The Effects of A 12-Week Resistance Training Program on Vertical Jump Height, Strength And Shooting Accuracy Among Women’s Basketball Players In Bahir Dar Kenema.

Abstract

Introduction: Basketball requires explosive power, strength, and technical skills such as shooting accuracy. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week resistance training program on vertical jump height, muscular strength, and shooting accuracy of Bahir Dar Kenema women’s basketball players. Methodology: Using a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design, 24 participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed thrice-weekly resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups, including squats, lunges, and upper-body drills, with progressive overload over 12 weeks. Results: The analysis revealed significant improvements in the experimental group: vertical jump height increased from 2.30 ± 0.18 meters pre-intervention to 2.52 ± 0.19 meters post-intervention (t(14) = -6.259, p < 0.001). Muscular strength nearly doubled, rising from 8.85 ± 1.91 units to 16.38 ± 3.28 units (t(14) = -13.41, p < 0.001). Shooting accuracy improved from 13.33% ± 7.20% to 15.40% ± 6.41%, with the change being statistically significant (t(14) = -3.414, p = 0.004). Conversely, the control group showed no notable changes across these variables: vertical jump height (t(14) = 0.544, p = 0.595), muscular strength (t(14) = -0.37, p = 0.721), and shooting accuracy (t(14) = 0.076, p = 0.941). Conclusion: The findings support resistance training as an effective modality for enhancing vertical jump, strength, and shooting accuracy in female basketball players within resource-limited settings. Recommendation: Coaches should integrate structured resistance training with plyometric and technical drills, adapting exercises to local contexts. Future research should examine long-term effects and injury prevention to promote sustainable women’s basketball development.