between the results of the vertical jump test and both the left HF-KE (p < 0.001) and the popliteal angle (p < 0.001). Y balance was significantly correlated with the test (p=0.011). Multiple regression analysis revealed a relationship between right HF-KE and jumping performance (β= 0.363, R² = 0.213; F = 10.798, p =0.002) and between left HF-KE and jump (β= 0.523, R² = 0.472; F = 35.712, p< 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study underscores the crucial role of hamstring flexibility in vertical jump performance among youth basketball players. The significant associations found between left HF-KE and popliteal angle with vertical jump performance highlight the importance of addressing hamstring shortness in training programs aimed at enhancing jump performance. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve hamstring flexibility, which could ultimately contribute to better athletic performance and injury prevention in this population.