Short-Term Effects of Repeated-Sprint Training on Vertical Jump Ability and Aerobic Fitness in Collegiate Volleyball Players During Pre-Season.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of repeated-sprint training (RST) on vertical jump ability and aerobic power in college volleyball players. Nineteen male volleyball players, aged between 18-24 years, were randomized into the RST group (RST; = 10) and control group (CG; = 9). The RST included 2-3 sets of 6×30m all-out sprints, twice per week, in addition to the regular training routine. The control group performed only the regular volleyball training sessions (i.e. mainly of technical-tactical drills). All players performed a maximal graded treadmill test, vertical countermovement jump (CMJ), and repeated-vertical jump ability (RVJA) test before and after 6-weeks of the training program. The following variables were determined from the RVJA: peak (RVJA), average (RVJA), and rate of decrement (RVJA). A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed an interaction effect on CMJ ( = 6.92; = 0.018; = 0.289), RVJA ( = 4.92; = 0.040; = 0.225), maximal oxygen uptake ( = 9.29; = 0.007; = 0.353) and maximal speed attained in the treadmill test ( = 8.66; = 0.009; = 0.337), with significant improvements only on the RST group. In conclusion, RST, twice per week, improved RVJA and aerobic power in comparison to regular skill-based volleyball training.