Relating to explosive exercises that use the stretch-shortening cycle of muscles to develop power and speed. These exercises involve rapid stretching followed by immediate contraction, like jump training and bounding movements.
From Greek 'pleion' (more) and 'metron' (measure), literally meaning 'more measure,' coined by American track coach Fred Wilt in the 1970s to describe Soviet training methods. The concept was developed from studies of how muscles generate maximum power through elastic energy storage and release.
Plyometric training mimics the natural stretch-shortening cycle that occurs in virtually every athletic movement, from a basketball player's jump shot to a sprinter's stride, making it one of the most sport-specific training methods available. The exercises can increase power output by up to 20% but require careful progression to avoid injury since they place enormous stress on joints and connective tissues.
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