The Effect of Plyometric Training on Improving the Performance Level of Young Long Jump Athletes

Abstract

The long jump is one of the athletic events that requires the athlete to be fast and possess explosive power during takeoff in order to achieve maximum flight distance. Therefore, the researcher decided to investigate the use of plyometric training. Plyometrics is a type of exercise that focuses on improving strength, speed, and jumping ability by stimulating muscles to contract quickly and forcefully. These exercises enhance neuromuscular coordination and include movements such as jumping, sprinting, depth jumps, and repeated hops. The importance of this research lies in addressing the problems faced by athletes and finding appropriate solutions. Based on the researcher’s coaching and academic experience, and through monitoring local long jump competitions in Iraq, it was observed that performance results have not improved over time as expected. A comparison of the average results of gold medal winners in the youth category from 2019 to 2024 showed no significant progress. This indicates the presence of a problem hindering development, which prompted the researcher to investigate and propose suitable solutions. The study aimed to achieve an increase in jumping distance through the use of plyometric training and to identify the extent of improvement resulting from such training. The researcher employed an experimental method using a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The research population consisted of youth long jump athletes from clubs in Babylon Governorate during the 2024 season (9 athletes), of whom 8 were selected as the research sample. The physical abilities identified included explosive power, speed-strength, and maximum speed. Appropriate tests were selected, including the vertical jump (Sargent test), standing long jump, and a 30-meter sprint test. The main experiment began after conducting the pre-tests and recording the data. The training program consisted of two sessions per week for eight weeks and included box jumps, hurdle jumps, depth jumps, and repeated bounding exercises. After completing the training period, post-tests were conducted, and the data were analyzed using SPSS. The results showed positive improvements across all tests, indicating that plyometric training has a significant positive effect on increasing long jump performance. The researcher recommends incorporating plyometric exercises to develop the specific abilities required for the long jump due to their clear and measurable impact, as demonstrated by the study results. Additionally, it is recommended to conduct similar studies on other athletic events with appropriate modifications based on specific objectives.