The impact of plyometric and small-sided games training on physical performance in adolescent female handball players

Introduction: Plyometric training (PLYO) and small-sided games (SSG) are widely used to improve explosive power and agility in youth team sports, yet field-test evidence in pubertal athletes is limited. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a six-week PLYO and SSG training program on jumping, sprinting, and change-of-direction (5-10-5 agility test) in adolescent female handball players. Methods: = 10). The six-week intervention was integrated into regular practice. The PLYO and SSG groups performed their assigned training tasks twice per week, while the control group continued usual training. Performance was assessed with vertical jump (VJ), standing long jump (SLJ), 20 m sprint, and 5-10-5 agility test; the best of three trials was analyzed. Within-group changes were evaluated with paired t-tests and effect sizes (Cohen's d), while between-group differences were examined using one-way ANOVA. Results: < 0.001) with minimal changes in jump outcomes. Post-test between-group differences were not statistically significant. Discussion: Taken together, these findings suggest that both PLYO and SSG may be integrated into youth handball training, with potential modality-specific benefits. Larger randomized studies are required to clarify their comparative effects and optimal programming.