The effectiveness of plyometric training in developing explosive power and biochemical enhancements, and its role in improving shooting accuracy from high jumps among junior handball players (15-16 years old)

Abstract

This research aimed to develop jumping exercises to improve explosive power in the arms and legs, as well as shooting accuracy from high jumps, in certain biochemical variables for handball players in the sample. It also aimed to identify the effect of these plyometric exercises on developing explosive power in the arms and legs, biochemical variables, and shooting accuracy from high jumps in handball among the sample. The research hypotheses were that there is a statistically significant correlation between the pre-test and post-test results of the experimental group regarding explosive power in the arms and legs, certain biochemical variables, and shooting accuracy from high jumps in handball. The research scope consisted of a group of handball players from the National Center for Sports Talent Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, from March 2, 2024, to May 2, 2024, and was conducted at the halls of the National Center for Sports Talent Development, Baghdad Governorate, Ministry of Youth and Sports. The research sample was selected purposively and consisted of a group of players from the National Center for Sports Talent Development in handball, affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. From this age group, nine talented players aged 15-16 years were selected. Two players were excluded from the pilot study, resulting in a sample size of eight players, representing 75% of the original study population. The recommendations included conducting research using plyometric exercises to develop biochemical variables and observe the functional responses of the sample members. Emphasis was placed on explosive power exercises due to their effectiveness in developing the skill of high-jump shooting, based on the functional variables under study for the sample members. It was also recommended to conduct periodic tests on other activities not included in this research, using biochemical variables from different age groups.