The effectiveness of Plyometrics and the perscription of it by strength and conditioning coaches

1. A review of the effectiveness of
Plyometrics and its prescription by
strength and conditioning coaches
By Michael Hardy

2. Background to Topic
Around since 1960’s
Stretch-shorten cycle

3. Background Cont.........
Professor Rodolfo Margaria
“ Tension dependant on
speed and degree of pre-
stretch of the muscle ”.

4. Background cont.......
American track coach Fred Wilt
Plyometrics?
1975

5. Importance to study
Russian Scientist Yuri Verkhoshansky
“Shock Method”

6. Importance to study cont........
“ Increase explosive power ”
Figure 1: Drop jump

7. Critical evaluation of research
Both groups improved
jump height
No use of the “shock
method” in research
Objective measures
may have improved if
“shock method” was
applied

8. Aim: To identify the
neuromuscular effects
of a 7 week plyometric
training program
Research conducted
utilised the “shock
method” of training
Optimal surface was
hard with moderate
volume of training
For neutral surface the
optimal volume of
training was moderate

9. Not “true
Plyometrics”, in
essence simple
jump training
Intervention
improved athletic
performance, in
measures of agility
by 7%

10. Practical Applications
If surface is neutral, volume should
be high
If surface is hard volume should be
moderate
Exercises should be explosive in
nature
Program should incorporate the use
of the “shock method”

11. Further Research
Research project with the
conditions high volume on
a hard surface
Method of training may
increase the chance of
injury
With great risk comes
even greater reward
Push the envelope despite
possible risks

12. Conclusions

13. References
Peer reviewed journal articles:
(1) Campillo RR, Andrade DC, Izquierdo M. EFFECTS OF PLYOMETRIC
TRAINING VOLUME AND TRAINING SURFACE ON EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH.
Journal of strength and conditioning research/National Strength &
Conditioning Association 2012.
(2) Heang LJ, Hoek WE, Quin CK, Yin LH. Effect of Plyornetric Training on
the Agility of Students Enrolled in Required College Badminton
Programme. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences
2012;24(0):1-18.
(3) Karver AA. Sand jump training versus ground jump training for
volleyball players. 2013.

14. Images:
Track and field 24 ( Fang Guo )
Soviet Union - Spartakiad 1959 ( Footysphere – no real name given )
Kosai Hatem ( Doha Stadium Plus Qatar )
Ocean Lakes Volleyball ( Bruce Stockwell )
Greg Rutherford ( Annie C )