Relationships of Lower-body Power Measures to Sprint and Change of Direction Speed among NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse Players: An Exploratory Study

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(6): 1667-1676, 2020. This study sought to determine if significant relationships exist between lower-body power measures to sprint and change of direction speed (CODS) in Division II collegiate women’s lacrosse athletes. Archived data for 17 NCAA Division II female lacrosse athletes was provided to the investigators for analysis. Jumping performance was assessed using a countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and standing broad jump (SBJ). Sprint speed was measured at 10m and 30m, of a 30m sprint. CODS was evaluated using a T-Test (TT), a modified T-Test (MTT), and the 5-0-5 Agility Test (5-0-5). No significant relationships were found between absolute power measures and any sprint or CODS tests. However, relative power (relative CMJ and SJ) had significant relationships with all CODS and sprints speeds above 10m. Only the CMJ and relative CMJ were related to 10m sprint speed. SBJ distance had significant relationships with all CODS tests and 30m speed, while relative SBJ distance significantly correlated with 5-0-5 speed. Relative lower-body power was significantly related to speed and CODS in Division II female lacrosse athletes. Strength and conditioning professionals should focus on lower-body power development as a key component in preparing female lacrosse athletes for their sport