###### Abstract  
The aim of this study was to explore the relation between vertical jump and short sprint. A total of 14 female basketball players (n = 14; age: 20.9 \(\pm\) 6.0 years; height: 177.0 \(\pm\) 3.0 cm; body mass: 69.0 \(\pm\) 11.1 kg) were assessed for Abalakov jump (ABKJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and a 20 m sprint. The relationships between sprint and vertical jumps were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and lineal regression, while discriminative parameters between backcourt and frontcourt players were assessed using independent \(t\)-tests. Higher associations were found between vertical jumps and sprint parameters, particularly CMJ height, showing a strong correlation with sprint time in 0-10 m (r = 0.805), 10-20 m (r = 0.798), and 0-20 m (r = 0.822). Jump metrics could provide a valid and reliable alternative for estimating sprint times over short distances in female basketball players. This finding could be an efficient alternative to save time in evaluations for team sports. acceleration; power; velocity; neuromuscular abilities; force plate +
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
0000-0002-4307-2274]Rability is closely tied to fatigue resistance and anaerobic capacity in the sport [7]. Recent advancements in performance analysis have also led to greater interest in using force-time metrics to quantify athlete readiness and explosiveness in jumping tasks [8]. Factors that impact sprinting performance also appear to influence other explosive actions, such as vertical jumping [9; 10]. Research has shown positive correlations between jump and sprint capabilities [10]. Limited literature has evidenced that the reactive strength index (calculated using vertical jump or drop-jump metrics) explained 89.6% of average velocities in some sprinting distances [10]. There are studies that have examined the relationships between high-intensity actions and sprint times [10; 11; 12; 13]. However, no studies have found whether there is an association among jump metrics such as peak force or maximum RFD during an Abalakov jump (ABK) or countermovement jump (CMJ) in female basketball players. RFD refers to the ability to develop force rapidly, which is crucial in power movements such as vertical jumps, sprints, and quick changes in direction--all of which are common in basketball [14; 15; 16]. Many studies analyzing the connection between vertical jumps and sprints have found strong correlations across different sprint distances, ranging from 10 to 100 m, typically involving sprinter athletes [10; 11; 12; 13; 17]. However, in basketball, sprint distances are significantly shorter due to the court's dimensions (28 m in length and 15 m in width). Studies have shown that the mean sprint distance and duration in basketball are approximately 7.38 \(\pm\) 0.86 m and 1.41 \(\pm\) 0.16 s, respectively [18], highlighting the need to assess short sprints rather than the longer distances relevant to track athletes. Other studies have highlighted differences among basketball players, showing that intermittent efforts and strength/power characteristics, such as vertical jump height, vary according to playing position [19; 20]. For example, research on professional basketball players revealed that guards outperformed centers in the T-test and in 10 and 30 m sprints [21]. Also, centers had significantly lower maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) than guards [21]. Position-specific differences have also been observed in physical performance, with guards achieving faster times in suicide runs and higher single-leg jump heights compared to centers and forwards [22]. Lastly, in one study, the authors compared different playing positions and performance levels in various modalities of jumping testing in professional male basketball players [4]. Players with high levels of competition exhibited superior jumping performance compared to those at lower levels [4]. However, the literature about the jump variables that could be affected by sprint ability in basketball players and between different players' positions is scarce.