THE EFFECTS OF A PLYOMETRIC TRAINING PROGRAM ON DRIBBLING PERFORMANCE AND AGILITY OF MALE FUTSAL PLAYERS AT NATIONAL SPORTS UNIVERSITY,SAMUT SAKHON CAMPUS

Abstract

This study aimed (1) to investigate the effects of a plyometric training program on futsal dribbling ability and agility among male futsal players, (2) to compare the results before and after participating in the program, and (3) to compare the results between the experimental and control groups. The sample consisted of 30 male futsal players from the National Sports University, Samut Sakhon Campus. They were divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15) using purposive sampling and were assigned to groups by a matching technique based on test results. The instruments included a plyometric training program, a researcher-developed futsal dribbling test, and the Illinois Agility Test. The training program lasted eight weeks, three sessions per week. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni pairwise comparisons.

          The results showed that (1) the experimental group had mean futsal dribbling times of 14.06 seconds at pre-test, 13.80 seconds after week 4, and 12.43 seconds after week 8, while the control group had mean scores of 14.09, 14.05, and 13.91 seconds, respectively; (2) the agility performance of the experimental group showed mean scores of 15.69, 15.58, and 14.75 seconds, while the control group showed mean scores of 15.96, 15.92, and 15.92 seconds, respectively; and (3) significant differences in futsal dribbling ability and agility were found in the experimental group when comparing pre-test, week 4, and week 8 at the .05 level. Moreover, significant differences were also found between the experimental and control groups at the .05 level.