The Effect of an Explosive Strength-Focused Training Program on Physical Performance Parameters in Young Basketball Players

Basketball is a fun sport that combines technical skills with tactics and physical fitness. The overall aim of our study is to examine the effect of plyometric training on anaerobic performance and agility in high school basketball players. The study involved a total of 15 students (8 males and 7 females) aged 15-17 who voluntarily participated while studying at Siirt Sports High School. Pre-test and post-test measurements were taken from the athletes, including height, body weight, 30 m sprint test, 10x5 shuttle run agility test, Flamingo balance test, vertical jump, standing long jump, and flexibility tests. A plyometric training program was implemented for 8 weeks, 3 days per week. A normality test was used to determine whether there was a difference between the pre-test and post-test data, and the data were found to be normally distributed. A paired sample t-test was also used to compare the dependent groups. The data obtained from the study showed significant differences in body weight, BMI, balance, vertical jump, agility, 30 m sprint, standing long jump, and flexibility values (p<0.005). In conclusion, we can say that regular plyometric training conducted over an 8-week period has positive effects on the physical performance of basketball players aged 15-17. Coaches should include plyometric training in their annual plans to ensure performance development, injury prevention, and continuity.