A simple approach to plyometric training
It’s a given that speed and jumping are key components of athletic training, and it’s also a given that plyometrics is an effective way to develop both of these qualities. But how to implement a plyometric program, especially in a high school setting, is a bit of a mystery to many coaches. At BFS, we’ve developed a simple, but effective, plyometric training program that takes only 10 minutes, twice a week. While it’s true that strength training will improve jumping ability and running speed, even better results can be attained when strength training is combined with a plyometric box jumping program.
For example, in a paper published in the Journal of Applied Sport Science Research in 1992, researchers reported the results of a six-week study on the effects of squatting and plyometrics on the vertical jump. The group that performed just the squat increased their vertical jump by 1.3 inches, the group that performed just plyometrics increased it by 1.5 inches, but the group that performed both squats and plyometrics increased their vertical jump by 4.2 inches! The reason for the effectiveness of plyometrics is that this type of training involves maximal explosive contractions. Whereas weight training affects the muscles, plyometrics affects the nervous system.
In effect, plyometrics teaches your muscles how to more effectively use their strength. The BFS Plyometric Box Jumping Program consists of three parts: vertical jumps, standing long jumps, then box jumps. You start with one set of 10 quality vertical jumps followed by three sets of three reps of the standing long jump. This is your warm-up. Then you perform four sets of progressively more difficult box jumps: 1) jumping off the boxes, 2) jumping off the boxes and performing a vertical jump, 3) jumping onto the boxes and 4) multiple box jumps. That’s it! To properly run a plyometric box jumping program, coaches should make sure that athletes have access to boxes of various heights.
Whereas the standard plyometric box for high school athletes is 20 inches, for middle school athletes, heavier athletes and athletes at a lower skill level it’s best to start them on 10inch Readiness boxes. For safety reasons, boxes should be solid rather than open, as the feet can get caught in an open plyometric box. Also, spotters should be used when attempting jumps of greater difficulty. The details of the BFS Plyometric Box Jumping Program can be found in the BFS textbook, Bigger Faster Stronger, but it’s best also to view the BFS Plyometric Training DVD.
This DVD shows beginners performing the complete box jumping program for the first time, followed by an amazing demonstration of advanced box jumping skills by BFS Clinician P.J. Brown.
Students at Whitmore Lake High School perform plyometric box jumping in their physical education classes. This school in Whitmore Lake, Michigan, was our 2005 BFS High School of the Year.
Set includes three 20” boxes, one 32” box with booster and a plyometric box jumping video.
$499 Stock (Black Paint) #320256 Call for custom pricing Our Plyo Boxes are fully stackable to save space.
DEDICATED TO HELPING ATHLETES SUCCEED SINCE 1976 DOT DRILL PA D Fully integrated dots, not stuck on or painted Use indoors and outdoors $49 ITEM #321040 3’ x 4’ x 3/8”
There is nothing better than the BFS Dot Drill Exercise for a work out warm up. Why? Because it can be done anywhere, it’s quick, easy, and athletes love it! Start reaping the benefits such as increased speed, improved agility, knee and ankle injury prevention and more with the BFS Dot Drill!
Dedicated to helping athletes succeed since 1976 Specialized Hex Bars to fit your program needs. ORIGINAL HEX BAR $99 u u u The classic model The best way to perform deadlifts and shrugs Hex bar design offers greater stability than triangle design u Weighs 45 lbs with solid, 2” Olympic sleeves u Holds five 45 lb Slim-line plates with collars Handles are 4” higher than original Hex Bar, to accommodate taller or bigger athletes u A must for basketball teams u Weighs 45 lbs with solid, 2” Olympic sleeves u Holds five 45 lb Slim-line plates with collars COMBO HEX BAR $149 u Combines the High-Hex and regular u Weighs 50 lbs with solid, 2”
Olympic sleeves u Holds five 45 lb Slim-line plates with collars Built for the biggest and strongest athletes Weighs 75 lbs Solid, 2” Olympic sleeves and a thicker steel frame Holds up to nine 45 lb Slim-line plates per side Combines the High-Hex and regular Hex bars in one bar u Simply flip over to change exercise starting position Great for teaching perfect technique Weighs only 15 lbs Slightly smaller in diameter with shorter sleeves Ideal for rehab and upper body exercises Used in the BFS Readiness Program Dedicated to helping athletes succeed since 1976
From BFS Magazine — March/April 2008. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
