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The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-activation potentiation (PAP) effects following eccentric overload (EOL) and traditional weightlifting (TW) exercise on standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 5 m sprint acceleration performance. Ten male athletes were involved in a randomized, crossover study. The subjects performed 3 sets of 6 repetitions of EOL or TW half squat exercise followed by SLJ, CMJ, and 5 m sprint tests at 1 min, 3 min and 7 min, in separate sessions using a randomized order. Bayes factor (BF10) was reported to show the strength of the evidence. Differences were found using EOL for SLJ distance at 3 min (BF10 = 7.24, +8%), and 7 min (BF10 = 19.5, +7%), for CMJ at 3 min (BF10 = 3.25, +9%), and 7 min (BF10 = 4.12, +10.5%). Differences were found using TW exercise for SLJ at 3 min (BF10 = 3.88, +9%), and 7 min (BF10 = 12.4, +9%), CMJ at 3 min (BF10 = 7.42, +9.5%), and 7 min (BF10 = 12.4, +12%). No meaningful differences were found between EOL and TW exercises for SLJ (BF10 = 0.33), CMJ (BF10 = 0.27), and 5 m sprint (BF10 = 0.22). In conclusion, EOL and TW exercises acutely increase SLJ and CMJ, but not 5 m sprint performance. The PAP time window was found between 3 min and 7 min using both protocols. This study did not find differences between EOL and TW exercises, and so both methodologies can be used to stimulate a PAP response.

Repeated multidirectional jumps are highly specific movements in basketball, which may be important to integrate the training routine. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the effects of three different multidirectional plyometric jumping sequences on shooting, balance, and neuromuscular performance in professional, male basketball players. Eighteen players underwent familiarization and baseline performance assessments in an initial session. Players then completed 21 visits in a randomized, counterbalanced manner. Each visit involving 10 repetitions of one of three different multidirectional plyometric protocols followed by a single performance test (countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), five jump (FJT), change-of-direction T-test (CoD T), Stork balance (SBT), Y-balance (YBT), three-point shooting (3pts) tests). The first plyometric protocol (P1) consisted of a combination of vertical and horizontal jumps, the second protocol (P2) consisted of a combination of drop, lateral, and vertical jumps, and the third protocol (P3) consisted of a combination of drop, single-leg step-up, and horizontal jumps. Each session was separated by at least 48 h of rest and recovery time between repetitions was 20 s. Neuromuscular (CMJ, SJ, FJT and CoD T), body balance (SBT and YBT), and Shooting performances were significantly worse following each plyometric protocol compared to baseline (p < 0.001; d = 0.23-2.21). In addition, the majority of the measured performances were significantly lower following P3 compared to P1 and P2. Basketball-specific performance was adversely influenced by repeated multidirectional plyometric routines. Incorporating these particular strategies into the training regimen to counteract the induced tiredness will be intriguing.

Multidirectional jumping and repeated sprint ability are crucial performance factors in basketball. The main aim of this investigation was to examine the neuromuscular performance and body balance adaptations following basketball-specific combined training programs based on drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint versus multidirectional plyometric training. Forty-two professional basketball male players participated in the current investigation and were randomly assigned to three groups: a combined group (COMB; n = 14), a multidirectional jump group (MJG; n = 14) and an active control group (CON; n = 14). The COMB and the MJG groups completed the 8-week training programs with two weekly sessions while the CON continued their usual training. The static and dynamic balance tests, the repeated sprint ability test (IRSA 5COD ), the T–change of direction (CoD) test, the vertical jump tests, the five time-jump test (FJT) were performed by participants before and after the intervention period. The results showed a significant main effect of time with remarkable improvements at the end of the intervention ( P < 0.001, effect size small / moderate ) except the physiological parameters for IRSA 5COD . Only, significant group × time interactions for body balance, T-CoD test, IRSA 5COD (total time and best time), and jump tests were found ( P < 0.001, effect size from trivial to moderate ). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc tests revealed significantly greater improvement in favor of COMB compared to MJG for body balance, CoD and IRSA 5COD ( P < 0.005, effect size small / moderate ). Otherwise, no significant differences between COMB and MJG concerning jump performances were found. Combined drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint training program lead to significantly better neuromuscular performance, body balance and CoD in professional basketball players when compared with an usual training.

PurposeDuring a soccer match, horizontal acceleration ability during short sprints is determinant for performance. Development of sprint force and velocity qualites have been reported after plyometric training. However, orientation of plyometric training exercises can influence the functional performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the horizontal and vertical orientation of plyometric training on explosiveness performances and sprint force–velocity profile in young soccer players.MethodsTwenty-eight soccer players were recruited and divided in two groups: vertical (VG, n = 14) and horizontal (HG, n = 14) groups. Tests including jumps and sprint performances were conducted before and after the 8 week training period. Sprint force–velocity profile (FVP) was evaluated during a 30 m sprint test.ResultsThe results demonstrated significant improvements in both VG and HG for jump performances (from + 4.9% to + 9.0%), sprint times (from −5.5% to −8.7%) and FVP parameters. Higher relative changes for the HG than for the VG were observed in 5 m and 15 m sprint times, horizontal jump lengths, and also in FVP parameters, especially improvements in maximal power (VG: + 16.4% vs. HG: + 28.1%) and in the decrease rate of horizontal orientation of force with increasing speed (HG: + 22.9%) during the 30 m sprint.ConclusionsBoth horizontal and vertical plyometric training can be either used in young soccer players to improve vertical and horizontal performances in jump and sprint. However, horizontal plyometric training may result in a greater improvement in horizontal ballistic actions while similarly developing vertical jump qualities compared to vertical plyometric training in young soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of vertical (VPT), horizontal (HPT) and combined vertical and horizontal (V+HPT) plyometric training on sprint, jump and change of direction (COD) performance in adult male soccer players. Participants were randomly allocated into VPT (n = 8), HPT (n = 8) and V+HPT (n = 8) groups which undertook eight weeks of PT, executing 100 foot contacts per session, twice weekly. Though demonstrably effective, no specific one of the three applied programmes enhanced performance to a greater extent than another with only the 40 m sprint for the HPT group (mean difference = 0.07 s [HPT] vs. 0.04 s [VPT] and 0.04 s [V+HPT]) and the vertical jump for the V+HPT group (mean difference = 4.5 cm [V+HPT] vs. 4.0 cm [VPT] and 3.25 cm [HPT]) appearing to deviate from a uniform pattern of group level adaptation across the performance tests. A total volume of 100 foot contacts per session, twice per week for eight weeks was sufficient to achieve the observed changes. Though jump and changing direction performance were enhanced, linear sprint performance was largely unchanged and so a more complete and intense programme may have been warranted. No method was superior to another in eliciting changes across these tests and a directionally-specific pattern of adaptation was not apparent.

The principle of gradual overload is crucial in improving sports performance, yet the effects of combining speed and weight overloads in plyometric training remain understudied. This study investigated the effects of plyometric training with speed and weight overloads on isokinetic strength, explosive power, and agility in volleyball players. Forty male volleyball players were randomly assigned to four groups: plyometric training (PT), plyometric training with speed overload (PTS), plyometric training with weight overload (PTW), and plyometric training with both speed and weight overload (PTSW). Each group completed a four-week plyometric training regimen. Performance metrics, including Sarjent's jump height (SJH), Spike jump height (SPJH), Sheppard test (ShT), muscle voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), rate of force development (RFD), absolute peak torque (PTQ), relative peak torque (RPT), and average power (AP) of knee extensors and flexors were measured before and after the intervention. SJH improved significantly in PTS (P = 0.012), PTW (P = 0.041), and PTSW (P = 0.001) compared to PT. SPJH showed substantial gains in PTS (P = 0.002), PTW (P = 0.001), and PTSW (P = 0.001) compared to PT. Average jump height and highest jump in ShT were also significantly higher in PTS, PTW, and PTSW (P < 0.05). Additionally, RFDext240°/s was enhanced considerably in PTS (P = 0.001) and PTSW (P = 0.001). Based on the results, plyometric training with speed and weight overloads (PTSW) demonstrated superior enhancements in isokinetic strength, explosive power, and jumping performance. This combined approach is highly effective and significantly benefits male volleyball players, aiming to enhance their physical abilities.

Neuromuscular training enhances unconscious motor responses by stimulating both the afferent signals and central mechanisms responsible for dynamic joint control. Dynamic joint-control training is a vital component of injury-prevention programs. To investigate the effects of body-weight neuromuscular training on Y-Balance Test (YBT) performance and postural control in female basketball players. Randomized controlled clinical trial. Basketball practice sessions. A total of 28 healthy elite female basketball players were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 14) or a control group (n = 14). Before their regular practice sessions, the experimental group warmed up with body-weight neuromuscular exercises and the control group with standard tactical-technical exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks. Anterior-, posteromedial-, and posterolateral-reach and composite YBT scores were measured before and after 8 weeks of training. Improvement over baseline scores was noted in the posteromedial (right = 86.5 ± 4.5 cm versus 89.6 ± 2.2 cm, +3.5%, P = .049; left = 85.5 ± 4.3 cm versus 90.2 ± 2.7 cm, +5.5%, P = .038)- and posterolateral (right = 90.7 ± 3.6 cm versus 94.0 ± 2.7 cm, +3.6%, P = .016; left = 90.9 ± 3.5 cm versus 94.2 ± 2.6 cm, +3.6%, P = .011)-reach directions and in the composite YBT scores (right = 88.6% ± 3.2% versus 94.0% ± 1.8%, +5.4%, P = .0004; left = 89.2% ± 3.2% versus 94.5% ± 3.0%, +5.8%, P = .001) of the experimental group. No differences in anterior reach were detected in either group. Differences were noted in postintervention scores for posteromedial reach (right = 89.6 ± 2.2 cm versus 84.3 ± 4.4 cm, +4.1%, P = .005; left = 94.2 ± 2.6 cm versus 84.8 ± 4.4 cm, +10%, P = .003) and composite scores (right = 94.0% ± 1.8% versus 87.3% ± 2.0%, +7.1%, P = .003; left = 94.8% ± 3.0% versus 87.9% ± 3.4%, +7.3%, P < .0001) between the experimental and control groups. Body-weight neuromuscular training improved postural control and lower limb stability in female basketball players as assessed with the YBT. Incorporating neuromuscular training into the workout routines for basketball players may enhance joint awareness and reduce the risk of lower extremity injury.

This study investigated the effects lower vs. higher frequencies of volume-equated plyometric training youth female basketball players. Thirty youth highly trained female basketball players (age, 15.7 ± 0.5 years; body mass, 64.1 ± 8.6 kg; height, 172.8 ± 6.2 cm, basketball training experience 6.3 ± 1.7 years) integrating a youth national development program participated in the study. A parallel-group randomized trial was undertaken to assess the effect of an eight-week plyometric intervention on jumping (counter-movement jump, drop-jump, horizontal jump), running (5 and 20-meter sprint), and change of direction performance. The study compared the outcomes of two versus four volume-equated training sessions per week, followed by a one-week retention period. A Bayesian Mixed Factor ANOVA revealed decisive evidence that the change of direction improved performance between the pre-test and post-test, as well as pre-test and retention. No discernible differences emerged between intervention groups. For the counter-movement jump, moderate evidence supported performance improvements in the 2PLYO group. In drop jump, both groups demonstrated decisive improvements between the pre-test and post-test, with moderate evidence for pre-test and retention, but no group differences were observed. These findings suggest that an 8-week plyometric training program, in both frequencies, leads to significant improvements in change-of-direction, countermovement jump, and drop jump performance among female junior basketball players participating in a youth national development program. However, it remains inconclusive whether a two-day training frequency provides a distinct advantage over four-days. Further research or consideration of additional factors may be necessary to ascertain the optimal training frequency for maximizing benefits.

Background: Explosive strength is essential for rhythmic gymnasts’ performance. It has been suggested that core stability (CS) and plyometric training can enhance athletes’ explosive strength. Nevertheless, there is some uncertainty about the effects of integrated core and plyometric training (CPT) programs on rhythmic gymnastics (RG) performances. Purpose: to evaluate the effects of an integrated functional CPT program on young rhythmic gymnasts’ explosive strength and jump/leap performance. Method: We recruited 44 young (age = 10.5 ± 1.8 years old; peak height velocity, PHV = 12.2 ± 0.6 years old) female rhythmic gymnasts and randomly allocated them into a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). Pre and post-intervention, the explosive strength of both groups was assessed using countermovement jump (CMJ) and single-leg CMJ (SLCMJ) tests, conducted using a force platform, and expert RG judges evaluated their performance of RG-specific jumps. Before the post-test, the EG (n = 23) completed an 8 week functional CPT program based on RG technical requirements. Meanwhile, the participants in the CG (n = 21) received their regular training sessions. Linear mixed model analyses were applied to evaluate the effects of an intra-subject factor (TIME: pre-post) and an inter-subject factor (GROUP: control-experimental) on each dependent variable. When no significant interaction effect was found, Cohen’s d effect size was calculated. Results: After 8 weeks, the EG obtained significantly better results in all variables measured by the CMJ and SLCMJ (p < 0.01) tests. The judges’ scores indicated greater improvements in the EG after the CPT program in the stag and the split leap. Conclusions: An integrated functional CPT program improved explosive strength in a group of young rhythmic gymnasts and had a large impact on aspects of RG-specific performance. Coaches should consider using this CPT to improve RG performance.

This study aimed to compare the effects of unilateral (UT), bilateral (BT), and combined (UBT) plyometric training on muscular strength, power, and change-of-direction performance in youth male basketball players. Sixty-six male youth basketball players (age: 16.1 ± 0.8 years) participated in this randomized experimental study, which lasted 8 weeks with a training frequency of 2 sessions per week. The UT group performed only single-leg plyometric exercises, while the BT group conducted similar plyometric drills using both feet. The UBT group combined both approaches, performing one session of UT and one session of BT each week. The players were evaluated at baseline and after the 8-week period using a force platform for the unilateral countermovement jump test (UCMJ), isometric squat test (IST), isometric knee flexor strength test (KFS), leg land and hold test (LHT), and 5-0-5 tests. The asymmetry between legs per outcome was measured using the symmetry angle. The UT, BT, and UBT all significantly improved outcomes in the IST, UCMJ, KFS, LHT, and 5-0-5 tests (p < 0.05) following the intervention, with no significant differences among the three methods. However, while UT and UBT significantly reduced asymmetries in the tests (p < 0.05), BT increased asymmetries. Only, the UT group showed significant improvements over the control group in asymmetry measures: IST asymmetry (mean difference: 1.2%, p = 0.049), KFS asymmetry (mean difference: 2.5%, p < 0.001), and LHT asymmetry (mean difference: 1.1%, p = 0.013). While there are no substantial differences among UT, BT, and UBT in terms of improvements in unilateral tests and symmetry levels, UT stands out for its effectiveness in enhancing neuromuscular performance and reducing asymmetries among basketball players compared to the control condition. UT was the only method that showed significant benefits in this context. Strength and conditioning coaches might consider incorporating UT, either alone or alongside BT, to optimize individual limb strength and coordination.