The efficacy of Air Alert plyometric training program on enhancing biomotor skills in adolescent basketball players

Background: Basketball is an important sport that utilizes a variety of biomotor skills. Diverse training programs are employed to enhance the biomotor attributes and elevate the performance levels of basketball players. Plyometric training (PT) is frequently used to improve athlete performance. However, different models of PT can yield varying effects on athletic performance. Methods: This study aimed to determine the impact of a PT program named “Air Alert” on athletes’ biomotor skills. Twenty-four basketball players aged 15 to 16 years voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the Air Alert plyometric training group (AIR) (n = 12) and the plyometric training group (n = 12). The AIR was trained 3 days a week, while the plyometric training group was trained 2 days a week for 15 weeks. Pre- and posttest measurements of height (cm), body weight (kg), vertical jump, line agility, 20 m sprint, Illinois agility, repeated sprint, and flamingo balance tests were performed for all participants. Results: There were no significant differences in height (cm) (F = 1.035, P  = .320, ηp 2  = .045), weight (F = 1.735, P  = .201, ηp 2  = .073), and BMI measurements (F = 1.376, P  = .253, ηp 2  = .059) within and between groups. However, significant differences were observed between the groups in vertical jump (F = 14.343, P  = .001, ηp 2  = .395), line agility (F = 75.366, P  = .000, ηp 2  = .774), 20 m sprint (F = 93.001, P  = .000, ηp 2  = .809), balance (F = 59.513, P  = .000, ηp 2  = .730), Illinois agility test (F = 143.243, P  = .000, ηp 2  = .867), and repeated sprint test (F = 140.986, P  = .000, ηp 2  = .865). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the AIR program is more effective in enhancing the biomotor skills of basketball players than other plyometric training programs. Based on these results, it is recommended that coaches who aim to develop training strategies to enhance athletic performance should consider incorporating an Air Alert program.