Plyometric training is a specialised training program used by athletes from many various sports disciplines and it is a very effective form of training particularly when used in combination with a compatible strength training program.

It is an exercise routine specifically designed to develop fast powerful and explosive movements as well as improving the functions of the nervous system. It is generally used to improve sports performance and different routines are used for different sports.

Basically in Plyometric training the muscle is loaded and then contracted rapidly and so develops and increases the speed and force of muscular contractions. Usually the goal is to increase the height of a jump. Although, depending on the desired training goal, the ability to run faster, throw further and to hit harder can also be enhanced.

With Plyometric training, certain movements known Plyomatric movements are practiced with the intention of toughening tissues and training nerve cells to stimulate a certain pattern of muscle contraction. This is to cause the muscle to generate the most powerful muscle contraction in the shortest period possible.

Plyometric contraction consists of firstly a rapid muscle lengthening movement followed by a short resting period and then an explosive muscle shortening movement causing the muscles to work together in the specific movement.

Plyometric training is the automatic contraction of muscles in which their stretch nerve receptors are stimulated. It uses explosive motion to increase and develop muscle power acting on the nerves muscles and tendons and increases an athlete’s power output while not necessarily increasing strength

This is a particular form of training that you can use to enhance specific muscles or muscle groups for a speciaised function. For example the thigh muscle for training