The Effects of Ladder Drill and Plyometric Training on Agility in Futsal Players Considering Body Mass Index

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ladder drills and plyometric training on agility among futsal players, considering their Body Mass Index (BMI) classifications. Materials and methods. Twenty male futsal athletes from Vamos Academy Padang participated in the study and were divided into two groups based on their BMI (high BMI and low BMI groups). Each BMI group was assigned to either ladder drill or plyometric training interventions for six weeks. Agility was assessed using the Illinois Agility Test before and after the intervention. Data analysis included paired and independent t-tests, as well as two-way ANOVA, to evaluate group differences. Results. Both training interventions significantly improved agility performance (p < .05). However, ladder drill training resulted in greater enhancement of agility when compared with plyometric training across all BMI classifications. Moreover, athletes in the low BMI group showed more marked improvements than those in the high BMI group. A significant interaction was found between training type and BMI classification, indicating that body composition influences the effectiveness of agility training programs. Conclusions. Ladder drill training was more effective than plyometric training for enhancing agility in futsal players, particularly those with a lower BMI. These findings suggest that coaches should consider athletes’ BMI when designing agility training programs to optimize performance outcomes.