Associations between Force-Time Related Single-Leg Counter Movement Jump Variables, Agility, and Linear Sprint in Competitive Youth Male Basketball Players

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Dear Authors

After check the first review

1)      LINE 23:  n = 32 right-limb dominant; n = 3 left-limb dominant). In my opinion this is a big limitation to understand differences between two legs. Therefore, the next aim is no possible.

2)      Anyway, this affirmation is no correct. Dominant and non-dominant leg single-leg CMJ performance variables would not significantly differ.

In Advanced

King Regards

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Authors,

    First of all, I think the manuscript entitled: “Associations between force-time related single-leg counter movement jump variables, agility and linear sprint in competitive youth male basketball players” submitted for publication in the Children Journal (MDPI) has both practical and scientific interest.

More specifically:

Ø  This study primarily investigated the association between single-leg countermovement jump (CMJ), sprint, and agility performances in youth basketball players.

Ø  The text is clear and easy to read (beneficial for this purpose are the targeted figures and tables found within the article).

Ø  The manuscript's conclusions are in accordance with the evidence and the arguments presented by the authors.

Ø  The authors address the central question quite well.

Based on the above:

Overall Recommendation: Accept after minor revision.

Comments and Suggestions for Authors:

1.      In my opinion authors should report the training age of the participants (In Chapter 2.2.).

2.      A total of 35 athletes participated in this study. Did the authors determine the necessary number of athletes in the sample (Power Analysis Calculation)? If yes, the authors should refer to the methodology chapter. If not, and because of the relatively small number of the sample, I suggest that the study title be modified to "Associations between force-time related single-leg counter movement jump variables, agility and linear sprint in competitive youth male basketball players. A pilot study."

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

I thank the opportunity to review this paper. The manuscript needs a deep revision before it could be considered for publication. Please see my comments below.

Introduction

Line 46-47: Please explain to which basketball-specific abilities you referred.

Line 60-62: Please explain which variables, and respective ratios, can indicate bilateral asymmetry. 

Methods

Line 94: Please introduce the time interval that occurred between testing sessions.

It is not clear to the reader the testing protocols used. How many jumps and in which order? What does It mean 3 successful repetitions? Which leg was assessed first? 

I suggested introducing the participants' section first, and then the Study Design and Procedures. 

Data collection was performed during the pre-season. So, the inclusion criteria of “regularly participating in training sessions at least 3 days per week” is related to that specific season? If yes, how many training sessions did players have before data collection? 

Overall, the results could be significantly improved. I recommend introducing a new data analysis approach to better explore the relationship between CMJ, sprint, and T-Drill. As an example, why did the authors also not consider the relationship between age, body mass, strength, speed, and agility? Also, the authors could reinforce the relationship between CMJ and the other variables by performing regression analyses, which should be controlled by age or body mass.

The sample size is low and providing only correlations should not be enough. 

Discussion

Line 252-253: The correlation was negative. The authors should explain the meaning of this correlation in practice. 

Overall, the authors present some interesting results from past literature concerning the assessed variables. However, there is a lack of explanation regarding the results attained in this study from a practical point of view. The results should be better explained considering their practical implications for the field. As an example, what does it mean “a negative relationship was revealed between force-time related single- 310 leg CMJ, sprint, and agility performances in adolescent basketball players”? I believe that is crucial to provide practical details on this type of conclusion. 

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Accept in present form

Reviewer 3 Report

The manuscript was significantly improved by the authors. I accept the current version for publication.