EFFECT OF LADDER DRILL TRAINING AND NORDIC HAMSTRING CURL ON REACTIVE STRENGTH AND REACTIVE AGILITY AMONG AMATEUR BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The performance of basketball players is closely linked to various physical attributes, particularly reactive strength and agility. There is limited research specifically examining how different training methods influence reactive strength and agility in amateur basketball players. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the effects of ladder drill training and Nordic hamstring curls on reactive strength and reactive agility among amateur basketball players, providing insights into effective training strategies for enhancing performance. The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of ladder drill training and Nordic hamstring curls on performance metrics specifically the reactive strength and reactive agility among amateur basketball players. Methods: A sample of 78 amateur basketball players, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, was selected for this study. The participants were divided into two groups: GROUP A (Experimental) and GROUP B (Control). Group A performed ladder drills and Nordic hamstring curls, while Group B engaged in regular strength training. Both groups trained 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-test data were collected using the Counter Movement Jump test to assess reactive strength and the Y shaped Agility test for reactive agility. Result: Group A demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both RSI (p<0.001) and RAT (p<0.001). Group B showed only a marginal increase in RSI (p<0.001) and in RAT (p<0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed significantly greater gains in Group A for both outcome measures (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this result suggest that ladder drills improve neuromuscular coordination, agility, and movement efficiency, enhancing direction changes and response times. The Nordic Hamstring Curl targets eccentric hamstring strength, optimizing force production and deceleration. Combined, these training methods enhance reactive strength and agility, boosting athletic performance.