Physical and Biomechanical Relationships with Countermovement Jump Performance in Team Sports: Implications for Athletic Development and Injury Risk

BACKGROUND: Several physical qualities have been linked to countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. However, the relative importance of each of these factors is unclear. (1) Objectives: The present systematic review sought to evaluate the characteristics associated with CMJ performance in adult team-sport athletes. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search of three databases and the grey literature yielded 18 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess statistically significant relationships and interpreted as negligible (0.00-0.10), weak (0.10-0.39), moderate (0.40-0.69), strong (0.70-0.89), and very strong (0.90-1.00). (3) Results: Eighteen articles remained eligible, with an average quality score of 76% ± 14 on the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal index. The strongest correlations reported included time-to-bottom, time-to-peak force, knee extension peak power at 180 °/s, and squat jump height. (4) Conclusions: The conclusions drawn from this study suggest that, to maximize CMJ performance, priority should be given to movement biomechanics and lower-body power whilst considering individual braking-phase strategies. These findings may inform training programs aimed not only at enhancing athletic performance but also at reducing injury risks associated with poor jumping mechanics in team sports.