what is plyometric training?
by Johnathan M.
(Bloomington, IL, USA)
Vertical training using low hurdles.
What is plyometric training? Plyometic training are exercises designed to improve an athlete's ability and skill as well as increase speed and strength by unique vertical and horizontal training and exercise programs.
Without question, plyometrics offers the mechanism by which an athlete can start quicker, accelerate faster, and change direction more quickly. It also helps minimize muscle strain and injury.
Plyometric training can utilize several "tools" to help achieve maximum efficiency. You might use what is referred to as a "plyobox", which are several steps of varying heights made of either steel or wood, or low hurdles (as shown in the picture) that range in elevation.
For horizontal agility, "poly dots" can be used. These dots are randomly spaced on the ground. The athlete then proceeds to jump from dot to dot in a similar manner to that of playing hopscotch.
The dots can also be be used for another agility drill where the dots are spaced evenly apart and the athlete runs side-to-side around them, similar to how one might use orange cones.
Plyometric training is a must for football and track coaches, and other sport coaches as well, as you'll find that plyometrics can easily take an athlete to a different performance level.
baseball
