This study aimed to (1) identify the roles of each leg in impulse generation and (2) determine differences in impulse generation and initial centre of mass velocities in two-foot running jumps with and without a ball. Eight recreational to collegiate basketball players performed three to ten repetitions of two-foot running jumps with and without a ball. We found that the first leg generated more backward and vertical impulse than the second leg in both two-foot running jumps with and without a basketball. Two-foot running jumps with a ball resulted in lower jump height and less vertical impulse generated by the second leg vs. jumps without a ball. These different impulse generation strategies and jump heights when jumping with a ball prompt further research to uncover why there are differences and which training practices can address the differences and lead to higher jump heights with a ball.
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