Effects of Agility Training on Skill-Related Physical Capabilities in Young Volleyball Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different agility training methods on skill-related physical capabilities in young volleyball players. Twenty-seven young female volleyball players were randomly assigned to a shuttle-run training group (STG, n = 9), an agility-ladder training group (ATG, n = 9), and a control group (CG, n = 9). The intervention program was carried out three times a week for six weeks. Before and after the training period, participants’ 10 m sprint (10 MS), agility T-test, and digging agility test (DAT) performances were assessed. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the DAT, agility T-test, and 10 MS performance from pre-to post-test for the STG (6.08%, 2.64%, and 5.68%, respectively) and ATG (4.05%, 3.28%, and 3.27%, respectively). In the group analysis, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the STG and CG in the DAT and agility T-test. The STG and ATG were significantly superior to the CG in the 10 MS (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that appropriate agility training can enhance the agility of lateral movements and speed of sprinting, as well as enable players to rapidly complete movements during a moving defense.