Countermovement jump responses in collegiate male basketball players across a congested training microcycle with two official games

ABSTRACT Aim Understanding how neuromuscular status fluctuates in relation to training and in-game exposure is crucial to optimizing load management in basketball. This study aimed to investigate fluctuations in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance variables in collegiate male basketball players across a congested training microcycle with two official games, examining the effects of microcycle day, test order, playing position, and playing time. Methods Sixteen players were monitored across two microcycles. CMJ testing was performed on a force platform before and after training sessions, and before, at half-time, and after official ganes. Output and movement strategy variables (e.g., reactive strength index modified [RSImod], contraction time) were analyzed using linear mixed models and k-means clustering for playing time. Results Contrary to traditional assumptions, CMJ variables significantly improved immediately after high-volume training and at half-time, before returning to baseline post-match (p < 0.05). Across the week, better neuromuscular readiness was observed mid-week (Match Day [MD]-3), while accumulated fatigue manifested on MD-1, particularly in strategy metrics like RSImod (p < 0.05). No significant differences occurred across playing positions or playing time clusters (p > 0.05). Conclusions Acute exposure to basketball training and the first half of games induces transient neuromuscular potentiation. However, accumulated weekly loads alter jumping movement strategies before gross output declines. Practitioners should interpret CMJ assessments considering the dynamic balance between fatigue and activity-induced potentiation.