Plyometric training is not a jump training; Training guidelines

The main challenges of creating and implementing the plyometric training are;

• Preparing an athlete for training base-level requirements.
• Choosing correct exercise, and technique.
• Choosing correct intensity and progression of intensity.

Eligibility criteria for plyometric training

Not many studies have done to form the definite clinical guidelines on training baseline requirements to start plyometric training, especially for upper limb and trunk. Although some guidelines have been proposed for a return to sporting activity for professional athlete’s level, they are not suitable in the context of late rehabilitation phase for amateur physically active people and female athletes. However, many studies have agreed following factors as the key to qualifying for plyometric training;

• a foundational strength of all the muscles involved in the required movement, at least 4/5
• full ROM,
• joint stability,
• balance,
• adequate knowledge of exercise technique,
• single leg half squat with no pain and good qualitative movement pattern
• at least three clap pushups with no pain and good qualitative movement pattern
• no pain with good qualitative movement patterns in a lower level plyometric drills

Contraindications

Some of the contraindications for plyometric training but not limited to are;

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Acute or subacute sprains/strains
• Joint instability
• Inadequate balance
• Soft tissue limitations
• Poor muscle strength
• Poor knowledge of exercise skill

Clinical guidelines

Recent studies have shown evidence that plyometric training is necessary to improve performance, for the safe adaption to the rigors of explosive sporting movements, and may also have prophylactic effects, possibly reducing the incidence of reinjuries. Key points to consider in designing a plyometric training program;

• The coupling phase is the definitive phase of plyometric training. The lesser the transition phase between eccentric stretch to isometric to concentric contraction, the greater is the benefits of stretch-shortening cycle. Many studies have shown the decrement of stored elastic energy in coupling phase lasting longer than 25 ms. The ideal coupling time is less than 15 ms.
• The quality of impact force is important. It is important to have a high muscular activation during the eccentric phase of a stretch-shortening cycle for efficient storage of elastic energy, especially in the tendon (P. Komi, 2003).
• Progressing jump heights that the athletes jump up to or down from is more effective than the added weights during jump training. As added weights limit the quality and jump heights, plyometrics will be moderately intense.
• Jumps performed with target reach (eg. Basketball rim) are more effective in improving jump height than without a target. Thus, target jump height is more intense than jumps without a target.
• Any form of single leg plyometric is more intense than same form of double leg exercise.
• Jumps in place like pike jump or tuck jump have higher joint reaction force at the knee joint than other forms of jumps like depth jumps.

Frequency:

2 – 3 sessions per week without any symptoms.

Intensity:

As in other forms of exercises, the intensity of plyometric training depends upon the athletes need and capacity. There should be a gradual progression from low to high-intensity training. The intensity of the training can be manipulated by changing various components of exercise at a time.

Volume

Some studies have reported 80 – 100-foot contacts per session for beginners, 100 – 120 contacts for athletes with some experience and 120-140 contacts for athletes with considerable experience. However, there are some studies which have proved higher contacts for low-intensity plyometrics is necessary. They have suggested up to 400 contacts for low intensity, 350 contacts for moderate, 300 contacts for high intensity and 200 contacts for very high-intensity plyometric exercises. Thus, clinical experience and the capability of the athlete is the key component to choose from either of the intensity protocol.

Duration

6-8 weeks. Less than 5 weeks is too short period.

Recovery

A work-rest period of 1:5 to 1:10 has been recommended for high-intensity plyometrics to ensure the safety and effective performance of exercise technique. So, at least 5 to 10 seconds of rest is important following a maximal effort vertical jump before attempting another jump. A 1:1 or 1:2 work-rest ratio is suitable for low to moderated intensity plyometric training. A general recommendation is 48 to 72 hours of rest period between the plyometric training sessions to ensure effective training, reduce the risk of DOMS and other injuries.

Technique

Proper exercise technique is the key component of plyometric training. A 3 -4 sets of plyometric training with 2 – 8 repetitions of one type of exercise has been advocated as the most effective training volume for a high-intensity plyometric session.

Sample 6 week plyometric training to be practiced 2-3 times a week

	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5	Week 6
Volume	100 FC	130 FC	80 FC	70 FC	60 FC	50 FC
Exercises	Line hops 3 x 10	Line hops 2×10	Cone hops 2×10	Squat jumps 1×10	Maximal in place jumps 2×8	Two leg jump reach 2×5
	Ankle hops 2×10	Ankle hops 2×10	Single leg hops 2×10	Double leg tuck jumps 2×10	Squat jumps 2×7	18 inch depth jumps 3×5
	Cone hops 2×5	Cone hops 2×5	Squat jumps 3×10	In place maximum jumps 2×5	Tuck jumps 2×5	Tuck jumps 1×10
	Mini squat jumps 2×10	Squat jumps 3×10	Double leg tuck jumps 1×10	Pike jumps 2×5	14 inch depth jumps 2×5	Single leg jumps/reach 3×5
	In place jumps 2×10	In place jumps 3×10		Single leg hops 2×10	Single leg jumps in place 1×5
		Anterior and posterior jumps 2×10

FC = Number of foot contacts per session.

 

Reference links

http://www.verkhoshansky.com/Portals/0/Presentations/Shock%20Method%20Plyometrics.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4637913/

http://myweb.facstaff.wwu.edu/chalmers/PDFs/Practical%20guide%20to%20plyometric%20intensity.pdf

http://elitetrack.com/article_files/pfaff2.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16715831