Relationship of 1 Rm Squat and Vertical Jump Performance in Ncaa Male Volleyball Players

It is unclear from the literature as to the relationship between maximal strength and vertical jump performance, particularly in trained athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between 1 RM squat performance, approach and standing vertical jump height in male NCAA volleyball athletes. METHODS: Subjects were 11 male NCAA, Division I volleyball players (height 193 +/− 9.21 cm, body mass 86.74 +/− 14.24Kg). 1 RM squat was calculated based on 6 to 10 RM values using a regression equation. Standing and approach vertical jump heights were measured using a Vertec Measurement System. RESULTS: Results of a Pearson correlation were: r = 0.30 (p < .01) for 1 RM squat (141.81 +/− 26.95 Kg, 1.65 +/− 0.30 BW) and standing jump height (70.10 +/− 5.48 cm), r = 0.28 (p < .02) for approach vertical jump height (85.90 +/− 8.08 cm), and r = 0.65 (p < .0005) for approach and standing vertical jump height. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that 1 RM squat strength is a factor but the shared variance of only 9% indicates that other components are important to vertical jump performance. Other important factors may include strength at faster velocities, rate of force development, stretch-shortening cycle performance, and intermuscular coordination and skill. This may be valuable information for the development and assessment of training programs.