Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Plyometric Training For Baseball

By Benjamin Mihajlov

Plyometric training is one of the most under appreciated forms of exercise. Since this kind of training is relatively unknown, athletes can have a great advantage over their competitors who do not use plyometric training. This is one of the very few exercise programs that are very effective in increasing your speed and explosiveness in movement. Even non competitive athletes can benefit from plyometric training exercise program.

Plyometric training entails jumping in order to develop not only muscle strength, but speed and explosiveness. Weight training will strengthen your legs, but does little to develop the quick twitch muscles needed for explosiveness and quickness. Plyometric exercises also develops other muscles besides the legs needed to jump higher.

Plyometric exercises focuses typically on the development of quick twitch muscles which are important for quickness and explosive movements. Competitive athletes are gaining enormous advantages by applying plyometric training exercises in their workouts.

There are a variety of exercises one can do. Many center on jumping onto, off, or over an object. One simple exercise could be simply jumping up onto a chair and then jumping off. When first starting out, jump on lower objects then build up. The number of times of doing this exercise is not as important as doing it at full maximum. The jumping higher after each rep is the goal, not repetition. Repetition builds endurance, while jumping higher with less reps helps builds explosion.

Adjusting the plyometric exercise workout is necessary according to your physical ability or goals. As a novice athlete, your workout can be less intense with less reps. But if you desire to get the full benefit from plyometric training, each rep should be done at maximum effort and focused intensity.

Pay attention to your body when you exercise. If you begin to experience achy knees or sore muscles, take a break. By allowing your body to recuperate, your plyometric training will more likely be safe and effective.

Plyometrics is one of the keys in learning how to jump higher. Practice these tips, and you will increase your vertical jump drastically.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment