Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether ballistic resis
tance training would increase the vertical jump (VJ) performance of already
highly trained jump athletes. Methods: Sixteen male volleyball players fro
m a NCAA Division I team participated in the study. A Vertec was used to me
asure standing vertical jump and reach (SJR) and jump and reach from a thre
e-step approach (AJR). Several types of vertical jump tests were also perfo
rmed on a Plyometric Power System and a forceplate to measure force, veloci
ty, and power production during vertical jumping. The subjects completed th
e tests and were then randomly divided into two groups, control and treatme
nt, All subjects completed the usual preseason volleyball on-court training
combined with a resistance training program. In addition, the treatment gr
oup completed 8 wk of squat jump training while the control group completed
squat and leg press exercises at a 6RM load. Both groups were retested at
the completion of the training period. Results: The treatment group produce
d a significant increase in both SJR and AJR of 5.9 +/- 3.1% and 6.3 +/- 5.
1%, respectively. These increases were significantly greater than the pre-
to postchanges produced by the control group, which were not significant fo
r either jump. Analysis of the data from the various other jump tests sugge
sted increased overall force output during jumping, and in particular incre
ased rate of force development were the main contributors to the increased
jump height. Conclusions: These results lend support to the effectiveness o
f ballistic resistance training for improving vertical jump performance in
elite jump athletes.