Abstract:

The aim of this study is to compare the balance and functionality of elite football, basketball and handball players. A total of 66 (22 football, 22 handball and 22 basketball) male athletes who compete at the elite level were included in the study. While the dynamic balance performances were obtained with the Y Balance Test; Static balance performance was evaluated with the Standing Stork Test, the agility performances were obtained with the Agility T test, and flexibility performance were obtained by the Sit and Reach Flexibility Test, the Single Leg Jump test was used to evaluate horizontal jump and vertical jump performance was assessed via VertiMetric device. As a result of the study, there was a significant difference between the groups on the dominant and non-dominant side in dynamic balance, static balance, vertical jump and horizontal jump performances (p<0.05), but no significant difference was observed in agility and flexibility performances. At the same time, it was found that the dynamic balance performance of football and handball athletes was better than basketball athletes and the vertical jump power and horizontal jump performance of basketball players were higher than other branches. Each sport branch contains sport-specific movements and performance parameters within itself, but balance and functionality performance are essential features for success in all sports branches. For this reason, suggest that branch-specific training should be added to improve balance and functionality skills of athletes within their training programs.

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