The word “plyometric” originates from two Greek terms, “plio” signifying “more” or an increase, and “metric” meaning “to measure” (Flom, 1993). Professor Yuri Verkhoshansky, recognized in Western literature for pioneering plyometric training in the late 1950s, which is also referred to as the Shock Method. For many decades, plyometrics were primarily employed in Russia and Eastern European nations to train track and field athletes (Chu, 1996). The actual term “plyometrics” was first used in 1975 by Fred Wilt, the former women’s track coach at Purdue University, who observed Soviet athletes preparing for track and field events. He believed this was a fundamental aspect of their success (Davies & Riemann, 2019; Belgacem, 2012).

There are numerous advantages to Plyometric training. Through muscle training that enhances efficiency and power, energy utilization is optimized, and the muscle’s power output is elevated. This allows individuals to generate more forceful muscle contractions while expending less energy. Increased power leads to swifter muscle contractions, typically resulting in enhanced speed, quicker changes of direction, improved control for stopping and starting, and greater jumping height (ACE Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute).

Performance improvements attributed to plyometric training encompass better sprint times across distances spanning from 5 to 40 meters, increased maximal muscle strength and power, and preventive measures against injuries such as enhanced landing techniques, reduced ground reaction forces, and improved hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios (Booth & Orr, 2016).