Basketball is an intermittent, high-intensity sport that requires strength, power and agility. These demands become particularly relevant during adolescence, a sensitive period in which well-structured training can enhance performance. Plyometric training, which optimizes the stretch-shortening cycle, has been proven to be effective in enhancing physical conditioning and reducing the risk of injuries in team sports. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the effects of plyometric training on adolescent basketball players. A search was conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases until June 2025. We included randomized controlled trials analyzing plyometric training in adolescent basketball players. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale (PROSPERO: CRD420251084412). Thirty-three RCTs involving 1171 participants were included. Plyometric training significantly improved vertical jump performance (CMJ, SJ, DJ), speed, agility, balance, and lower-limb strength compared to regular basketball training. No significant effects were found for upper-body power or jumps involving arm swing (ABA and Sargent Jump), while evidence on flexibility, anaerobic endurance, power, and basketball-specific skills was inconsistent. Overall, plyometric training appears to be an effective conditioning strategy for adolescent basketball players.
PuenteCAbián-VicénJArecesF, et al.Physical and physiological demands of experienced male basketball players during a competitive game. J Strength Cond Res2017; 31: 956–962.
2.
SchellingXTorres-RondaL. An integrative approach to strength and neuromuscular power training for basketball. Strength & Conditioning Journal2016; 38: 72–80.
3.
PetwayAJFreitasTTCalleja-GonzálezJ, et al.Training load and match-play demands in basketball based on competition level: a systematic review. PloS one.2020; 15: e0229212.
4.
NarazakiKBergKStergiouN, et al.Physiological demands of competitive basketball. Scand J Med Sci Sports2009; 19: 425–432.
5.
Van HoorenBDe Ste CroixM.Sensitive periods to train general motor abilities in children and adolescents: do they exist? A critical appraisal. Strength Cond J2020; 42: 7–14..
6.
VargheseMRuparellSLaBellaC. Youth athlete development models: a narrative review. Sports Health2022; 14: 20–29.
7.
LeverJRDuffieldRMurrayA, et al.Quantifying the training demands of a highly trained male youth basketball players by year, term and position. J Sports Sci2024; 42: 1597–1604.
8.
GultekinlerBDKaraçamS. An examination of sports injury prevention awareness among adolescent and adult basketball players. Journal of Hacettepe University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Faculty2025; 3: 69–76.
9.
MarkovicGMikulicP. Neuro-Musculoskeletal and performance adaptations to lower-extremity plyometric training. Sports Med2010; 40: 859–895.
10.
KonsRLOrssattoLBRAche-DiasJ, et al.Response to: comment on: “effects of plyometric training on physical performance. Sports Med Open2023; 9: 74.
11.
Al AttarWSABakhshJMKhalediEH, et al.Injury prevention programs that include plyometric exercises reduce the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury: a systematic review of cluster randomised trials. J Physiother2022; 68: 255–261.
12.
WangYZhangN. Effects of plyometric training on soccer players. Exp Ther Med2016; 12: 550–554.
13.
Tupinambá-OliveiraMCXavier de SouzaÁLMendonçaL, et al.Does plyometric exercise improve jumping performance in volleyball athletes? An overview of systematic reviews. Retos2023; 50: 1188–1194.
14.
Sanz-MatesanzMGonzález-FernándezFTBlanco-LuengoD, et al.Optimising sprint performance in rugby: insights from a systematic review of training methods. J Funct Morphol Kinesio2025; 10: 51.
15.
AksovićNBjelicaBFilipM, et al.Plyometric training effects on explosive power, sprint and direction change speed in basketball: a review. Turk J Kinesiol2021; 7: 73–79.
16.
PutroBNCahyanto WibawaJAyubiN, et al.Physiological concept of plyometric training to improve physical fitness of basketball players: a systematic review. Retos2025; 66: 1000–1010.
17.
CaoSWangZGuoJ, et al.The effects of plyometric training on physical fitness and skill-related performance in female basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Physiol2024; 15: 1386788.
18.
Ramírez-CampilloRGarcía-HermosoAMoranJ, et al.The effects of plyometric jump training on physical fitness attributes in basketball players: a meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci2022; 11: 656–670.
19.
AnvershaATRamalingamV. A systematic review: significance of plyometric training on functional performance and bone mineral density in basketball players of different age groups. Sports Med Res Pract2023; 13: 62–76.
20.
ZhouJWangXHaoL, et al.Meta-Analysis of the effect of plyometric training on the athletic performance of youth basketball players. Front Physiol2024; 15: 1427291.
21.
LloydRSOliverJL. The youth physical development model. Strength Cond J2012; 34: 61–72.
22.
MoranJJSandercockGRHRamírez-CampilloR, et al.Age-Related variation in male youth athletes’ countermovement jump after plyometric training: a meta-analysis of controlled trials. J Strength Cond Res2017; 31: 552–565.
23.
MyerGDFaigenbaumADFordKR, et al.When to initiate integrative neuromuscular training to reduce sports-related injuries in youth?Curr Sports Med Rep2011; 10: 155–166.
24.
BedoyaAAMiltenbergerMR. Lopez RM plyometric training effects on athletic performance in youth soccer athletes: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res2015; 29: 2351–2360.
25.
ChenLYanRXieL, et al.Maturation-Specific enhancements in lower extremity explosive strength following plyometric training in adolescent soccer players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon2024; 10: e33063.
26.
Ramírez-CampilloRMoranJOliverJL, et al.Programming plyometric-jump training in soccer: a review. Sports2022; 10: 94.
27.
FlechaODouglas de OliveiraDMarquesL, et al.A commentary on randomized clinical trials: how to produce them with a good level of evidence. Perspect Clin Res2016; 7: 75–80.
28.
PageMJMcKenzieJEBossuytPM, et al.The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ2021; 372: 71.
29.
OuzzaniMHammadyHFedorowiczZ, et al.Rayyan—a web and Mobile app for systematic reviews. Syst Rev2016; 5: 10.
30.
SilvermanSRSchertzLAYuenHK, et al.Systematic review of the methodological quality and outcome measures utilized in exercise interventions for adults with spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord2012; 50: 718–727.
31.
SuurmondRRheeHHakT. Introduction, comparison, and validation of meta-essentials: a free and simple tool for meta-analysis. Res Synth Methods2017; 8: 537–553.
32.
MatavuljDKukoljMUgarkovicD, et al.Effects of plyometric training on jumping performance in junior basketball players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness2001; 41: 159–164.
33.
ChengCLinLLinJ. Effects of plyometric training on power and power-endurance in high school basketball players. Annual Journal of Physical Education and Sports Science2003: 41–52. 10.6694/JPESS.200312.(3).0004
34.
SantosEJJaneiraMA. The effects of plyometric training followed by detraining and reduced training periods on explosive strength in adolescent male basketball players. J Strength Cond Res2011; 25: 441–452.
35.
SantosEJJaneiraMA. Effects of Complex training on explosive strength in adolescent male basketball players. J Strength Cond Res2008; 22: 903–909.
36.
SantosEJJaneiraMA. Effects of reduced training and detraining on upper and lower body explosive strength in adolescent male basketball players. J Strength Cond Res2009; 23: 1737–1744.
37.
KingJACiprianiDJ. Comparing preseason frontal and sagittal plane plyometric programs on vertical jump height in high-school basketball players. J Strength Cond Res2010; 24: 2109–2114.
38.
AndrejićO. The effects of a plyometic and strenght training program on the fitness performance in young basketball players. Facta Univ Ser Phys Educ Sport2012; 10: 221–229.
39.
GottliebREliakimAShalomA, et al.Improving anaerobic fitness in young basketball players: plyometric vs. specific sprint training. J Athl Enhancement2014; 3. DOI: 10.4172/2324-9080.1000148
40.
VermaCSubramaniumLKrishnanV. Effect of plyometric training on vertical jump height in high school basketball players: a randomised control trial. Int J Med Res Health Sci2015; 4: 7–12.
41.
ZribiAZouchMChaariH, et al.Short-Term lower-body plyometric training improves whole-body BMC, bone metabolic markers, and physical fitness in early pubertal male basketball players. Pediatr Exerc Sci2014; 26: 22–32.
42.
AtteneGIulianoEDi CagnoA, et al.Improving neuromuscular performance in young basketball players: plyometric vs. Technique training. J Sports Med Phys Fitness2015; 55: 1–8.
43.
McCormickBTHannonJCNewtonM, et al.The effects of frontal- and sagittal-plane plyometrics on change-of-direction speed and power in adolescent female basketball players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform2016; 11: 02.
44.
FachinaRJMartinsDSMontagnerPC, et al.Combined Plyometric and Strength Training Improves Repeated Sprint Ability and Agility in Young Male Basketball Players. Gazzetta Medica Italiana2017; 176. 10.23736/S0393-3660.16.03341-6
45.
Gonzalo-SkokOSánchez-SabatéJIzquierdo-LupónL, et al.Influence of force-vector and force application plyometric training in young elite basketball players. Eur J Sport Sci2019; 19: 305–314.
46.
MeszlerBVácziM. Effects of short-term in-season plyometric training in adolescent female basketball players. Physiol Int2019; 106: 68.
47.
BouteraaINegraYShephardRJ, et al.Effects of combined balance and plyometric training on athletic performance in female basketball players. J Strength Cond Res2020; 34: 1967–1973.
48.
CorreiaGAFFreitasCGDLiraHAADS, et al.The effect of plyometric training on vertical jump performance in young basketball athletes. J Phys Educ2020; 31: e3175.
49.
OzenGAtarOKocH. The effects of A 6-week plyometric training programme on sand versus wooden parquet surfaces on the physical performance parameters of well-trained young basketball players. Monten J Sports Sci Med2020; 9: 27–32.
50.
Sáez de VillarrealEMolinaJGde Castro-MaquedaG, et al.Effects of plyometric, strength and change of direction training on high-school basketball player’s physical fitness. J Hum Kinet2021; 78: 175–186.
51.
ChouhanRMisraASoniR, et al.Effectiveness of plyometrics along with pilates exercises in increasing vertical jump performance among basketball players. Cureus2022; 14: e32957.
52.
PaesPPCorreiaGAFDamascenoVDO, et al.Effect of plyometric training on sprint and change of direction speed in young basketball athletes. J Phys Educ Sport2022; 22: 305–310.
53.
PamukOHancıEUcarN, et al.RESISTED PLYOMETRIC EXERCISES INCREASE MUSCLE STRENGTH IN YOUNG BASKETBALL PLAYERS. Rev Bras Med Esporte2022; 28: 331–336.
54.
RadenkovićMLazićAStankovićD, et al.Effects of combined plyometric and shooting training on the biomechanical characteristics during the made jump shot in young male basketball players. Int J Environ Res Public Health2023; 20: 43.
55.
Aztarain-CardielKGaratacheaNPareja-BlancoF. Effects of plyometric training volume on physical performance in youth basketball players. J Strength Cond Res2024; 38: 1275–1279.
56.
Aztarain-CardielKGaratacheaNPareja-BlancoF. Effects of bilateral and unilateral plyometric training on physical performance in male postpubertal basketball players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform2025; 20: 429–437.
57.
CaoJXunSZhangR, et al.Effects of unilateral, bilateral and combined plyometric jump training on asymmetry of muscular strength and power, and change-of-direction in youth male basketball players. J Sports Sci Med2024; 23: 754–766.
58.
HaghighiAHHosseiniSBAskariR, et al.Effects of plyometric compared to high-intensity interval training on youth female basketball player’s athletic performance. Sport Sci Health2024; 20: 211–220.
59.
WilliamsMDAredeJGriggsA, et al.The parkour tic-tac action versus the drop jump as part of Complex training within the strength and conditioning programme of highly-trained youth basketball players. PLoS ONE.2024; 19: e0315013.
60.
YangC. Eight weeks of plyometric training improved the change of direction abilities of adolescent basketball players. Int J Sports Sci Coach2025; 20: 679–687.
61.
ZhaoYSunMWangX, et al.Unilateral plyometric jump training shows significantly more effective than bilateral training in improving both time to stabilization and peak landing force in single-leg lend and hold test: a randomized multi-arm study conducted among young male basketball players. J Sports Sci Med2024; 23: 647–655.
62.
FigueiraBAbadeEMateusN, et al.Effect of weekly plyometric training frequency on adolescents female basketball players during in-season: a comparison of two vs. Four sessions. PLoS One2025; 20: e0320195.
63.
Ricart-LunaBDomínguez-NavarroFGene-MoralesJ, et al.Effects of a 4-week weightlifting or plyometric training mesocycle on physical performance in highly trained adolescent basketball players. J Sports Sci2025; 43: 637–648.
64.
YalçinOAçakMKurtoğluA, et al.The efficacy of air alert plyometric training program on enhancing biomotor skills in adolescent basketball players. Medicine2025; 104: e41644.
65.
ČauševićDAbazovićEMašićS, et al.Agility, sprint and vertical jump performance relationship in young basketball players. Acta Kinesiologica2021; 15: 133–137.
66.
TalpeySSmythAO'GradyM, et al.The Occurrence of Different Vertical Jump Types in Basketball Competition and their Relationship with Lower-Body Speed-Strength Qualities. Int J Strength Cond2021; 1: –7.
67.
González-MillánSCaparrósTToro-RománV, et al.Effect of ball inclusion in drop vertical jump test on performance and movement variability in basketball players. Appl Sci2024; 14: 05.
68.
PetrignaLKarstenBMarcolinG, et al.A review of countermovement and squat jump testing methods in the context of public health examination in adolescence: reliability and feasibility of current testing procedures. Front Physiol2019; 10: 1384.
69.
HeishmanADDaubBDMillerRM, et al.Countermovement jump reliability performed with and without an arm swing in NCAA division 1 intercollegiate basketball players. J Strength Cond Res2020; 34: 546–558.
70.
KovácsBCsalaDSebestyénÖ, et al.Arm swing during vertical jumps does not increase EMG activity of the lower limb muscles. J Phys Act Health2023; 7: 132–142.
71.
Barrera-DomínguezFJMartínez-GarcíaDJerez-MayorgaD, et al.Vertical versus horizontal training for improving the change of direction speed in adult basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res2024; 38: 791–803.
72.
WangPShiCChenJ, et al.Training methods and evaluation of basketball players’ agility quality: a systematic review. Heliyon2024; 10: e24296.
73.
LiWLiuYDengJ, et al.Basketball specific agility: a narrative review of execution plans and implementation effects. Medicine2024; 103: e37124.
74.
ZhangMLiFJiaoJ, et al.Effects of different training methods on open-skill and closed-skill agility in basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med Open2025; 11: 50.
75.
Ben AbdelkrimNChaouachiAChamariK, et al.Positional role and competitive-level differences in elite-level men's basketball players. J Strength Cond Res2010; 24: 1346–1355.
76.
TaylorJBWrightAADischiaviSL, et al.Activity demands during multi-directional team sports: a systematic review. Sports Med2017; 47: 2533–2551.
77.
HaugenTABreitschädelF. Seiler S sprint mechanical variables in elite athletes: are force-velocity profiles sport specific or individual?PLoS One2019; 14: e0215551.
78.
CaoSLiZWangZ, et al.The effects of high-intensity interval training on basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sports Sci Med2024; 24: 31–51.
79.
Flórez GilEVaqueraARamírez-CampilloR, et al.Can Complex training improve acute and long-lasting performance in basketball players? A systematic review. Applied Sciences2024; 14: 6839.
80.
CaoSLiuJWangZ, et al.The effects of functional training on physical fitness and skill-related performance among basketball players: a systematic review. Front Physiol2024; 15: 1391394.
81.
ČabarkapaDFryACLaneMT, et al.The importance of lower body strength and power for future success in professional men’s basketball. Спортске науке и здравље - АПЕИРОН2020; 19: 10–16.
82.
HanMGómez-RuanoMCalvoAL, et al.Basketball talent identification: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the anthropometric, physiological and physical performance factors. Front Sports Act Living2023; 5: 1264872.
83.
PeitzMBehringerMGranacherU. A systematic review on the effects of resistance and plyometric training on physical fitness in youth- what do comparative studies tell us?PloS one2018; 13: e0205525.
84.
OliverJLRamachandranAKSinghU, et al.The effects of strength, plyometric and combined training on strength, power and speed characteristics in high-level, highly trained male youth soccer players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med2024; 54: 623–643.
85.
Balsalobre-FernándezCTejero-GonzálezCMCampo-VecinoJ, et al.Relationships among repeated sprint ability, vertical jump performance and upper-body strength in professional basketball players. Arch Med Deporte.2014; 31: 148–153.
86.
CabarkapaDEserhautDAFryAC, et al.Relationship between upper and lower body strength and basketball shooting performance. Sports2022; 10: 39.
87.
BoccoliniGBrazzitABonfantiL, et al.Using balance training to improve the performance of youth basketball players. Sport Sci Health2013; 9: 37–42.
88.
Ramirez-CampilloRCastilloDSanchez-SanchezJ, et al.Effects of plyometric jump training on soccer player’s balance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials. Biol Sport2022; 39: 765–778.
89.
GranacherUBehmDG. Relevance and effectiveness of combined resistance and balance training to improve balance and muscular fitness in healthy youth and youth athletes: a scoping review. Sports Med2023; 53: 349–370.
90.
LuoSSohKGZhaoY, et al.Effect of core training on athletic and skill performance of basketball players: a systematic review. PloS one2023; 18: e0287379.
91.
PfileKRGribblePABuskirkGE, et al.Sustained improvements in dynamic balance and landing mechanics after a 6-week neuromuscular training program in college women’s basketball players. J Sport Rehabil2016; 25: 233–240.
92.
SchulzKFChalmersIHayesRJ, et al.Empirical evidence of bias: dimensions of methodological quality associated with estimates of treatment effects in controlled trials. J Am Med Assoc1995; 273: 408–412.
Supplementary Material
Please find the following supplemental material available below.
For Open Access articles published under a Creative Commons License, all supplemental material carries the same license as the article it is associated with.
For non-Open Access articles published, all supplemental material carries a non-exclusive license, and permission requests for re-use of supplemental material or any part of supplemental material shall be sent directly to the copyright owner as specified in the copyright notice associated with the article.
