The Effect of Plyometric Exercises on Developing Some Physical Abilities of 11-12 Year Old Football Players at Ghaz Shamala Club

Abstract

The importance of this research stems from the use of a new exercise method, namely plyometric exercises, with young (promising) football players. This aims to identify the best training method for developing certain physical abilities and to determine the impact of these exercises on the physical capabilities of young football players, thus serving coaches and those working in this field. The research problem lies in the lack of interest among coaches and staff in using plyometric exercises as a primary means of developing players' levels. The research aims to develop plyometric exercises to improve some physical abilities among players of the Ghaz Shamala Club aged (11-12) years in football, and to identify the effect of plyometric exercises on developing some physical abilities in players. The researcher used the experimental method as it is suitable for the nature of the problem. The researcher selected the research population purposively, which is football players in Kirkuk Governorate aged (11-12) years from the (2025-2026) season, and its number was (175) players. The preliminary experiments were conducted to determine the number of repetitions as well as the suitability of the equipment used. After the homogeneity and equivalence of the sample and the identification and testing of the physical variables, the experiment was conducted. The method was applied with exercises at the beginning of the main section of the unit, with three training sessions per week for (8) weeks. To process the results, the researcher used the SPSS statistical package. The researcher concluded that there was no improvement in the pre- and post-test results of the players' physical abilities under study because of implementing the coach's method for the control group, except for the agility variable. The plyometric exercises implemented by the experimental group had a positive effect on improving the pre- and post-test results in all physical abilities (agility, speed-strength, flexibility, and transitional speed).