Depth-jump training has been widely used to develop general jumping ability. The purpose of this investigation was two-fold: to examine the effects of depth-jumping on volleyball specific jumping ability (such as spike jumping) and to examine whether depth-jumping as a training method is superior to other forms of jump training. Sixteen male national volleyball program athletes were assessed on vertical jumping ability (depth-jump from 0.35 m - DJ35, counter-movement vertical jump - CMVJ, spike jump - SPJ, and spike jump contribution quotient) and loaded and unloaded jump squat assessments before and after a 12 week training period. From the jump squat assessments, force, velocity, power, and stiffness values were determined. The athletes were divided into two groups; Training and Control. All athletes performed normal training activities (72 court training sessions, 36 strength and conditioning sessions). The Training Group performed 2 depth-jump training sessions as part of their strength and conditioning programs. The Control Group had total jumping load equated by performing an equal volume of CMVJ to that of the total depth-jump load. The Control group improved significantly (p<0.05) on CMVJ and SPJ with low to moderate effect (ES 0.40 and 0.17 respectively). The training group improved significantly (p<0.05) on all of the jumping variables with large effect (ES 0.61, 0.73, 0.85 and 1.24 for spike jump contribution quotient, SPJ, CMVJ, and DJ35, respectively). Between group comparisons reveal significant (p<0.05) differences between depth-jump, spike jump, and spike jump contribution, with large effect (ES 1.28, 1.40, 1.12 respectively), favouring the depth-jump intervention. The results of this study demonstrate that there are some compelling improvements that can be gained in jumping performance with elite volleyball players using strength and conditioning combined with depth jump training, more so than strength and conditioning combined with other jump training methods.
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