Effect of Weekly Plyometric Training Frequency on Youth Female Basketball Players: A Comparison of Two vs. Four Sessions

Bruno Figueira30 enrolled

Overview

Players were randomly assigned to a two-times-a-week (2PLYO, n = 15) or four-times-a-week (4PLYO, n = 15) PT (Plyometric Training) group. Both groups performed the same weekly total volume of jumps during PT in addition to regular basketball training and competition. The 2PLYO group performed 240 jumps over two sessions (120 jumps per session), and the 4PLYO group performed 240 jumps over four sessions (60 jumps per session). After the eight-week intervention, all players underwent a one-week detraining period with no PT training while basketball training and competitions continued. Testing was performed at baseline (pre-test), after intervention (post-test), and after the detraining period. Players were assessed for lower body power using jump tests (countermovement jump \[CMJ\], drop-jump \[DJ\] from a 20-cm box, and horizontal jump \[HJ\]; change of direction ability using a planned agility test; and speed using a 20-m sprint and a 5-m split.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Physical Performance

Interventions

Players were randomly assigned to a two-times-a-week (2PLYO, n = 15) or four-times-a-week (4PLYO, n = 15) PT group. Both groups performed the same weekly total volume of jumps during PT in addition to regular basketball training and competition. After the eight-week intervention, all players underwent a one-week detraining period with no PT training while basketball training and competitions continued. Testing was performed at baseline (pre-test), after intervention (post-test), and after the detraining period. Players were assessed for lower body power using jump tests (countermovement jump \[CMJ\], drop-jump \[DJ\] from a 20-cm box, and horizontal jump \[HJ\]; change of direction ability using a planned agility test; and speed using a 20-m sprint and a 5-m split.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Horizontal jump

Players performed two jumps for each protocol, with one minute of rest provided between trials and three minutes of rest between protocols. The best result was recorded for analysis. In the HJ, a metric tape was used to measure the length between the players' starting position and the nearest point of landing contact (i.e., the back of the heels). The players begin standing with their toes positioned against a marker. Players initiated the jump with countermovement and arm swing, jumping horizontally as far as possible and landing on both feet. The jump was invalid if the players did not land properly on their feet or fell back.

Time frame: 10 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

CMJ

Players performed two jumps \[19\] for each protocol, with one minute of rest provided between trials and three minutes of rest between protocols. The best result was recorded for analysis. CMJ height was calculated with an Optojump system (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). For the CMJ, participants began by standing upright. Upon readiness, the athlete squatted down until the knees were bent at a 90-degree angle and then immediately executed a vertical jump as high as possible. Throughout the test, participants kept their hands on their hips\[20\].