THE COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF TWO TRAINING METHODOLOGIES (PLYOMETRIC VERSUS COMPLEX TRAINING) ON THE DEVELOPMENT RATE OF EXPLOSIVE POWER AND SPRINT SPEED AMONG BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

The study aimed to compare the differential effect of two training programs (Plyometric vs. Complex Training) on the level and development rate of explosive power and sprint speed among basketball players. The researcher used a quasi-experimental design with two experimental groups and one control group, employing pre-test and post-test measurements. The research sample consisted of (18) male basketball players from Al-Koot Sports Club, randomly divided into three homogeneous groups: Plyometric group (n=6), Complex Training group (n=6), and a Control group (n=6). The training programs were applied at a rate of (3) sessions per week over (8) weeks, while the control group continued its regular program. The dependent variables were measured using the Vertical Jump Test (for explosive power) and the 20-meter Sprint Test (for sprint speed), both before and after the intervention. The results showed a statistically significant improvement (α ≤ 0.05) in both experimental groups, with no such improvement in the control group. Furthermore, ANOVA and LSD post-hoc comparisons revealed a statistically significant superiority of the second experimental group (Complex Training) over the first (Plyometric) in improving the Vertical Jump Test performance, while the first experimental group was superior to the second in improving the 20-meter Sprint Test performance. The study concluded that both methodologies are effective, yet each demonstrates relative specificity. It is recommended to use Complex Training to improve vertical explosive power, and Plyometric training to enhance horizontal sprint speed. The study provided practical recommendations for coaches based on these findings.