Effect of In-Season Plyometric Training on Lower Body Explosive Power, Change of Direction Ability, and Functional Movement Quality in Collegiate Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To determine the effects of an 8-week in-season plyometric training (PT) program on lower-body explosive power, change-of-direction (COD) ability, and functional movement quality in collegiate basketball players. Sixty-four university basketball players were recruited, stratified by gender, and randomly assigned to a plyometric training group (PTG) or control group (CG); 56 completers (20.9 ± 2.1 years) were included in the per-protocol analysis. The PTG completed two progressive PT sessions per week across adaptation, stabilization, and realization phases, whereas the CG completed time-matched technical shooting drills. Outcomes included the Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Agility T-test, 505 COD test, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Compared with the CG, the PTG improved all physical performance outcomes (all p < .001), with large Group × Time effects, for SJ (ηp2 = .26), CMJ (ηp2 = .39), Agility T-test (ηp2 = .33), and 505 COD (ηp2 = .40). Adjusted between-group differences favored the PTG for SJ (6.69 cm, 95% CI [3.55, 9.82]), CMJ (7.97 cm, 95% CI [5.16, 10.79]), Agility T-test (−0.89 s, 95% CI [−1.26, −0.53]), and 505 COD (−0.59 s, 95% CI [−0.80, −0.39]). A significant Group × Time × Gender interaction was observed for FMS (ηp2 = .11, p = .017). Sensitivity analyses showed higher post-intervention FMS scores in the PTG for males (2.21 points, 95% CI [0.79, 3.63]) and females (5.42 points, 95% CI [4.15, 6.70]). Periodized in-season PT improved explosive power and COD ability and may attenuate female-specific declines in functional movement quality.