The Effect of Point Finger Shadow Training on Vertical Jump and Agility in Junior Badminton Players

Badminton requires players to demonstrate both vertical jump ability, particularly when executing smashes, and agility to respond quickly to shuttlecock trajectories. Optimizing these physical attributes is essential for enhancing overall performance, especially among junior players. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of a 14-session Point Finger Shadow training program on the improvement of vertical jump height and agility in junior badminton athletes. Material and Methods: An experimental approach with a one-group pre-test–post-test design was employed. A total of 35 junior badminton players from Sadewo, Purworejo, Central Java, were recruited using purposive sampling. The vertical jump test and shuttle run test were used as instruments to measure jump height and agility. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test with a significance level of 5%. Results: The findings revealed a significant improvement in vertical jump performance (<0.001) and agility (=0.001) after the intervention. The structured and repetitive nature of the Point Finger Shadow training was shown to effectively enhance key physical attributes required in badminton. Conclusion: The Point Finger Shadow training program positively impacts both vertical jump and agility in junior badminton players. These results highlight the importance of incorporating targeted and game-specific drills into training regimens to optimize physical performance and support technical skill development in young athletes.