Resistance vs. Plyometric training. Effects on linear and changes of direction speed in youth basketball players

Abstract

Speed is a key indicator for overall athletic development.The aim of this research was to compare the effects of strength (ST) and plyometric training (PT) for 8 weeks on sprinting speed in youth basketball players. 48 players (16.42 ± 1.13 years) were divided into three groups: ST (n = 16), PT (n = 16) and control group (CG) (n = 16). 10 and 20 m linear sprint, as well as the sprint with change of direction were measured by the Pro-agility shuttle test. Both the strength and plyometric groups significantly improved all performance variables (p < 0.05).The most relevant result in ST was in 10 m split time (8.92 %; ES = 0.65), whereas the PT was in Pro-agility shuttle test (7.58 %; ES = 0.57).The findings of this study suggest that, in eight weeks a) both strength and plyometric training can improve sprinting performance, and b) strength training might well influence on linear speed and plyometric training on speed with change of direction.