"Plyometric Training and Its Effects on Neuromuscular Performance among Bahir Dar City U-20 Football Athletes"

Abstract

Background: Plyometric training is widely recognized for its effectiveness in improving athletic performance, especially in sports requiring speed, power, and agility. This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week structured plyometric training program on neuromuscular performance among U-20 football players in Bahir Dar City. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized, involving an experimental group that participated in structured plyometric exercises alongside their regular training routines, and a control group that continued with standard training without additional plyometric exercises. Performance measures including 35-meter speed dribble time, vertical jump height, and agility were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements following the training period: speed dribble times decreased from 5.06 to 5.00 seconds, vertical jump height increased from approximately 24.93 to 37.91 units, and agility times improved from 20.40 to 18.07 seconds (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: The findings indicate that an eight-week plyometric training program can effectively enhance speed, explosive power, and agility in youth football players. Incorporating plyometric exercises into regular training routines can serve as a practical strategy to boost athletic performance. Recommendations: Coaches should integrate structured plyometric training into youth football development programs, ensuring proper supervision and gradual progression to maximize benefits and minimize injury risks. Extending training duration and combining plyometrics with other modalities may further improve performance outcomes.