From experience I know that “Plyometric” training is one of the most requested forms of training by athletes and ball players (football, basketball, volleyball, etc.). In case you do not know Plyometrics originated as a secret training method in the former eastern block countries like the then USSR or East Germany where it internally was referred to as “jump training”. Sports was one way the communist countries tried to use as a “weapon” against the free world. This resulted in some good stuff, but also some really bad stuff (intensive doping – even starting with kids at a very young age). Plyometric training was credited for much of athletic success of the USSR and other East European countries.
Where does the term “Plyometrics” come from? The actual term Plyometrics was first mentioned back in 1975 by the American track coach, Mr. Fred Wilt. The word Plyometrics is based on the Latin words “plio” (= more) and “metric” (= to measure). Ok, enough of that. Let’s get to what really matters.
Plyometrics exercises can be described as those training exercises that provide you with the ability for those “explosive” vertical jumps that carry you high up in the air. The ability to perform these kind of jumps comes in especially handy when playing basketball or volleyball, but also when playing football or even tennis. Some tennis players who move up to the net need the ability to react in milliseconds and to sometimes jump as a result flying through the air trying to hit a ball with their racket.
Plyometric exercises are not really different from other exercises, but the it is the combination of exercises that forms the results of these exercises. Often people confuse some forms of power training for Plyometrics, but in reality Plyometric exercises are only one specific form of power training. A well-designed training needs to contain components of much more than Plyometrics to make the athlete as successful as possible.
What are some of the best known Plyometric exercises at all? The most common Plyometric exercises you may have heard of include hops, jumps and bounding movements. As an example one extremely popular Plyometric exercise is jumping off a box-like container or stand and rebounding off the floor and onto another, higher stand. These type of exercises typically increase speed and jumping strength and build up the power that allows for those explosive high vertical jumps that will separate the winners from the losers.
One training program that I can highly recommend touches Plyometrics quite a bit and will increase your vertical jumping. Take a look at the product layout yourself and consider trying it. The author and creator of that training program is very confident that you can increase your vertical jump or you get your money back.
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