Effects of plyometric and agility-based training on physical performance in adolescent male volleyball players: a controlled experimental study

Background and Study Aim. Plyometric and agility training are widely used among adolescent male volleyball players to support neuromuscular development. These types of training can have different effects on the fundamental components of physical performance in young volleyball players. This study aims to investigate the effects of plyometric and agility training on sprint performance, vertical jump, anaerobic power, and agility in adolescent male volleyball players over an 8-week program. Material and Methods. Thirty adolescent male volleyball players participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: plyometric training (PT), agility training (AT), or control (CON), with 10 participants in each group. The PT and AT groups performed their respective training programs twice per week for 8 weeks. The control group continued with regular volleyball training only. Performance tests were conducted before and after the intervention. These included a 10-meter sprint, vertical jump, agility (Arrowhead test), and anaerobic power (peak power calculated using the Sayers formula). The data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Results. The PT group showed significant improvements in vertical jump (+14.1%), peak power (+13.25%), and sprint performance (+3.07%). The AT group recorded significant improvements in agility (+2.05%) and sprint (+1.77%). Significant changes in the control group were limited. Both types of training led to improvements in different performance components. The PT group was more effective in enhancing explosive power and speed, while the AT group improved agility. Conclusions. Plyometric and agility training play complementary roles in improving physical performance in adolescent volleyball players. PT programs develop explosive strength and sprint capacity. AT programs are more effective for improving agility and change-of-direction skills. Coaches can combine these two approaches based on the athletes’ needs to achieve comprehensive performance enhancement.