The Effect of Plyometric Training in Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Volleyball is considered a very explosive and fast-paced sport in which plyometric training is widely used. Our purpose was to review the effects of plyometric training on volleyball players’ performance. A systematic search was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using PubMed, SciELO, SPORTDiscus, Medline, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL and Web Science for articles published no later than December 2018. Any criteria were imposed for the included sample. The search focus was on interventional studies in which athletes underwent a plyometric program. To the 1831 articles found, another five were added, identified through other sources. Duplicated files were removed, titles and abstracts were screened, which left 21 remaining studies for extensive analysis. Results showed that the vertical jump (15 studies) was the major ability studied in plyometric training interventions, followed by strength (four studies), horizontal jump (four studies), flexibility (four studies) and agility/speed (three studies). In addition, it was observed that young (under 18 years old) female athletes were the most studied. The included studies indicated that plyometric training seems to increase vertical jump performance, strength, horizontal jump performance, flexibility and agility/speed in volleyball players. However, more studies are needed to better understand the benefits of plyometric training in volleyball players’ performance.

The Effects of Agility Ladders on Performance: A Systematic Review

“…Specifically, agility ladder drills can be considered an approximation to plyometric training, with both vertical and horizontal components, albeit with a reduced eccentric loading. And several systematic reviews have shown that plyometric training is indeed beneficial for performance, especially for speed, power, and change of direction [38,39,41]. Notwithstanding, these reviews do not provide direct support to the utilization of agility ladder drills.…”

Contribution of Leg Power, Arm Power, Stomach Muscle Power, and Back Muscle Power on Jumping Services

“…The power in the ball, the ball flow will be harder so that it can reach the target precisely. Arm power also makes the ball go fast so the ball can aim at the target [14].…”

Strength and Conditioning Practices and Perspectives of Volleyball Coaches and Players

“…These physical attributes are required during rallies, which involve explosive movements such as spiking, blocking, and diving [ 3 , 6 ]. Work-to-rest ratios in high-level male volleyball players are approximately 1:6 (4.99 s of work to 29.02 s rest), therefore it is considered a high-intensity anaerobic sport [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”