Drop sets effects on maximum dynamic strength, jumping ability and acceleration in female basketball players

Abstract

The aim of this research was to quantify the effects of the inclusion of drop set training (DS) on maximum dynamic strength (1RM) in back squat, jump ability (CMJ) and speed (10m) in female basketball players. For this purpose, 25 participants (22.59 ± 3.73 years) of two amateur teams were examined in three times: initial assessment (T0), after six weeks of traditional lower limbs strength training without DS (T1), and after an additional six weeks incorporating DS training (T2). Bonferroni post-hoc test identified statical differences from 1RM: T0-T1 (p = .000, ES = 0.61), T0-T2 (p = .000; ES = 1.18) and T1-T2 (p = .000; ES = 0.57). Differences were also identified in CMJ between T0-T1 (p = .000, ES = 1.04) and T0-T2 (p = .000; ES = 1.31), and in 10m between T0 and T2 (p = .005; ES = 0.66). These results suggest the limited effectiveness of DS training compared to traditional strength training, conducted for 6 weeks each, in improving performance in jumping and acceleration actions in amateur female basketball players.