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Revised:  28 Nov 05

PLYOMETRICS

The word plyometrics is derived from the Greek word pleythyein, meaning "to increase" or from the Greek roots plio and metric, meaning "more" and Measure."  Plyometrics refers to exercises that enable a muscle to reach maximum strength in as a short a time as possible.  Plyometric exercises use gravity to store energy in the muscles before the athlete immediately release the energy in the opposite direction.  Because of a greater susceptibility to injury before puberty, preadolescent boys and girls should avoid plyometrics, unless other factors indicate more advanced maturity.  Plyometrics should be postponed for athletes who do not have a sufficient strength and conditions base.  Avoid lower-body plyometrics until you can leg press 2.0 to 2.5 time your own body weight; avoid upper-body plyometrics until you can perform five consecutive clap push-ups.

Source:  Sports Speed, Third Edition