The effects of different plyometric training models applied to young male football players on balance, agility, speed and jumping performance

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Vertimax platform system on plyometric training models with performance parameters such as balance, agility, sprint and jumping tests. The effects of resistance plyometric training using the Vertimax platform system for 8 weeks in young male football players (14.90.48 years) was evaluated in our study. 3 groups were designed; the 1st group (VG) (n=13) performed resistance plyometric exercises using the Vertimax platform system; the 2nd group (PG) (n=13) performed plyometric exercises without the Vertimax platform system; and the 3rd group was the control group (KG) (n=14). The footballers in the first 2 groups performed plyometric training 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The Vertimax-V8 platform system was used in the VG group. The PG group performed plyometric training in the field without using Vertimax platform system. The same performance measurements were repeated for all 3 groups at weeks 0, 4, and 8. The "Y Balance Test" was used to determine dynamic balance, the "Agility T Test" was used for agility measurements, the "10-Metre Sprint Test" and "20-Metre Sprint Test" were used for sprint performance, and the "Vertical Jump" and "Standing Broad Jump" tests were used to evaluate jumping performance. According to the results of repeated measures ANOVA, a significant group × time interaction was found in the Agility T Test and Vertical Jump Test results, whereas no group × time interaction was found in the Y Balance Test, 10-Meter and 20-Meter Sprint Test and Standing Broad Jump Test results. Post hoc test results for the Agility T Test indicated that the group × time interaction originated from the VG group, and that agility performance improved significantly compared to the other groups. According to the post hoc test results for the Vertical Jump Test, the vertical jump performance of the VG and PG groups improved significantly compared to the KG group. In conclusion, based on the findings obtained in this study, it was observed that Vertimax training applied over a period of 8 weeks was more effective in improving agility performance compared to plyometric training models performed without the use of a platform system.