Kettlebell Training vs. Plyometric Training: A Comparison of Jump Performance in Volleyball and Basketball Athletes

<b>Objectives:</b> Plyometric training is a well-established method for enhancing jump performance in basketball and volleyball athletes but has certain limitations. Kettlebell training may provide a viable alternative as it mimics key biomechanical aspects of jumping, like explosive hip and knee extension during a ballistic hip-hinge pattern. Because evidence remains limited, this study aimed to compare the effects of both training methods. <b>Methods:</b> Thirty-eight volleyball and basketball club athletes (age: 22 (4.3); male = 29, female = 9) completed this study. Countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), drop jump (DJ), body fat percentage (FM), and muscle mass percentage (MM) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The participants were assigned to one of three groups: a kettlebell training group (KbG), a plyometric training group (PG), or a control group (CG). Both the KbG and PG completed two supervised 25-min training sessions per week for six weeks, while the CG did not engage in any additional training intervention. The level of significance was set at <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05. <b>Results:</b> There were no significant differences in CMJ, SJ, and DJ performance between the groups before the intervention. Significant differences in change between the groups from pre- to post-test were found for the SJ (<i>p</i> = 0.006), but not for the DJ (<i>p</i> = 0.06), CMJ (<i>p</i> = 0.26), FM (<i>p</i> = 0.9), and MM (<i>p</i> = 0.55). Pairwise comparisons revealed significantly greater positive change in the KbG than in the CG for the SJ (<i>p</i> = 0.003) and DJ (<i>p</i> = 0.03). Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in the KbG for the CMJ (<i>p</i> = 0.04), SJ (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and DJ (<i>p</i> = 0.003) performance, whereas FM and MM did not change. Within the PG and CG, no significant change occurred. <b>Conclusions:</b> Kettlebell training effectively improved jump performance and may therefore serve as a valuable component within strength and conditioning programs for basketball and volleyball athletes.