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

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

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Minimum of four basketball training sessions with at least 90-min duration and one competitive game per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Musculoskeletal, neurological, or orthopedic injury that may impair their participation.