title: The effect of a combined high-intensity plyometric and speed training program on the running and jumping ability of male handball players.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined program including sprint repetitions and drop jump training in the same session on male handball players.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two male handball players aged more than 20 years were assigned into 2 groups: experimental group (n=11) and control group (n=11). Selection was based on variables "axis" and "lines", goalkeepers were not included. The experimental group was subjected to 2 testing periods (test and retest) separated by 12 weeks of an additional combined plyometric and running speed training program. The control group performed the usual handball training. The testing period comprised, at the first day, a medical checking, anthropometric measurements and an incremental exercise test called yo-yo intermittent recovery test. 2 days later, participants performed the Repeated Sprint Ability test (RSA), and performed the Jumping Performance using 3 different events: Squat jump (SJ), Countermovement jump without (CMJ) and with arms (CMJA), and Drop jump (DJ). At the end of the training period, participants performed again the repeated sprint ability test, and the jumping performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The conventional combined program improved the explosive force ability of handball players in CMJ (P=0.01), CMJA (P=0.01) and DJR (P=0.03). The change was 2.78, 2.42 and 2.62% respectively. No significant changes were noted in performances of the experimental group at the squat jump test and the drop jump with the left leg test. The training intervention also improved the running speed ability of the experimental group (P=0.003). No statistical differences were observed between lines or axes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Additional combined training program between sprint repetition and vertical jump in the same training session positively influence the jumping ability and the sprint ability of handball players.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Tunisia.
authors.forename: Monsef
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cherif
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Said
authors.forename: Sana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chaatani
authors.forename: Olfa
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Nejlaoui
authors.forename: Daghbaji
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gomri
authors.forename: Aouidet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abdallah