The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks` plyometric training on active jump, squat jump and 30 m sprint in 13-15-year-old football players. The study consisted of 24 volunteer football players from Pamukkale Sport Club U-13 and U-15. Participants were assigned equally to either the control group (Age = 13.71 ± 0.53 years old, BH = 1.63 ± 0.06 m, BM = 53.07 ± 3.76 kg) or the training group (Age = 13.69 ± 0.55 years old, BH = 1.63 ± 0.08 m, BM = 55.00 ± 12.85 kg). Before the training program, all players` anthropometric measurements were taken. All players performed active jump, squat jump and 30 m sprint test, and pre- and post-test results were recorded. The training group carried out a basic training program plus a set of plyometric exercises twice a week for 8 weeks. The control group carried out the basic training program only. Pre- and post-test results were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedures. The result of the study reveals that there was significant difference at 0.05 levels. Based on findings of the research, it can be concluded that plyometric exercise increased active and squat jump (F = 32.64; p = 0.000 and F = 10.01; p = 0.005) but there was no significant effect on 30 m sprint performance (F = 2.34; p = 0.14). Also it can be concluded that plyometric training increased explosive and elastic power.
© Copyright 2013 Serbian Journal of Sports Sciences. Sports Academy. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.