Plyometric Workouts for Sports

Plyometric workouts are ideal for athletes in sports that require power and agility. These are explosive activities, such as bounding variations for the upper and lower body.

Similar to running, jumping, throwing, and other explosive activities, plyometric exercises train the muscles to rebound from stretching to shortening--the elastic component. Plus, they develop the power and acceleration required for many sports.

Sport physiologists point out how this type of training builds power by engaging the stretch-shortening cycle of muscles. Similar to the reaction of stretching an elastic band and letting it go, muscles elongate (stretch) eccentrically toward their limit, then rebound with rapid concentric (shortening) action. The term, stretch-shortening cycle exercises, is the new buzz word for these activities.

Motor learning experts note that the transfer of training from these exercises to many sport skills (e.g., rebounding in basketball, spiking in volleyball, triple jumping) is very high due to the common elements they share. No matter what the term or perspective, plyometrics provide a specific overload that matches the physical demands of many sports.

Examples of plyometric exercises that can be included in daily training regimens are shown below.

Top of Plyometric Workouts

Back To Types of Fitness Training

Back to Home Page