Plyometrics
Plyometrics
"Plyometric Exercise refers to those activities that enable a muscle to reach Maximal Force in the shortest possible time. Plyometrics is a combination of Greek words that literally means to increase measurement (plio=more; metric=to measure).
"A practical definition of plyometric exercise is a quick, powerful movement using a prestretch or countermovement, that involves the Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC)." (Baechle and Earle., Essential of Strength Training and Conditioning)
"In essence, Plyometric Training merges the physical qualities of Speed and Strength to produce an athlete that is capable of: Running Faster, Jumping Higher, Hitting Harder and Throwing with more Power." (Chu, Jumping into Plyometrics)
When training plyometric movements it is imparitive to understand the types of Muscle Contractions the body produces:
Eccentric Contractions - Occurs when the muscle lengthens under tension and are used to Decelerate the body.
Contractions - Occurs when the body is in midstride and comes to a complete halt; body becomes Static.
Concentric Contractions - Occurs when the muscles shorten and pull together. This stored energy is used to create Force.
Concentric Contractions Occurs during sport activities in the instant between the Eccentric Contraction and the subsequent Concentric Contraction.
"This conversion from negative Eccentric to positive Concentric work was described in European literature as the Amortization Phase and this form of exercice, Plyometrics has arrisen to address the development of a shorter Amortization Phase and thus increase the athletes ability to move quicker and jump higher." (Chu, Jumping into Plyometrics)
Safety Considerations
Plyometric Training is not inherently dangerous but, there are some considerations to consider when contemplating this sort of exercise. Most importantly, the Epiphyseal Plates of the bones in young children are still growing and maturing. Children who are Below the age of 13 should not be involved in this sort of training. ALWAYS SEEK A DOCTORS ADVICE BEFORE ATTEMPING ANY SPECIALIZED TRAINING, INCLUDING PLYOMETRIC TRAINING
"Plyometric Exercise refers to those activities that enable a muscle to reach Maximal Force in the shortest possible time. Plyometrics is a combination of Greek words that literally means to increase measurement (plio=more; metric=to measure).
"A practical definition of plyometric exercise is a quick, powerful movement using a prestretch or countermovement, that involves the Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC)." (Baechle and Earle., Essential of Strength Training and Conditioning)
"In essence, Plyometric Training merges the physical qualities of Speed and Strength to produce an athlete that is capable of: Running Faster, Jumping Higher, Hitting Harder and Throwing with more Power." (Chu, Jumping into Plyometrics)
When training plyometric movements it is imparitive to understand the types of Muscle Contractions the body produces:
Concentric Contractions Occurs during sport activities in the instant between the Eccentric Contraction and the subsequent Concentric Contraction.
"This conversion from negative Eccentric to positive Concentric work was described in European literature as the Amortization Phase and this form of exercice, Plyometrics has arrisen to address the development of a shorter Amortization Phase and thus increase the athletes ability to move quicker and jump higher." (Chu, Jumping into Plyometrics)
Safety Considerations
Plyometric Training is not inherently dangerous but, there are some considerations to consider when contemplating this sort of exercise. Most importantly, the Epiphyseal Plates of the bones in young children are still growing and maturing. Children who are Below the age of 13 should not be involved in this sort of training. ALWAYS SEEK A DOCTORS ADVICE BEFORE ATTEMPING ANY SPECIALIZED TRAINING, INCLUDING PLYOMETRIC TRAINING
Back to Training Page
Back to Home Page