IMPACT OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING ON THE POWER OF LOWER LIMBS IN MODERATELY ADVANCED FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of four weeks' application of plyometric training of modifying character (circuit manner of execution) on the explosive power of lover limb development (rebound jump emphasis on vertical and horizontal movement) in moderately advanced female volleyball players. Fourteen female volleyball players from Academic Sports Club, which played matches at the 3rd level of women's league, participated in the experiment (mean /SD: age 22.66 +/- 2,96 y, body height 180.78 +/- 6.1 cm, body mass 71.9 +/- 4.9 kg). Volleyball players performed three DJs from a 20/40/60 cm platform with two different rebound jump: one of vertical (height of the rebound) and second of horizontal (length of the rebound) performance. The Opto-Jump optical measurement system was used to perform measurements of contact flying times, with an accuracy of 1/1,000 seconds, and the height and length of rebound-jump. Additionally, this experiment addressed 4 weeks of regular plyometric training (PT) divided into 2 dependent training sessions (combine with other volleyball activities). Results showed only significant statistical differences in two jumps (DJ-40 cm and DJ-60 cm with horizontal-rebound) after the application of the four-weeks of plyometric training. There were no significant changes in the DJ -20/40/60 cm with vertical-rebound. Our findings suggest that plyometric training positively affects horizontal jump performance, albeit with an improvement greater than that recorded with a vertical jump. The lack of solid strength preparation before the plyometric intervention, executed in the manner as a circuit, - means lack of quality and performed as a unit combined with other volleyball activities greatly impacted (poor) results in DJ-20/40/60-cm with a vertical rebound.