Comparative analysis of plyometrics and core training on performance indices of Indian handball players

BACKGROUND: Handball is a strenuous contact sport placing emphasis on running, jumping, throwing, hitting, blocking, and pushing. Various technical and tactical skills are required for this dynamic sport, namely speed, agility, balance, power, strength, and coordination. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess the changes in the physical fitness components with 8 weeks of plyometric training and core training given to the handball players and to compare the effect of both training methods on the handball players. METHODS: Sixty players were randomly selected to participate in the study. The players were divided into three groups, namely Group A (plyometric), Group B (core), and Group C (control) (n = 20 each). The speed was assessed with 40 m dash sprint, agility by Illinois agility test, and lower limb power by isokinetic dynamometer (BIODEX). The experimental group underwent their respective trainings, and the control underwent conventional training. The posttraining results were recorded after 8 weeks of training. RESULTS: There was a significant difference within the groups, but there was no significant difference between the three groups. CONCLUSION: Both training methods were equally beneficial for the improvement in sprinting speed, Illinois agility test, and lower limb power