The Effectiveness of Plyometric Training and SAQ Training on Base Running Speed and Agility among TARUC Softball Players

Kok, Mei Yi (2020) The Effectiveness of Plyometric Training and SAQ Training on Base Running Speed and Agility among TARUC Softball Players. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Softball is a bat-and-ball sport that is played between two teams on a small diamond-shaped area with 60 foot (18.29 metres) baselines. The objective of the softball game is to hit the ball with a bat and run around the four bases in infield. On the other hand, speed and agility both plays an important role in a softball game, especially during base running. Speed is the ability to cover a distance in a short amount of time. Moreover, agility is one’s ability to accelerate (start), decelerate and stabilize (stop), and changes direction efficiently and quickly while maintaining control of the body. Other than that, speed and agility can make a great improvement in softball player’s performance, such as the player can run around the bases in a shorter amount of time and more efficiently. Besides that, plyometric training includes exercises that generate quickly and powerfully that involves explosive concentric muscle contraction preceded by an eccentric muscle action. Not to mention, SAQ training is able to develop basic motor skills to enhance athlete’s ability to be more skilled at faster speeds and with greater precision. The subjects were randomly assigned into three groups: Plyometric training group (n = 10), SAQ training group (n = 10), Control group (n = 9). Plyometric and SAQ group underwent 6-weeks of training for twice a week. A one-way ANOVA demonstrated differences between groups (p<.05), paired sample T-test to determine the significant difference in pre-test and posttest mean scores within groups. Results showed no significant difference between pretest and posttest mean scores for plyometric group and SAQ group. It concluded that both intervention groups showed no significant improvement after 6 weeks intervention program.