Position-Specific Effects of Plyometric and Ballistic Training on Skills and Physical Capacities in Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review

Dedi Iskandar, Herman Subarjah, Yuyun Yudiana, Yusuf Hidayat, Gilang Ramadan

Abstract


This systematic review synthesized experimental evidence published between 2021 and 2025 on the effects of plyometric and ballistic training on physical capacities and technical skills in volleyball players, with an emphasis on position-specific adaptations across playing roles and moderating variables such as age, sex, intensity, and training modality. A PRISMA-guided systematic search of the Scopus database was conducted to identify studies published between 2021 and 2025. Eligible studies included experimental or quasi-experimental interventions applying plyometric and/or ballistic exercises to volleyball athletes. Extracted data encompassed study design, participant demographics, intervention specifics, and outcomes related to jump, spike, serve, agility, and defensive performance. Quality assessment was performed using the PEDro scale and RoB 2 framework. The synthesis of 23 studies revealed consistent improvements in vertical jump performance, spike speed, agility, and reactive strength across player positions. Quantitatively, unilateral plyometric training yielded greater gains in approach jump (ES≈0.53), while bilateral programs more consistently improved bilateral jump and block-jump performance. Six-week plyometric interventions improved CMJ, standing long jump, and volleyball-specific block/spike jump outcomes, whereas 8-week TRX-based ballistic training produced greater increases in spike velocity than conventional dumbbell training. Technology-assisted plyometric interventions achieved the largest increases in reactive strength index (RSI) and coordination. Moderators such as sex, maturation stage, and session timing significantly influenced adaptive responses, supporting the need for individualized periodization. Plyometric and ballistic interventions are highly effective for improving volleyball-specific performance when tailored to positional demands and contextual moderators. However, methodological heterogeneity, differences in outcome measures, and inconsistent reporting of player positions limit comparability across studies. Future research should incorporate standardized biomechanical metrics, clearer position-specific classification, and game-based evaluation protocols to strengthen the translation of explosive training into competitive performance.

Keywords


ballistic training, plyometric training, position-specific adaptation, rate of force development, reactive strength index

References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jpjo.v11i2.98359

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