ergy is stored in the muscle. This elastic energy is then reused in the following concentric action to make it stronger (Gambetta).The modern history of Plyometrics is somewhat brief but not relatively new. This technique originated in Russia and Eastern Europe in the mid-1960s. The Soviets were very successful in the use of Plyometrics in their training regimes, especially in track and field. Yuri Verhoshansky, a Russian coach whose success with jumpers is legendary, could very well be call the "Father of Plyometrics." He tried and succeeded in increasing his athletes reactive abilities by experimenting with exercises like the depth jump. He has been the leading researcher and coach most recognized with the spread of Plyometrics. He also has been credited with most of the forms of plyometric training that are still used today.It wasn't until 1975, when Fred Wilt, former Olympic runner, used the term Plyometrics here in the United States. The term "plyometrics" itself originates from the Greek words, "plio" and "metric," which mean more and measure, respectively (Chu 20). Here in the U.S., the acceptance of plyometric training was initially slow. Most coaches, until now, believed that it hindered, not helped performance. That reasoning could be because they did not understand how to apply it to training. Over the years, Plyometrics has been used more and more by coaches due to its significant increase in speed & explosiveness. Plyometric training exercises are now being used in almost any and every sport which requires power, speed, and/or strength such as football, basketball, weightlifting, soccer, baseball, volleyball, etc. both professionally and at the amateur levels. Even though Plyometrics have a primary role in sports training it is also very widely used in many rehabilitation programs (Radcliffe 4).Despite the increase in knowledge over the years, there is still misunderstanding concerning the application of Plyomet...
