Plyometric training effects on explosive power, sprint and direction change speed in basketball: A review

Abstract

Plyometric training involves the use of exercises in which the actual muscles after eccentric contraction become concentric. The aim of this narrative review was to determine the significance and role of plyometric training in basketball, ie this review aimed to determine the influence of plyometric training on the explosive power, sprint, and the change of direction speed of basketball players. The results of this review indicate that plyometric training is an effective method that has a positive effect on short-term maximum performance in basketball. However, some studies have indicated that the effect may be absent on sprint and change of direction speed in basketball players. The general factors of application of plyometric training are age, warm-up, exercises, performance technique, equipment, and surface. The effects of plyometric training can vary depending on factors such as athlete's level, gender, sports activity, duration, type of plyometric training. Therefore, further original studies are needed, in order to further clarify the effect of plyometric training on short-term maximum performance, especially on sprint and change of direction speed of basketball players.