Effect of plyometric and weight training programs on vertical jump in female basketball players

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of combined exercises (plyometric and weight training) on vertical jump of female basketball players. Out of 35 basketball players who competed in first division league of Chitradurga Basketball clubs, 16 players (age: 20.38±3.7 yr, weight: 65.5±11.5 kg and height: 174.78±6.23 cm) participated voluntarily in this study. They were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed plyometric exercises (which consisted of side hop, lay up jump, depth jump) and weight exercises (which included leg press lying, calf raises, leg press standing) 3 days per week for 8 weeks while the control group performed only the vertical jump that was measured with Sargent Jump test. Both groups took part in the pretest and posttest. The accepted level of significant was p<0.05. The results indicated the significant effect of combined exercises on vertical jump (p<0.05). In addition, the results revealed that the vertical jump of experimental group was significantly greater than control group (p<0.05). The results showed that these exercises can also build up foot muscles and increase explosive feet power. Therefore, the Application of combined exercises to jumping sports was suggested.