Effects of Different Plyometric Training on Some Biomotor and Taekwondo Technical Performance in Taekwondo Athletes

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of different plyometric training methods on the biomotor and taekwondo technical performance of 14-16-year-old taekwondo athletes. The study utilized two different training methods: plyometric exercises on sand and plyometric exercises on taekwondo mats, with a control group performing only regular taekwondo training. The study included 66 athletes, all with at least 5 years of taekwondo experience, from Trabzon, Turkey, in 2024. Participants were divided into two experimental groups: Group 1, performing plyometric exercises on sand, and Group 2, performing plyometric exercises on taekwondo mats. After an 8-week training program, biomotor and technical performance tests were applied to all groups for comparison. The data were tested for normal distribution using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and since the data did not show normal distribution, non-parametric tests were used for analysis. Wilcoxon tests were applied for within-group comparisons, while Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for between-group comparisons. In cases where significant differences were found, Posthoc multiple comparison tests with Bonferroni correction were used to identify which groups showed the differences. The results showed that all groups demonstrated significant improvements in biomotor and technical performance parameters after the training programs. Group 1, the sand-based plyometric training group, showed more pronounced improvements in speed, agility, jump, balance, and technical performance parameters. The findings suggest that sand-based plyometric training has a significant impact on sports requiring speed, power, endurance, and technical skills, such as taekwondo.