The efficacy of Air Alert plyometric training program on enhancing biomotor skills in adolescent basketball players.

BACKGROUND

Basketball is an important sport that utilizes a variety of biomotor skills. Diverse training programs are employed to enhance the biomotor attributes and elevate the performance levels of basketball players. Plyometric training (PT) is frequently used to improve athlete performance. However, different models of PT can yield varying effects on athletic performance.

METHODS

This study aimed to determine the impact of a PT program named "Air Alert" on athletes' biomotor skills. Twenty-four basketball players aged 15 to 16 years voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the Air Alert plyometric training group (AIR) (n = 12) and the plyometric training group (n = 12). The AIR was trained 3 days a week, while the plyometric training group was trained 2 days a week for 15 weeks. Pre- and posttest measurements of height (cm), body weight (kg), vertical jump, line agility, 20 m sprint, Illinois agility, repeated sprint, and flamingo balance tests were performed for all participants.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in height (cm) (F = 1.035, P = .320, ηp2 = .045), weight (F = 1.735, P = .201, ηp2 = .073), and BMI measurements (F = 1.376, P = .253, ηp2 = .059) within and between groups. However, significant differences were observed between the groups in vertical jump (F = 14.343, P = .001, ηp2 = .395), line agility (F = 75.366, P = .000, ηp2 = .774), 20 m sprint (F = 93.001, P = .000, ηp2 = .809), balance (F = 59.513, P = .000, ηp2 = .730), Illinois agility test (F = 143.243, P = .000, ηp2 = .867), and repeated sprint test (F = 140.986, P = .000, ηp2 = .865).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that the AIR program is more effective in enhancing the biomotor skills of basketball players than other plyometric training programs. Based on these results, it is recommended that coaches who aim to develop training strategies to enhance athletic performance should consider incorporating an Air Alert program.