Pliometria

CHAPTER 8 Plyometric Training Concepts for Performance Enhancement
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS CHAPTER, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
Describe plyometric training and its purpose f or performance enhancement and injur y prevention. Rationalize the importance of plyometric training. Design a plyometric training program for athletes in any level of training.

Introduction
The ability of muscles to exert maximal force output in a minimal amount of time (also kno wn as rate of force production) enhances performance during functional activities . All else being equal, success in most functional activities depends on the speed at which muscular force is generated. Power output and reactive neuromuscular control represents a component of function. P ower and reactive neuromuscular control are perhaps the best measures of success in activities that require rapid force production. Ply ometric training, also called reactiv e training, makes use of the stretchshortening cycle to produce maximum force in the shortest amount of time and to enhance neuromuscular control efficienc , rate of force production, and reduce neuromuscular inhibition (1–20).

Plyometric T raining Concepts
WHAT IS PLYOMETRIC TRAINING?
Plyometric T raining Defined as a qui k, powerful movement involving an eccentric contraction, followed immediately by an explosive concentric contraction. Plyometric training is defined as a quick, p werful movement involving an eccentric contraction, followed immediately by an explosive concentric contraction (2 1–23). This is accomplished through the stretch-shortening cy cle or an eccentric-concentric coupling phase . The eccentricconcentric coupling phase is also referred to as the integrated performance paradigm (Fig. 8.1), which states that in order to move with precision, forces must be loaded (eccentrically), stabilized (isometrically), and then unloaded/accelerated (concentrically). Ply ometric exercise stimulates the body’s proprioceptive and elastic properties to