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Plyometrics
Why am I doing this?
Although the exact reasons that plyometrics works may still hold
some mystery, it is a fact that the training brings results! Individuals
can significantly improve jumping and sprinting ability by progressive
jumping exercises.
Power is the combination of strength and speed. Power is essential
in performing most sport skills. Not surprisingly then, specific
exercises have long been designed to enhance quick, explosive movements.
Plyometrics is a unique training method for developing fast twitch
muscle fiber and explosive power that is safe and
effective for
athletes of all ages when performed correctly with the supervision
of a professional and implemented into
an overall conditioning program
that includes strength, speed, balance, aerobic and flexibility
training.
Plyometric is a combination of Greek words that literally means
to increase measurement
(plio = more; metric = measure)
You are performing these drills
to improve nerve-muscle reactions, explosiveness, jump, quickness
and the ability to generate
forces in certain directions.
Whether your objective is to Accelerate faster, Hit the ball
harder, Move around the court more quickly, Jump higher or Throw
farther, Plyometrics plays a primary role in linking strength
and speed to develop sport-specific power!
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Just a little science…I promise!
The underlying principle of plyometric training is the stretch-shortening cycle.
Very Simply…
As a muscle stretches and contracts eccentrically (lengthens)
it produces elastic energy, which it can store. If the muscle then
contracts concentrically (shortens) this elastic energy can
be used to increase the force of the contraction.
The idea…
Muscles are like a spring, and the stretch loads the spring and
lets it contract faster and more forcefully.
A good example is jumping…
If an athlete jumps vertically they will invariably dip down just
before takeoff. Quickly lowering their center of gravity stretches
the
working muscle groups allowing them to contract more forcefully
for the jump.
In essence…
A muscle that is stretched immediately before contracting, will
contract much more forcefully and efficiently than one that is contracted
from a relaxed position.
What role does plyometrics play in all of this?
Plyometric training places increased stretch loads on the working
muscles. As the muscles become more tolerant to the increase loads,
they become more efficient.
Bottom Line…
PLYOMETRICS TRAINS THE MUSCLES TO
GENERATE THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE
FORCE IN THE SHORTEST AMOUNT OF TIME.
How…
The muscle stores more elastic energy and can transfer from the
lengthening phase to the shortening phase more rapidly.
This
is key to generating peak power!
Placing the muscles under prestretch activates reflexive responses
which cause the muscle to contract more powerfully.
Training with a prestretch also conditions the neuromuscular system
to allow faster and more powerful movements.
Press Releases
The Power of Plyometrics
An exercise program developed in the Soviet Union to train Olympic athletes is the hottest trend in sports training for
South Bay teams.
PRIME ATHLETES can help you power up your athletic performance. Click to read article
Don't tell him this is a young man's game...A competitive game by leaps and bouds
Building power and strength can buy more playing time for almost any athlete. But volleyball's most decorated veteran,
44-year old Karch Kiraly, takes that concept to a new level.
Click to read article LA Times Health
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