ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effect of plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump in young basketball athletes. A total of 39 athletes were divided into two experimental groups (male - MEG and female - FEG) and two control groups (male - MCG and female - FCG). The My Jump app quantified jump height from flight time. Data analysis relied on repeated measures ANOVA, Cohen's effect size (ES) and magnitude-based inference, with a level of significance of p≤ 0.05. Results showed that the MEG and the MCG obtained significant improvements in the countermovement jump (CMJ) and in the squat jump (SJ). The FEG and the FCG presented significant differences in the SJ, with interaction effect; as for the CMJ, only the FEG showed improvements with interaction effect. Concerning ES, the MEG showed greater effects in the CMJ and in the SJ compared to the MCG; within the FEG, the ES was greater only for the CMJ in comparison with the FCG. Qualitative responses showed that PT is likely beneficial for the MEG, whereas for the FEG it is likely beneficial in the SJ, and very likely beneficial in the CMJ. It is concluded that PT brought about positive effects on the MEG and on the FEG, both in the CMJ and in the SJ. In the control groups, both obtained significant improvements in the SJ, but only the MCG showed an improvement in the CMJ. Furthermore, results were better in the MEG and in the FEG compared to the MGC and to the FCG. Thus, PT is suitable for vertical jump enhancement in young basketball athletes.
Keywords:
Exercise; Adolescent; Athletic performance; Sports