Changes in Explosive Power, Sprint, and Change-of-Direction Speed Following a 10-Week Plyometric Training Program in Young Basketball Players: An Exploratory Two-Team Comparison

Background: Explosive power, sprint speed, and change-of-direction (COD) speed are key determinants of basketball performance, yet evidence on how plyometric training affects all three concurrently in adolescent basketball players, particularly COD speed, is limited. This exploratory study compared changes in these qualities over 10 weeks between two teams, one of which added a plyometric program. Methods: Thirty-three male players from two clubs, one club per group (experimental, E, n = 16; control, C, n = 17), participated. The E group performed plyometric training twice weekly in addition to regular technical-tactical training; the C group performed technical-tactical training only, so the E group had a larger total training volume. Jump (squat, countermovement, drop, and arm-swing countermovement jumps), sprint (5, 10, and 20 m), and COD tests (Reactive Shuttle Test, Lane Arrow Closeout, Lane Agility Drill, Modified 505 Test) were performed before and after the program. Groups were compared at follow-up using one-way ANCOVA with initial scores as covariate and Holm adjustment within three outcome domains. Results: The E group showed greater baseline-adjusted follow-up performance on eight of eleven outcomes (partial η2 = 0.141–0.622); all remained significant after adjustment except the 5 m sprint. No significant differences were found for the arm-swing countermovement jump, 10 m sprint, or Modified 505 Test. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that adding a plyometric program may be associated with greater improvements in explosive power, short sprint speed, and COD speed in adolescent basketball players. Club-based allocation and the E group’s larger training volume preclude causal inference; randomized, volume-matched, multi-club trials are needed.