The Effect of Plyometric Training on Speed, Agility and Balance Performance of Adolescent Volleyball Players

Abstract

It is aimed in this study to analyze the effect of plyometric trainings on the speed, agility and balance performance of adolescent volleyball players. The sample of the study includes 15 female licensed players playing in the leagues established by the Turkish Volleyball Federation. The average age of the participants was determined as 16,33±1,17, average height as 167,53±,08 cm, average body weight as 53,67±6,11 kg, average body mass index as 19,11±1,64 kg/m2 and average training age as 4,00 ± ,092 years. The group participated in the research was applied plyometric training method 3 days a week for 6 weeks, a total of 18 days. The performance data of the participants were obtained through flamingo balance test, 30 m sprint test and 10x5 shuttle run test. The normality of the data was analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk Test and it was seen that the data were revealed a normal distribution. Pretest and posttest measurements of within group were calculated by using Paired Sample T Test and the significance level was accepted as 0.05. The study was organized according to the pre-test and post-test results. As a result of the study, after the 6-week plyometric training program, it was determined that there was no significant difference in the mean values of the height, body weight, body mass index, flamingo balance test and 30 m sprint test (p0,05). It was found that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of the 10x5 shuttle run test in the comparison of the pretest and posttest results of the research group (p0,01). Consequently, we can state that plyometric exercises to be applied in the trainings of adolescent volleyball players will contribute the agility performance of the players in a positive way. The fact that trainers include plyometric exercises in the certain periods of the trainings will contribute to the increase of the performance of the athletes. It is recommended that plyometric exercises to be applied within a determined program and appropriate for the age groups of the athletes, especially in branches that require anaerobic performance.Keywords: Adolescent, Plyometric Training, Volleyball Players