Effect of a 6-Week Upper Body Plyometric Training Program on Upper Body Balance, Strength, and Explosive Power in Adolescent Cricket Players

This study aims to investigate the effect of a six-week upper-body plyometric training program on upper-body strength, explosive power, and dynamic balance in adolescent cricket players. Forty participants will be selected according to the inclusion criteria. These participants will be divided into two groups: an intervention group (20) and a control group(20). Outcome measures that will be used to assess these parameters are the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test, Seated Medicine Ball Throw, Backward Overhead Medicine Ball Throw, and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. The protocol for the intervention group consists of six exercises which are: Two handed overhead soccer throw using a 2 kg medicine ball, Two handed chest pass using a 3 kg medicine ball, Two handed side throw using 3 kg medicine ball, One handed baseball throw with the use of 1 kg medicine ball, 90/90 external rotation side throws using a 1 kg medicine ball and Decceleration baseball throws using 1 kg medicine ball.  The volume (sets*repetitions) for the training throughout the six weeks will be: 3*10 for 1-2 weeks, 3*15 for 3-4 weeks, and 3*20 for 5-6 weeks. During this period, the control group will continue with their regular practice sessions. The outcome measures will be taken at the baseline and after six weeks. It is hypothesised that the plyometric training program will result in significant improvements in the parameters of adolescent cricket players.