The effect of a sand surface on physical performance responses of junior male handball players to plyometric training

摘要

The effects of 7?weeks plyometric training on a stable surface and on sand were compared in junior male handball players. A team of experienced players was divided randomly between three groups, undertaking a standard in-season regimen (C, n?=?10), or supplementing this regimen by plyometric training on sand (PS, n?=?11) or a stable surface (P, n?=?10) for 7?weeks. Assessments included 20?m sprint times, change of direction tests (Modified change-of-direction T-test and Modified Illinois test), a repeated sprint T-test, jumping ability (squat, countermovement and five jump tests), and static and dynamic balance. After the intervention, PS showed significant increases of sprint speed relative to P and C. Change of direction scores were also improved for PS relative to P and C. Both PS and P increased vertical jump performance (squat jump, p?=?0.005; ES?=?0.170; counter-movement jump p P (p P). We conclude that for reasons that remain to be clarified, several performance measures in adolescent male handball players were increased more by 7?weeks of PS than by P.