The effect of four weeks of plyometric single-leg hurdle hops with backward run on shooting speed in student futsal players

In the sport of futsal, enhancing shooting speed is crucial for performance, yet there is a lack of targeted training methods that effectively improve this skill among student players. This study aimed to analyze the effect of plyometric single-leg hurdle hops combined with backward run training on shooting speed in student futsal players. A quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach was employed. The population consisted of 25 student futsal players, and the sample included 15 players with a mean age of 14.67 ± 0.49 years, height of 160.73 ± 4.46 cm, weight of 50.20 ± 5.93 kg, and BMI of 19.42 ± 2.02, selected using purposive sampling. Shooting speed was measured using a camera, and the recordings were analyzed with the Kinovea application. The results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in shooting speed following the training program. The mean shooting speed improved from 28.3±2.02 m/s in the pretest to 30.4±2.20 m/s in the posttest, with a mean difference of 2.04±1.98 m/s and a 2-tailed significance value of 0.001 (< 0.05). In conclusion, plyometric single-leg hurdle hops combined with backward run training significantly improved shooting speed in student futsal players.