Effect of Plyometric Training Intervention on Reaction Ability of Softball Players

Abstract

Plyometric training aims to improve the maximal force muscles produced where the motor actions are performed in the least amount of time. The main objective of this study was to investigate and assess the effect of plyometric training intervention on the reaction ability of softball players. Thirty national-level softball players (18-25 years of age) were randomly selected and divided into experimental and control groups of fifteen. Only the experimental group was treated with the plyometric training intervention for eight weeks, and the control group was kept without any specific training except regular softball practices. Both groups' pre and post-test data were collected before and after the training schedule. The pertaining data of reaction abilities were collected using the Whole Body Reaction Type II (Electronic Reaction Timer). There were found significant differences among the pre and post test means comparison of visual, auditory, and whole-body reaction time between experimental and control groups (P<0.05). Appropriate plyometric training can be treated to develop reaction abilities and may impact the improvement of the performance of Softball players and other similar games. Plyometric training leads to improvement of power and speed as well as depending upon the equation of reaction abilities.