Evaluation of Plyometric Exercise, Strength Training on Physical Capabilities

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare a 10-week period, in which strength training (five weeks) was followed by plyometric training (five weeks) or the other way around among handball players. Hypothesis: Performing strength training first and then plyometric training will improve lower body strength and performance more than the reverse training sequence. Methods: Thirty-six young handball players voluntarily participated in this research. Pre and post test data (running, changing direction, jumping, strength, throwing, and endurance) were compared between groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. SPSS was used for the statistical analysis. Results: The results imply that a precise training regime for plyometric and strength training in young handball players is not required. Thus, strength and conditioning training plans created for the youth handball group can be effective regardless of the training regimen. Furthermore, when boosting back squat performance is the main objective, the outcomes of the contemporary research imply that completing plyometric training before a strength-centered training phase may be useful. Conclusion: It is concluded that professionals arrange training schedules to enhance athlete compliance and concentrate on the most important results.

Plyometric training programs in handball

“…As said in the 'Study characteristics' section, there is a considerable disparity in the number of total ground contacts per session applied in the studies. Despite some studies recommending relatively low volumes of plyometric training (Ebben, 2007;Ebben, et al, 2014), and highlighting that higher volumes were not more effective than lower volumes, this systematic scoping review found one study (Alkasasbeh, 2023) that utilized as much as 600 ground contacts per session. However, it is important to note that this was the exception rather than the rule, since almost all the studies used less than 200 contacts per session, with the majority of them staying under 100 contacts per session.…”

“…Two studies registered higher numbers, with one of them (Pancar, Biçer, & Ozdal, 2020) registering 200-300 contacts in most of the sessions, and the other (Alkasasbeh, 2023) registering more than 300 (up to 600).…”

“…(Alkasasbeh, 2023) Plyometric-strength group: COD: pre to mid-test +5.5%; CMJ: pre to mid-test +9%; CMJA: pre to mid-test 6.9%; Strength: pre to mid-test + 14%; Endurance: pre to mid-test +12%; Sprint: pre to mid-test +0.1%; Standing throw: pre to mid-test +0.1%; Running throw: pre to mid-test +1.2% Strength-plyometric group: COD: pre to mid-test +6.5%; CMJ: pre to mid-test +7%; CMJA: pre to mid-test +5.9%; Strength: pre to mid-test +11%; Endurance: pre to mid-test +9%; Sprint: pre to mid-test +0.3%; Standing throw: pre to mid-test +0.…”

Plyometric training for physical education university students

“…On the other hand, among the many sports that employ plyome tric training, we have handball where they seek to improve the performance of athletes through this method [31]. Some coaches have opted for ten-week programs where strength is trained during the first five weeks and the remaining five follow with plyometric training hoping that this sequence can be significantly improved in strength and lower body [32] as it is also expected that players can manage to develop better jumping skills [33]. Similarly, plyometric training programs are employed by rugby players [34].…”