PLYOMETRICS NOT USEFUL FOR FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Messner, B., Guyer, S., Holder, J., & Skelton, M. (1999). Effect of plyometric training on strength, vertical jump, flexibility, and range of motion in volleyball players. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 1386.

Female Division I volleyball players (N = 9) participated in a post-season plyometric training program twice a week for eight weeks.

No changes were found in a number of strength factors for the quadriceps or hamstring muscle groups. No improvements in vertical jump were recorded. The only feature of improvement was an increase in range of motion for dorsiflexion in both legs.

Implication. Plyometrics training was not beneficial for female volleyball players, possibly because they already engage in many maximal vertical jumps as part of the sport.

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