The Effect of a Combination of Plyometric Hurdle Jump and Jump Box Training on Improving Vertical Jump in Volleyball Athletes

Abstract

Vertical jump ability is crucial in volleyball as it supports fundamental techniques such as spiking, blocking, and jump serving. It is closely related to the explosive power of the lower limb muscles to generate force in a short period of time. The development of vertical jump requires specific and systematic training, such as plyometric exercises that utilize the stretch–shortening cycle. This study aims to analyze the effect of a combination of plyometric hurdle jump and jump box training on improving the vertical jump of adolescent volleyball athletes. The method used is quantitative with a one-group pretest–posttest pre-experimental design, involving AVONG club athletes aged 13–15 years. The training program was conducted over six weeks, with a total of 18 sessions at a frequency of three times per week. After the intervention, a post-test was administered to measure jump height and determine whether there were changes between the pre-test and post-test results. The findings indicate that plyometric hurdle jump and jump box training have a significant effect on improving the vertical jump ability of volleyball athletes, with a significance value of < 0.001, indicating a difference between pre-test and post-test results. Physiologically, this improvement reflects neuromuscular adaptation, including enhanced muscle coordination and increased recruitment of fast-twitch muscle fibers. These findings provide practical implications by assisting coaches in designing more effective, evidence-based training programs.