A Study of the Effect of Plyometric and Weight Training on Selected Skill Performance Variables of Kabaddi Players

Abstract

Plyometric and weight training are two primary conditioning modalities in sports science, yet their comparative effects on Kabaddi-specific skill performance variables remain largely uninvestigated. The present study aimed to examine and compare the effects of a 6-week plyometric training program and a 6-week weight training program on five selected skill performance variables of male Kabaddi players: Moving Toe-Touch (dynamic flexibility and coordination), Hand Touch (upper body coordination and agility), Side Target Kick (lower limb explosive accuracy), Left Hand Grip Strength, and Right Hand Grip Strength. A comparative research design was employed. Thirty male state-level Kabaddi players (age 18–25 years) from Rajasthan were purposively selected and randomly assigned to two equal groups: Plyometric Training Group (PTG, n = 15) and Weight Training Group (WTG, n = 15). Both groups underwent a 6-week intervention comprising three sessions per week, with pre-test and post-test assessments conducted for all variables. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality test, paired samples t-test for within-group comparison, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with partial eta squared (ηp²) for between-group comparison. Results confirmed significant within-group improvements (p < 0.05) in all five variables for both groups. ANCOVA revealed that plyometric training was significantly superior for Moving Toe-Touch (F = 9.56, p = 0.005, ηp² = 0.26), Hand Touch (F = 19.54, p = 0.000, ηp² = 0.42), and Side Target Kick (F = 26.92, p = 0.000, ηp² = 0.50), while weight training was significantly superior for Left Hand Grip (F = 118.72, p = 0.000, ηp² = 0.81) and Right Hand Grip (F = 77.27, p = 0.000, ηp² = 0.74). Effect sizes ranged from large to very large (ηp² = 0.26–0.81). The findings demonstrate that training specificity governs skill improvement: plyometric training enhances explosive and reactive skills, while weight training excels at developing maximal grip strength. Position-specific training recommendations are provided for raiders and defenders.