DefinePK

Abstract

The main objective of this experimental research study was to assess the 8-week plyometric training (PT) effect on the speed of male Basketball players aged 16 to 19. The researcher selected 24 male Basketball players from Govt Higher Secondary Schools, District Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan based on inclusion-exclusion criteria. Participants were divided into two groups: the Control Group (CG=12) and the Experimental Group (EG=12). The EG completed an 8-week plyometric training (PT) intervention that included plyometric exercises of different intensities and durations. The EG was engaged in 4 days per week plyometric training with 3 days of rest in addition to their usual Basketball practice. During this period, the CG was only engaged in their normal Basketball practice. Before and at the end of 8-week plyometric training, 20m sprint test was conducted and data was carefully collected. The data was analyzed through Statistical Product and Service Solutions. To assess differences in the speed of the same group, a paired sample t-test was applied. An Independent sample t-test was applied to compare the differences between the CG and EG. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Statistical results of 8-week plyometric training showed significant differences in the speed of Experimental group (p=0.006). In the end, it was concluded that 8-week plyometric training has a significant effect on the speed of male Basketball athletes aged 16 to 19. Finally, it is recommended that Basketball players, trainers, and coaches incorporate plyometric exercises in their training sessions to improve the speed of male Basketball players.