The function of plyometric training is to make an athlete "more explosive" through the use of the stretch-shortening cycle of muscles. It is NOT designed to teach a person how to jump or land/fall. There is also compelling literature that says that plyometric training (especially depth jumps and other high intensity plyometric exercises) actually increase the rate of injury because of the inherent nature of these exercises.
Methinks you are TOO literal Juggles.
Yes, you are right, explosiveness
and improved vertical jumping ability IS the primary goal of plyos. But if you look at the exercises, they are all intended to strengthen AND, as a sidebar, give one a sense of balance during footstrike
during a landing. So while plyometrics is not
as simple as I stated , its endpoint IS learning how to jump and land appropriately,ie, with bent rather than straight knees to keep one's center of gravity working for and not against you. ACL tears DO NOT occur when the knee is flexed. They occur when the knee tends toward hyperextension, which occurs when an awkward landing happens and your c.o.g. brings your body
over your feet.
This can happen in any sport and obviously in skiiers.
Their is AMPLE data to support plyos as
one means to prevent ACL injuries. And as you stated, the exercises themselves MAY cause injury IF done incorrectly. But that can be said for ANY exercise if taken to an extreme.Therefore MOST coaches should have trainers and PT work with their kids unless they understand the exercises themselves. I tried to get EYSA to do just that, but the powers that be did not think it warranted it. That's too bad. Several coaches have promoted it on their own. They tend to be new age, while old school coaches tend to ignore them. I think if young ladies are involved, plyos TAUGHT CORRECTLY should be part of every training program in soccer. But that's just my opinion.
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Topic: 1.6 million injuries, says report (Read 1561 times)