ABSTRACT

Introduction: Handball is a high-intensity sport requiring explosive lower-limb power for jumping, sprinting, and rapid directional changes. Stretching and plyometric exercises are commonly incorporated into training programs; however, evidence comparing the effects of static stretching and plyometric training on vertical jump performance in female adolescent handball players is limited. Aim: To compare the effects of plyometric training and static stretching on vertical jump performance in female adolescent handball players using the Sargent Jump Test. Method: An experimental study was conducted on 40 female adolescent handball players aged 15–17 years, selected through convenient sampling. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (Static Stretching, n=20) and Group B (Plyometric Training, n=20). Both groups underwent their respective intervention protocols for 3 weeks (4 sessions per week) following a standardized warm-up. Vertical jump performance was assessed using the Sargent Jump Test before and after the intervention period. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with significance set at p < 0.05. Result: Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Sargent Jump Test performance following the intervention (p < 0.05). The plyometric training group showed a greater mean improvement compared to the static stretching group. However, between-group comparison revealed no statistically significant difference in post-intervention jump performance.Conclusion: Both plyometric training and static stretching are effective in improving vertical jump performance in female adolescent handball players. Although plyometric training showed a higher mean improvement, it was not significantly superior to static stretching over the short intervention period. These findings suggest that both interventions can be effectively incorporated into training programs to enhance lower-limb explosive power. Keywords: Plyometric training, Static stretching, Female adolescent handball players, Sargent jump test, Vertical jump performance
Publication date: 2026/10/01

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/October/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10564.pdf

Download PDF
https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.10.10564