High Technology Letters ISSN NO : 1006-6748

Impact of ladder training and plyometric training on speed and agility among school level

Kho- Kho players in Kashmir

*Mohd Waseem Jan Padder1, Dr.G. Ramesh

2

1Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Physical Education, Annamalai University, Tamil

Nadu, India. 2Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu,

India.

* Corresponding author’s

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of ladder training and plyometric

training on speed and agility among school level Kho-Kho players in Kashmir. Forty-five

male Kho-Kho players from higher secondary school Vessu Anantnag, higher secondary

school Wanpoh Anantnag and higher secondary school Kelam kulgam in Kashmir, who had

participated in interschool competition, were selected as subjects at randomly and their age

ranged from 14 to 17 years. The subjects (N=45) were randomly assigned in to three equal

groups of fifteen Kho-Kho players each as experimental group-I, experimental group-II and

control group. The experimental groups and control group underwent normal routine Kho-

Kho practices and in addition the experimental group-I underwent ladder training and

experimental group-II underwent plyometric training for one hour in the morning session.

The control group was not given any special training apart from their normal daily exercises.

The period of training was twelve weeks in a schedule of weekly three days for alternative

days. The data was collected on selected dependent variable before and after the training

period. The collected data were statistically analysed by using analysis of covariance

(ANCOVA) was used to find the significant difference among the groups. The scheffe’s post

hoc test was used to find the paired mean difference if any. The level of confidence was fixed

at 0.05. Based on the study it was conclude that ladder training and plyometric training were

significantly improved the speed and agility among school level Kho-Kho players.

Key words: ladder training, plyometric training, speed, and agility

Introduction

The game of Kho-Kho is very interesting and exciting in nature and demands a high

level of physical fitness, stamina, strength, agility, speed technique and self-control. Every

sport requires a special set of workouts to grow endurance and ability of players. Sports

training have been an integral part of sportsperson success, trends in this domain is

continuously changing as per demand of excellence in sports competitions [1]. To improve

High Technology Letters

Volume 27, Issue 3, 2021

ISSN NO : 1006-6748

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agility and speed, coach often uses the agility ladder to drills the athlete’s footwork in

enhancing their performances. According to, it uses a piece of equipment that resembles a

rope ladder that has been placed on the ground and players use it to do drills requiring them

to quickly jump into and out of the squares of the ladder. These drills help players work on

moving their feet quickly while maintaining their balance, which is critical for fielding and

running down the base path. Ladder drills also increase neural connections with foot

movements that mimic the quick thinking that players must do when hitting or fielding. In

modern days, we can get the agility ladder from sport manufacturing. Agility ladder is made

up of two nylon straps with plastic rungs spaced apart about 15-18 inches, depending upon

the training purpose. Also, the agility ladder can be made at home using supplies from your

local hardware store (rope and PVC pipe), or simply made by a tape by taping the floor

accordingly like an agility ladder. This agility ladder is a very popular piece of equipment for

coaches looking for ways of improving their speed, coordination, balance, and agility.

Ladders can be used for variety of purposes. The two most obvious purposes are increased

foot speed and coordination [2]. By improving these qualities, athletes will develop better

footwork and improve their overall athleticism. To get the most out of your ladder drills, it is

important to progress from easy drills to more advances. Furthermore, compelling different

moves through agility ladder simulators the movements required during competition Ladder

training is active and indispensable to increase foot speed, agility, timing and coordination for

the athlete. This training should be specific to game situations [3].

Plyometrics are exercises that involve the enhancement of muscle performance [4].

Most of the trainings in sports involve jumping, hopping, and skipping movements [5]. These

exercises also facilitate sturdy muscle activities in energetic activities, during which the

movement would come with a stretch of the muscle instantly by an explosive modification of

the muscle [6].

Plyometric training is a form of training that is used to help develop and enhance

explosive power, which is a vital component in a number of athletic performances. This

training method is meant to be used with other power development methods in a complete

training program to improve the relationship between maximum strength and explosive

power. The modern history of Plyometrics is somewhat brief but not relatively new. This

technique was originated in Russia and Eastern Europe in the middle of 1960. The Soviets

were very successful in the use of Plyometrics in their training programmes, especially in

track and field. This technique was originally known as the “Shock Method of Training”.

Yuri Verhoshansky, a Russian coach whose success with jumpers is legendary, could very



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well be called the "Father of Plyometrics". He had tried and succeeded in increasing his

athletes‟ reactive abilities by experimenting with exercises like the depth jump. He has been

the leading researcher and coach most recognized with the spread of Plyometrics. He also has

been credited with most of the forms of plyometric training that are still in use today.

Most researchers and practitioners share a common view that plyometric training is

one of the approaches in every field often used for athletes, notably those with the short-

shortening cycle (SSC). These training are designed to improve explosiveness and dynamic

efficiency [7]. Previous studies have shown that through plyometric training, jumping and

sprinting capabilities and specific trajectory activities could be improved. An effective

technique for boosting the running economy, joint stability and the severity of knee injuries

was also found [8].

Speed is defined as the ability to perform a movement within a short period of time

[9]. The game of Kho-Kho demands various aspects of human body depending on the level of

play. It requires agility, speed, quickness, stamina, cardio respiratory endurance, hand-eye

coordination, flexibility, balance and many other aspects. Kho-Kho is a game in which player

must move from one position to other position but in less time. Kho-Kho is very fast game in

which your body should react very fast as well as your mind should also think fast. You have

to take decision on the spot as on time for the game is very less and you have to deliver best

in that short span of time. Within a fraction of second, you have to decide and accordingly

your body should move to get the point. The ability to maintain a stable body position and

change the direction quickly without loss of balance, body control or speed is described as

agility [10].

Methodology

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of ladder training and plyometric

training on speed and agility among school level Kho-Kho players in Kashmir. Forty-five

male Kho-Kho players from higher secondary school Vessu Anantnag, higher secondary

school Wanpoh Anantnag and higher secondary school Kelam kulgam in Kashmir, who had

participated in interschool competition, were selected as subjects at randomly and their age

ranged from 14 to 17 years the selected subjects were medically examined by the qualified

physician and certified that they were medically and physically fit to undergo the selected

training programme.

The selected subjects randomly assigned in to three equal groups of fifteen Kho-Kho

players each as experimental group-I, experimental group-II and control group. The

experimental groups and control group underwent normal routine Kho- Kho practices and in



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addition the experimental group-I underwent ladder training and experimental group-II

underwent plyometric training for one hour in the morning session. The control group was

not given any special training apart from their normal daily exercises. The period of training

was twelve weeks in a schedule of weekly three days for alternative days. The data collected

prior to and after experimentation from Ladder Training group, Plyometric Training group

and Control group. Paired “T” test was applied to examine the change within the groups from

pre test to post test on selected dependent variables. To find out the significant differences

between the groups, Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied. When the F ratio of

adjusted post test mean was found to be significant, Scheffe’s post hoc test was employed to

find out paired mean differences. The level of the confidence was fixed, at 0.05 level of

significance.

Criterion Measures

variables tests Measures in units

speed 50 meters run Seconds

agility 4×10m shuttle run Seconds

Analysis of Data

The data collected from the two experimental groups and control group during pre

and post period were statistically analyzed to examine the changes on selected physical

fitness variables of Kho-Kho players and the results of the study are presented in the table

4.1.

Analysis of Speed

The statistical (descriptive) analysis of the collected data on speed of two

experimental groups and control group are presented in the table 4.1.



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Table 1.1

Descriptive Statistical Analysis of the Data on Speed

Variables Groups Pre Test

Mean

Post Test

Mean MD % T

Speed

Ladder

Training 7.48 7.29 0.19 2.54 13.13

Plyometric

Training 7.50 7.26 0.23 3.2 12.02

CG 7.51 7.53 0.02 0.26 0.87

Table value for df of 1 and 14 is 2.14

It is clear from the table 1.1, that there was significant difference between pre test and

post test data on speed of Ladder Training group, because “t” ratio of 13.13 is greater than the

required table value 2.14 at 0.05 level of significance for df of 1 and 14. In the same way

there was also significant difference between pre test and post test data on speed of

Plyometric Training group, because “t” ratio of 12.02 is greater than the required table value

2.14 at 0.05 level of significance for df of 1 and 14

On the other hand there was no significant difference were found among pre and post

test of control group as obtained “t” ratio of 0.87 is less than the required table value of 2.14,

at 0.05 level of significanance for df of 1 and 14.

The percentage of change on Speed of Ladder Training group, Plyometric Training

group and Control group are 2.54 %, 3.2 % and 0.26 % respectively.

The percentage of changes on speed of Ladder training, plyometric training and

control group are given in the figure 4.1.



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Pie Diagram Showi

The data collected from three groups on speed was statistically analyzed by

ANCOVA and the results are presented in the table

Analysis of Covariance for the Pre and Post Tests on Speed of Ladder

Test Ladder

Training

Plyometric

Training

Pre Test

Mean

SD(±)

7.48

0.109

7.50

0.103

Post Test

Mean

SD(±)

7.29

0.125

7.26

0.111

Adjusted

Post Test

Mean

7.30

7.26

Plyometric, 3.2

Figure – 1.1

Pie Diagram Showing the Percentage of Changes on Speed


s are presented in the table - 1.2.

Table 1.2

Analysis of Covariance for the Pre and Post Tests on Speed of Ladder Training, Plyometric

Training and Control Group

Plyometric

Training

Control

Group SoV SS DF

7.50

0.103

7.51

0.124

BG 0.007 2

WG 0.535 42

7.53

0.154

BG 0.678 2

WG 0.729 42

7.52

BG 0.592 2

WG 0.282 41

Ladder , 2.54

Control, 0.26


Training, Plyometric

MS F

0.004

0.0288

0.013

0.339

19.522

0.017

0.296

43.033 0.007



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Table value for df of 2 and 42; and 2 and 41 are 3.22

Table 1.2, shows that the pre test mean valves on speed of Ladder Training group,

Plyometric Training group and control group are 7.48, 7.50 and 7.51 respectively. The

obtained “F” ratio of 0.0288 per test score was lesser than the required table value of 3.22 for

df 2 and 42 for significance at 0.05 level of confidence on Speed. The post test mean value on

Speed of Ladder Training group, Plyometric Training group and Control group, 7.29, 7.26

and 7.53 respectively. The obtained “F” ratio value of 19.522 for post test score was greater

than the required table value 3.22 for df 2 and 42 for significance at 0.05 level of confidence

on Speed.

The adjusted post test mean valves on Speed of Ladder Training group, Plyometric

Training group and control group are, 7.30, 7.26 and 7.52 respectively. The obtained “F”

ratio value of 43.033 per test score was greater than the required table value of 3.22 for df 2

and 41 for significance at 0.05 level of confidence on Speed.

The result of the study indicated that there was significant difference among the

adjusted post test mean of the Ladder Training group, Plyometric Training group and control

group on Speed. To determine the significance difference among the three paired means. The

scheffe’s test was applied as post hoc test and the results are presented in table 4.3

Table 1.3

Scheffe’s Post Hoc Test for the Differences among Paired Means on Speed of Two

Experimental Groups and Control Group

Ladder Training Plyometric

Training Control Group MD CI

7.30

7.26 0.04 0.07

7.30 7.52 0.22 0.07

7.26 7.52 0.26 0.07

From table 4.3 it was imperative that both Ladder Training and Plyometric Training

group differed significantly from Control group on Speed. There was also significant

difference were found between Ladder Training group and Plyometric Training group in

improving Speed of Kho-Kho players.



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The pre, post and adjusted post

training group and control group on speed were graphically represented in the figure

The Pre, Post and Adjusted post Test Means of Ladder Training, Plyometric Training and

Analysis of Agility

The statistical (descriptive) analysis of the collected data on Agility of two

experimental groups and control gr

Descriptive Statistical Analysis of the Data on Agility

Variables Groups Pre Test

Mean

Agility

Ladder

Training 11.69

Plyometric

Training 11.63

CG 11.61


7.1

7.15

7.2

7.25

7.3

7.35

7.4

7.45

7.5

7.55

Pre test

7.4

8

7.5

The pre, post and adjusted post test means of Ladder training group, Plyometric


Figure 1.2


Control Group on Speed


experimental groups and control group are presented in the table 1.4.

Table 1.4

Descriptive Statistical Analysis of the Data on Agility

Pre Test

Mean

Post Test

Mean MD %

11.69 11.36 0.33 2.82

11.63 11.15 0.48 4.12

11.61 11.58 0.03 0.25


Post test Adjusted Post test

7.2

9

7.37

.26

7.2

6

7.5

1

7.5

3

7.5

2

Ladder Plyometric Control

test means of Ladder training group, Plyometric

training group and control group on speed were graphically represented in the figure- 1.2.



T

14.59

14.97

0.58



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It is clear from the table 1

post test data on Agility of Ladder Training group, because “t” ratio of 14.59 is greater than

the required table value 2.14 at 0.05 level of significance for df of 1 and 14.Similarly there

was also significant difference between pre test and post test data on Agility of Plyometric

Training group, because “t” ratio of 14.97 is greater than the required table value 2.14 at 0.05

level of significance for df of 1 and 14.

However there was no sign

control group as obtained “t” ratio of 0.58 is less than the required table value of 2.14, at 0.05

level of significanance for df of 1 and 14.

The percentage of change on Agility of Ladder Training


The percentage of changes on Agility of Ladder training, plyometric training and

control group are given in the figure 1

Pie Diagram Showing the

The data collected from three groups on Agility was statistically analyzed by ANCOVA and

the result

Plyometric, 4.1

2

It is clear from the table 1.4, that there was significant difference between pre test and



also significant difference between pre test and post test data on Agility of Plyometric


level of significance for df of 1 and 14.

However there was no significant difference were found among pre and post test of


level of significanance for df of 1 and 14.

The percentage of change on Agility of Ladder Training group, Plyometric Training



oup are given in the figure 1.3

Figure – 1.3

Pie Diagram Showing the Percentage of Changes on Agility


the results are presented in the table - 1.5.

Ladder , 2.82

Plyometric, 4.1

Control, 0.25

.4, that there was significant difference between pre test and



also significant difference between pre test and post test data on Agility of Plyometric


ificant difference were found among pre and post test of


group, Plyometric Training





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Table 1.5

Analysis of Covariance for the Pre and Post Tests on Agility of Ladder Training, Plyometric

Training and Control Group

Test Ladder

Training

Plyometric

Training

Control

Group SoV SS DF MS F

Pre Test

Mean

SD(±)

11.69

0.324

11.63

0.364

11.61

0.279

BG 0.049 2 0.024

0.321

WG 4.433 42 0.106

Post Test

Mean

SD(±)

11.36

0.341

11.15

0.332

11.58

0.264

BG 1.387 2 0.693

7.003

WG 4.159 42 0.099

Adjusted

Post Test

Mean

11.32 11.16 11.61

BG 1.529 2 0.764

35.770

WG 0.876 41 0.021

Table value for df of 2 and 42; and 2 and 41 are 3.22

Table 1.5, shows that the pre test mean valves on Agility of Ladder Training group,

Plyometric Training group and control group were 11.69, 11.63 and 11.61 respectively. The

obtained “F” ratio of 0.231 per test score was lesser than the required table value of 3.22 for

df 2 and 42 for significance at 0.05 level of confidence on Agility. The post test mean values

on Agility of Ladder Training group, Plyometric Training group and Control group, 11.36,

11.15 and 11.58 respectively. The obtained “F” ratio value of 7.003 for post test score was

greater than the required table value 3.22 for df 2 and 42 for significance at 0.05 level of

confidence on Agility.

The adjusted post test mean valves on Agility of Ladder Training group, Plyometric

Training group and control group are, 11.32, 11.16 and 11.61 respectively. The obtained “F”

ratio value of 35.770 per test score was greater than the required table value of 3.22 for df 2

and 41 for significance at 0.05 level of confidence on Agility.

The result of the study indicated that there was significant difference among the

adjusted post test mean of the Ladder Training group, Plyometric Training group and control

group on Agility. To determine the significance difference among the three paired means.

The scheffe’s test was applied as post hoc test and the results are presented in table 4.6.



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Scheffe’s Post Hoc Test for the Differences among Paired Means on Agility of Two


Ladder Training Plyometric

Training

11.32

11.16

11.32

11.16


group differed significantly from Control group on Agility. There was also significant

difference were found between Ladder Training group and Plyometric Training group in

improving Agility of Kho-Kho players. Therefore twelve weeks of Plyometric Training

showed greater improvement than Ladder Training on Agility of Kho

The pre, post and adjusted post test means of Ladder training group, Plyometric


Discussion on Findings

The Ladder training group showed an improvement of 2.54% and 2.83

agility during twelve weeks of training programme. Similarly Plyometric training group

showed an improvement of 3.2% and 4.12

10.8

11

11.2

11.4

11.6

11.8

Pre test

11.79

11.6

Table 1.6



Plyometric

Control Group MD

0.32

11.61 0.48

11.61 0.03



were found between Ladder Training group and Plyometric Training group in

Kho players. Therefore twelve weeks of Plyometric Training

showed greater improvement than Ladder Training on Agility of Kho-Kho players.

adjusted post test means of Ladder training group, Plyometric


Figure 1.4

The Ladder training group showed an improvement of 2.54% and 2.83% on speed and


showed an improvement of 3.2% and 4.12 % on speed and agility during the same training

Pre test Post test Adjusted Post test

11.36 11.32

11.6

11.15 11.16

11.61 11.58 11.61

Ladder Plyometric Control


CI

0.13

0.13

0.13



were found between Ladder Training group and Plyometric Training group in

Kho players. Therefore twelve weeks of Plyometric Training

Kho players.

adjusted post test means of Ladder training group, Plyometric

training group and control group on speed were graphically represented in the figure- 1.4.

% on speed and


speed and agility during the same training



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programme of twelve weeks. Control group had not showed any improvement during the

whole course of twelve weeks training programme. The improvement on speed and agility

among Ladder training group and Plyometric training group was due to the different

intensities in training of both the groups. The finding of the study is also in agreement with

the finding of the previous study, Chandrakumar and Ramesh (2015) conducted a study to

find out effect of ladder drill and SAQ training on speed and agility among sports badminton

players. Based on the result of their study it was revealed that Ladder drill and SAQ training

significantly improved the speed and agility among sports club’s badminton players.

Sukumar (2017) determined the effect of twelve weeks of Plyometric training on agility

among netball players. Based on the result of their study that plyometric training produce

significant improvement on agility as compared to control group.

Conclusions

From the results of the study and discussion the following conclusions were drawn.

1. There is a significant difference on speed and agility between all the groups.

2. There is a significance improvement on speed and agility due to Ladder training

group and Plyometric training group.

Recommendations

1. Similar study may be conducted for various age groups.

2. The same study may be extended to further time period.

3. The present study is mainly focused on males only. The same study may be done on

females.

References

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