# Force-Sensor-Based Analysis of the Effects of a Six-Week Plyometric Training Program on the Speed, Strength, and Balance Ability on Hard and Soft Surfaces of Adolescent Female Basketball Players

## TL;DR

A six-week plyometric training program on soft and hard surfaces improved speed, strength, and balance in adolescent female basketball players more than conventional training.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel comparison of plyometric training on unstable (soft) and stable (hard) surfaces versus conventional training in adolescent female athletes.

## Key findings

- Soft-surface plyometric training significantly improved vertical jump height and dynamic balance more than conventional training.
- Hard-surface plyometric training enhanced sprint performance and plantar flexion strength compared to conventional methods.
- Soft-surface training improved static balance under eyes-closed conditions more effectively than other methods.

## Abstract

This study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of plyometric training (PT) performed on soft (unstable) and hard (stable) surfaces compared with conventional training on the balance, explosive power, and muscle strength of adolescent female basketball players. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: soft-surface PT (n = 14), hard-surface PT (n = 14), and conventional training (n = 14). Performance outcomes included 30 m sprint time, vertical jump height, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque, Y-balance dynamic balance, and center of pressure-based static balance. Ground reaction forces, MVIC torques, and balance parameters were measured using high-precision force sensors to ensure accurate quantification of biomechanical performance. Statistical analyses were performed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc comparisons to evaluate group × time interaction effects across all outcome variables. Results demonstrated that soft- and hard-surface PT significantly improved sprint performance, vertical jump height, and plantar flexion MVIC torque compared with conventional training, while dorsiflexion MVIC increased similarly across all the groups. Notably, soft-surface training elicited greater enhancements in vertical jump height, dynamic balance (posteromedial and posterolateral directions), and static balance under single- and double-leg eyes-closed conditions. The findings suggest that PT on an unstable surface provides unique advantages in optimizing neuromuscular control and postural stability beyond those achieved with stable-surface or conventional training. Thus, soft-surface PT may serve as an effective adjunct to traditional conditioning programs, enhancing sport-specific explosive power and balance. These results provide practical guidance for designing evidence-based and individualized training interventions to improve performance and reduce injury risk among adolescent female basketball athletes.