THE IMPACT OF EIGHT WEEKS OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING ON AGILITY ENHANCEMENT IN MALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS: A SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION

Abstract

This research study aimed to assess the effects of an eight-week plyometric training program on the agility of male basketball players. A total of thirty male basketball players were randomly selected from the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, for participation in this study. These participants were divided equally into two groups: the plyometric training group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). The plyometric training group engaged in a twice-weekly training regimen over the course of eight weeks, focusing on plyometric exercises, while the control group did not partake in any specialized training. To evaluate the impact of the training program, a specific agility test known as the T-test was employed before and after the eight-week period for both groups. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using Paired T-test to determine any significant differences. The results indicated that the experimental group shows significantdifference between pre and post-test on agility improvement (p<0.05), with the plyometric training and enhancement in agility performance. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that an eight-week plyometric training intervention can significantly enhance the agility of male basketball players. The findings underscore the effectiveness of plyometric training as a targeted method for improving agility in athletes. Incorporating plyometric exercises into training programs could yield valuable results for coaches, trainers, and athletes seeking to enhance performance in sports that demand quick changes in direction and rapid movements. Further research could explore the long-term effects of such training on agility and its applicability to other sports or athletic populations.