Application and Practical Relevance of Vertical Force–Velocity Profiling for Optimizing Performance in Team Sports: A Systematic Review

Vertical force–velocity (F–V) profiling is widely used to assess athletes’ neuromuscular capabilities; however, its transfer to sport-specific performance and the effectiveness of individualized interventions remain debated. This systematic review examined the application and efficacy of vertical F–V profiling for optimizing explosive actions such as sprinting, jumping, and change-of-direction performance in team-sport athletes. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, and SpringerLink for studies published between January 2020 and December 2025. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria (team-sport athletes aged ≥17 years, vertical F–V assessment through loaded jumps, and sport-related performance outcomes) and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The results indicate that maximum power (Pmax) is strongly associated with jump performance, whereas its relationship with sprint ability appears more variable and may be influenced by sex and biomechanical specificity. Individualized interventions targeting F–V imbalance generally improved Pmax and jump performance, but transfer to sprinting was limited and inconsistent across studies. Methodological heterogeneity, particularly in test standardization and the distinction between vertical and horizontal force production, was a key factor affecting outcomes. Overall, vertical F–V profiling appears useful for optimizing jump performance but shows limited predictive value for sprinting and change-of-direction tasks due to vector specificity. Future research should integrate horizontal profiling and longer intervention periods to better address team-sport demands.