A Comparative Study of the Muscular Leg Speed and Power of Female Hockey and Basketball Players

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to compare the muscular leg speed and power of female hockey and basketball players in Awka Educational Zone.

Methodology: Out of 184 registered female hockey and basketball players who voluntarily participated in the study, 30 female students were purposefully chosen from the Awka educational zone and recruited from female students with body mass indices (BMI) between underweight and normal weight (≤14.5±18.9) (height, x=1.50±1.17cm; body weight, x=50.31±70.15kg). Female students between the ages of 14 and 18 who had practiced consistently for at least three years (three days per week) and had participated in combined training and competitive play once a week chose to take part in the study. Anthropometric factors, weight, speed, and power assessments are part of the tests. 50-meter sprint was chosen to test leg speed while the vertical jump was used to test for leg power. The investigation was conducted using Quasi- experimental research design. The female students who volunteered have been participating in three days per week of consistent practice, combined training, and competitive play for at least three years. Players evaluated their leg speed (50-meter sprint) and leg power (vertical leap) after the warm-up regimen was finished. The t-test, mean, and standard deviation were used in the statistical analysis.

Findings: The findings showed that there is no discernible difference in the leg speed and power of female basketball and hockey players in the Awka educational zone.

Conclusion: Study concluded that there is no significant differences between the leg speed and leg power of female hockey and basketball players in Awka educational zone Nigeria.