Functional movement, maturation and physical performance in youth female netball athletes

Introduction The need to understand how maturation and functional movement relate to physical performance in female netballers is important to aid in the facilitation of their performance enhancement. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between movement competency, maturation and physical performance outcomes of youth female netball players. Methods A cross sectional sample of 8 female senior high school Netball players (Age: 16.4±0.6 y; maturity offset 3.9±0.5y) had their movement competency assessed utilising the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Physical performance tests including speed, agility and both horizontal and vertical bilateral jumps were assessed utilising Netball New Zealand guidelines. Results FMS scores demonstrated a very large (r=0.75) and large (r=0.56) relationship with horizontal Jump and vertical jump respectively. FMS competency was moderately correlated with maturation (r=0.41) and locomotive tasks (r=-0.37 to -0.45). There were trivial to moderate relationships between maturation and physical performance test outcomes. A very large correlation between maturation and vertical jump height (r=0.72) was identified. Discussion The findings demonstrate that aspects of physical performance may be influenced by functional movement ability and maturation. Take Home Message Consideration of strategies that increase functional movement competency may be advantageous in improving physical performance in youth female netball players