HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 235

A basketball player wants to improve their vertical jump and overall court performance. Their trainer suggests incorporating both free weights and plyometric exercises into their strength training program.

Explain how these two strength training methods would enhance the basketball player's power development and jumping ability. (4 marks)

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Free weights create resistance that stimulates muscle hypertrophy and strength development in major muscle groups.
Progressive overload occurs because muscles must adapt by recruiting additional fast-twitch fibres for increased movement demands.
Increased strength leads to greater force production capacity essential for explosive jumping movements on court.
Plyometric exercises involve rapid stretch-shortening cycles that develop reactive power through eccentric-concentric muscle contractions.
This mechanism enhances the muscle’s elastic recoil properties and faster force generation during basketball takeoff phases.
Therefore combining both methods optimises strength and reactive power for significantly improved vertical jump performance.

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Free weights create resistance that stimulates muscle hypertrophy and strength development in major muscle groups.
Progressive overload occurs because muscles must adapt by recruiting additional fast-twitch fibres for increased movement demands.
Increased strength leads to greater force production capacity essential for explosive jumping movements on court.
Plyometric exercises involve rapid stretch-shortening cycles that develop reactive power through eccentric-concentric muscle contractions.
This mechanism enhances the muscle’s elastic recoil properties and faster force generation during basketball takeoff phases.
Therefore combining both methods optimises strength and reactive power for significantly improved vertical jump performance.