Effects of 4-week Plyometric Training on Speed, Agility, and Leg Muscle Power in Male University Basketball Players: A Pilot Study

Abstract

     This pilot study investigated the effects of 4-week plyometric training on the speed, agility, and leg muscle power in male university basketball players. Ten male basketball players from the University of Phayao whose ages ranged from 18 to 23 years were included in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups of 5 subjects each: 1) a training group and 2) a control group. The training group performed plyometric training 2 days a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Speed and agility were assessed using a 20-meter sprint test and t-test agility, respectively. Leg muscle power was measured using a vertical jump test. All of the subjects performed the tests before and after the training program. Data were analyzed using a dependent t-test and an independent t-test. A confidence level of .05 was considered significant. The results presented that speed, agility, and leg muscle power significantly improved in the training group (p = .018, .001, and .003, respectively). Significant differences were not found in the control group. There were also statistically significant differences between the 2 groups after the training program. The training group had higher speed and agility compared to the control group (p = .003 and .011, respectively). This study provides support that 4-week plyometric training can be an effective training program to improve agility, speed, and leg muscle power in basketball players.