Human Potential and Performance

Using Horizontal and Vertical Plyometric Training to Compare Increases in Speed and Vertical Jump Height
Leah C. Zidon
Dr. Michael Bird, Faculty Mentor

This study examined the effect of horizontal and vertical plyometrics on sprint performance and vertical jump height. Varsity athletes ages 19-22 years participated in a seven week plyometrics program. One group completed horizontal plyometric exercises (n=26) and one group completed vertical plyometric exercises (n=26). A pretest and posttest included three trials of 40 meter sprints, recording times at 20 and 40 meters, and a vertical jump test. The best height and time for each subject was used for analysis. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the means between pretest and posttest and for interaction effects. All three variables improved significantly from pretest to posttest for the groups (p<0.001), but with no interaction effects (p>0.05). Plyometric exercises may improve both vertical jump height and sprinting speed. It does not appear necessary to train only with vertical exercises for vertical events and horizontal exercises for horizontal events.

Keywords: Plyometrics, Plyometric, Specificity, Training, Vertical Jump , Speed

Topic(s):Exercise Science

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 5-4
Location: VH 1000
Time: 9:15

Add to Custom Schedule