This study aimed to assess the impact of resistance training using elastic bands on the sprint and vertical jump performances of female volleyball players aged 14 to 16 years. An 8-week elastic band training regimen comprising 10 stations was implemented to enhance lower extremity strength in the athletes. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the elastic band group (EB) (n=10) and the control group (CG) (n=12). Anthropometric measurements, vertical jump, and 20-meter sprint performances were conducted for the participants' pre-tests. Eight weeks later, the participants' post-tests were administered and the measurements were finalized. A comparison of the pre-test and post-test data for the elastic band group revealed a statistically significant difference in vertical jump (p = 0.000) and body weight (p = 0.031), while no statistically significant difference was observed in the 20 m sprint parameter (p=0.308; p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between the pre-test EB body weight (58.75±11.29) and the post-test (58.36±8.35). No statistically significant difference was observed between the pre-test (3.60±0.20) and post-test (3.54±0.24) results of the 20 m sprint. No statistically significant difference was observed between the vertical jump pre-test (29.29 cm ± 4.55) and post-test (31.67 cm ± 5.24) results of EB. Comparing the CG pre-test (53.37±8.35) and post-test (57.48±7.62) values revealed statistically significant differences in body weight (p=0.003) and 20-meter sprint (p=0.002), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed in vertical jump (p=0.655). A statistically significant difference was observed in body weight between the pre-test (58.37±8.35) and post-test (57.48±7.62). The 20-meter sprint pre-test (3.58 sec ± 0.30) and post-test (3.64 sec ± 0.29) speed parameters exhibited a significant difference. The vertical jump pre-test measured at 31.37 ± 3.46 and the post-test at 31.35 ± 3.48, indicating no statistically significant difference in the vertical jump parameter. Analyzing the physical and physiological parameters of body weight in the EB group, it can be concluded that the athletes experienced a reduction in body weight, accompanied by a decrease in the level of physical variance within the group (0.031). No significant difference in sprint performance was observed (0.308). A significant rise and differentiation were observed in the vertical jump parameter (0.000). Analyzing the physical and physiological parameters of CG body weight, it is evident that the athletes' body weight diminished from the pre-test (58.37±8.35) to the post-test (57.48±7.62), indicating a reduction in the level of physical variance within the group. The 20-meter sprint performance exhibited a decline from the pre-test (3.58) to the post-test (3.64). No substantial difference was observed in vertical jump performance (0.655).
Elastic band, speed, training, vertical jump, volleyball