This study aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week plyometric training program on the physical performance of male basketball players. The research focuses on measuring improvements in linear sprinting speed, change-of-direction (agility) abilities, and vertical jump height. Additionally, the study examines changes in the participants' muscle strength through isokinetic testing. Twenty-four trained basketball players were divided into two groups: the control group followed their regular basketball training, while the experimental group added specific plyometric exercises, such as jumps and bounds, twice per week. By comparing the results before and after the 8-week intervention period, the study seeks to determine if this training method effectively enhances the athletic skills required in competitive basketball.

This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the multidimensional effects of a structured plyometric training (PT) intervention on competitive male basketball players. While vertical jump performance is a common focus in PT research, this study specifically evaluates the transfer of adaptations to sport-specific locomotor tasks and isokinetic muscle strength profiles.Participants (N = 24) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Both groups maintained their standard basketball training, including shooting, 3-on-3 games, and defensive drills. The EG performed an additional 8-week progressive plyometric program twice weekly, consisting of exercises such as box jumps, depth jumps, and bounding, with a total volume ranging from 80 to 140 ground contacts per session. Training volume was meticulously logged, and an adherence rate of at least 85% was required for inclusion in the final analysis.Performance was evaluated through a comprehensive testing battery conducted pre- and post-intervention under standardized conditions. The primary outcomes focused on linear sprint speed (25-meter sprint) and change-of-direction (CoD) ability (V-cut test), which are critical for the high-intensity demands of basketball. Secondary outcomes included vertical jump height measured via countermovement jump (CMJ) with and without arm swing, and isokinetic knee and hip strength assessed at angular velocities of 60 degrees per second and 180 degrees per second.The study hypothesized that the addition of PT would lead to superior gains in sprint and CoD performance compared to basketball training alone. Furthermore, it aimed to explore whether these performance improvements are accompanied by significant changes in isokinetic torque production. Data were analyzed using a 2 (Time) x 2 (Group) repeated-measures ANOVA to identify significant interactions. Normality was verified using Skewness and Kurtosis z-scores, with Winsorization applied to outliers to maintain data robustness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Active and licensed male basketball players.
• Age between 18 and 22 years.
• Minimum of 3 years of competitive basketball experience.
• Currently participating in regular team training at least 5 days per week.
• Free from any lower-limb musculoskeletal injuries for at least 6 months prior to the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of any acute or chronic injury that limits maximal performance during the study period.
• Concurrent participation in any other external strength or power training programs.
• Failure to attend more than 10 percent of the intervention sessions.

The de-identified individual participant dataset, including performance outcomes (25m sprint, V-cut agility, vertical jump, and isokinetic strength values), will be made available to researchers upon reasonable request. Interested parties must provide a methodologically sound research proposal and sign a data access agreement. Requests should be directed to the Principal Investigator at Kastamonu University

Data will be available starting 6 months after article publication and will remain accessible for up to 36 months.

Data will be shared with investigators who provide a methodologically sound proposal to achieve the aims in the approved proposal. Requests should be directed to the corresponding author.

Due to the nature of the intervention (physical exercise and plyometric training), it was not possible to mask the participants or the coaching staff to the group assignments. Both the experimental and control groups were aware of their respective training protocols. However, to minimize bias during the assessment and data processing phases: 1.Data Analysis: The statistical analysis was performed by a researcher who was blinded to the group allocations. All data were coded to ensure anonymity until the completion of the analysis. 2. Standardization: To ensure objectivity, all physical performance tests, including the 25-meter sprint, V-cut agility, and isokinetic strength, were conducted using automated electronic timing systems (Witty, Microgate, Italy) and computerized dynamometers (Isomed 2000, D&R Ferstl GmbH, Germany). These objective measures eliminate potential manual measurement errors.