This study investigates the relationship between biological maturation and jumping performance in adolescent boys and girls, examining the implications for talent detection (TDE). Traditional talent detection often compares young athletes within chronological age groups, potentially overlooking differences in physical development caused by early, average or late maturation. The study therefore explored whether vertical and horizontal jump performance correlates with maturation status and whether performance differs between maturation groups.

A total of 137 children participated, comprising 72 girls and 65 boys. Maturation was estimated using Mirwald’s equation for years from peak height velocity (PHV), with participants classified as early, average or late maturers. Vertical and horizontal jump assessments were then used as field-based measures of physical performance. 

Results showed significant relationships between maturation and jumping performance in boys, with a large correlation for vertical jump and a very large correlation for horizontal jump. In contrast, no significant relationship was found between maturation and either jumping measure in girls. Analysis within age groups also identified disadvantages for some late-maturing participants, particularly in horizontal jump performance around the typical years of PHV.

The findings suggest that relying solely on chronological age and current physical performance during talent detection may disadvantage later-maturing young athletes. Incorporating biological age into athlete profiling could help practitioners recognise maturation-related performance biases and make more informed talent identification and development decisions.