Less training, better improvement: effects of velocity-based complex training on lower-limb maximal strength and explosive performance in highly-trained volleyball athletes

The concurrent development of strength and power is considered effective for improving jump performance in athletes.Although previous studies have examined the effects of unilateral and bilateral training, there is a lack of systematic research comparing the impact of these two training modes within the framework of Complex-Contrast Training (CCT) on female volleyball players. This study aimed to compare the effects of Unilateral Complex-Contrast Training (UCCT) and Bilateral Complex-Contrast Training (BCCT) on lower limb strength and jump performance in collegiate female volleyball athletes. A total of 16 female volleyball players were randomly assigned to either the UCCT group (n = 8) or the BCCT group (n = 8) using a random number-based randomization method. The training intervention consisted of 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks.Before and after the intervention, participants underwent a series of standardized tests, including Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Squat Jump (SJ), Drop Jump (DJ), Eccentric Utilization Rate (EUR), Standing Long Jump (SLJ), and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat. Statistical analysis was conducted using JASP version 0.18.3.0 with a 2 (group) × 2 (time) two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed significant main effects of time (p < 0.001) for CMJ, DJ, SLJ, and 1-RM squat, while SJ and EUR did not exhibit significant improvements. A significant time × group interaction was found for CMJ (p = 0.009), and simple effects analysis indicated that the UCCT group showed a more pronounced improvement. No significant main effects of group or time × group interaction effects were observed for the other variables. Overall, UCCT demonstrated similar effects to BCCT in improving horizontal jump performance and maximal lower limb strength, but showed a greater advantage in enhancing vertical jump performance.

The concurrent development of strength and power is considered effective for improving jump performance in athletes.Although previous studies have examined the effects of unilateral and bilateral training, there is a lack of systematic research comparing the impact of these two training modes within the framework of Complex-Contrast Training (CCT) on female volleyball players. This study aimed to compare the effects of Unilateral Complex-Contrast Training (UCCT) and Bilateral Complex-Contrast Training (BCCT) on lower limb strength and jump performance in collegiate female volleyball athletes. A total of 16 female volleyball players were randomly assigned to either the UCCT group (n = 8) or the BCCT group (n = 8) using a random number-based randomization method. The training intervention consisted of 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks.Before and after the intervention, participants underwent a series of standardized tests, including Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Squat Jump (SJ), Drop Jump (DJ), Eccentric Utilization Rate (EUR), Standing Long Jump (SLJ), and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat. Statistical analysis was conducted using JASP version 0.18.3.0 with a 2 (group) × 2 (time) two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed significant main effects of time (p < 0.001) for CMJ, DJ, SLJ, and 1-RM squat, while SJ and EUR did not exhibit significant improvements. A significant time × group interaction was found for CMJ (p = 0.009), and simple effects analysis indicated that the UCCT group showed a more pronounced improvement. No significant main effects of group or time × group interaction effects were observed for the other variables. Overall, UCCT demonstrated similar effects to BCCT in improving horizontal jump performance and maximal lower limb strength, but showed a greater advantage in enhancing vertical jump performance.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a 10-week plyometric training (PT) on changes of direction, jumping ability, repeated sprint ability, and both muscular strength and power in youth female handball players. Twenty-eight participants (age: 15.8 ± 0.2 years) were randomly divided into a plyometric group (PG; n = 14) or a control group (CG; n = 14). Significant (group × time) interaction was noted for change of direction (COD) [Modified agility T-test (T-half)], three jumping tests [squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ)], repeated sprint ability (RSA), muscular strength (1-RM bench press and 1-RM half squat) and muscular power (force-velocity test for both upper and lower limb). With a group × time interaction, the PG enhanced the T-half performance [p < 0.001, Δ = 10.4, d = 1.95 (large)] compared to the CG. The PG enhanced the jump performance over SJ [p = 0.009, Δ = 18.3, d = 0.72 (medium)], CMJ [p = 0.005, Δ = 20.7, d = 0.79 (medium)] and SLJ [p < 0.001, Δ = 24.5, d = 2.25 (large)]. Three of four RSA scores increased significantly in the PG compared to the CG [p < 0.001, Δ = 2.76, d = 1.11 (large); p < 0.001, Δ = 2.72, d = 1.23 (large); and p < 0.001, Δ = 2.75, d = 1.21 (large), in best time (RSA-BT), mean time (RSA-MT) and total time (RSA-TT), respectively]. In contrast, group × time interactions revealed no significant differences in both 1-RM bench press and 1-RM half squat performance between PG and CG. Regarding the force velocity performance, the PG enhanced 3 of 4 force velocity scores for the upper limb performance [p < 0.001, d = 1 (large); p < 0.001, d = 1.13 (large) and p = 0.012, d = 0.72 (medium) for the peak power in these two forms (W and W·kg-1), and maximal pedalling velocity, respectively], and 2 of 4 force velocity scores for the lower limb performance [p = 0.045, d = 0.56 (medium); and p = 0.021, d = 0.65 (medium) for the peak power in these two forms (W and W·kg-1), respectively]. It was concluded that additional PT performed two times per week during 10 weeks enhances measures related to game performance, such as COD, jump ability, RSA, and power in youth female handball players.

Ramirez-Campillo, R, Alvarez, C, Gentil, P, Loturco, I, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, Izquierdo, M, Moran, J, Nakamura, FY, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Sequencing effects of plyometric training applied before or after regular soccer training on measures of physical fitness in young players. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1959-1966, 2020-To compare the effects of short-term (i.e., 7 weeks) plyometric jump training applied before (PJT-B) or after (PJT-A) soccer practice on components of physical fitness in young soccer players, a single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Postpubertal boys aged 17.0 ± 0.5 years were allocated to 3 groups: PJT-B (n = 12), PJT-A (n = 14), and control (CON; n = 12). The outcome measures included tests to evaluate 20-m speed, standing long jump (SLJ), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ), 20-m multistage shuttle run endurance (MSSRT), and Illinois change-of-direction speed (ICODT). Although the CON performed soccer-specific training, the PJT-A and PJT-B groups conducted the same soccer-specific sessions but replaced ∼11% of their time with plyometric training. The PJT-B group performed plyometric exercises after a warm-up program, and the PJT-A group conducted plyometric exercises ∼10 minutes after the completion of soccer training. Analyses of variance were used to detect differences between groups in all variables for pretraining and posttraining tests. Main effects of time (all p < 0.01; d = 0.19-0.79) and group × time interactions (all p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.17-0.76) were observed for all examined variables. Post hoc analyses revealed significant increases in the PJT-B group (SLJ: 9.4%, d = 1.7; CMJ: 11.2%, d = 0.75; 20-m MSSRT: 9.0%, d = 0.77) and the PJT-A group (SLJ: 3.1%, d = 0.7; CMJ: 4.9%, d = 0.27; 20-m MSSRT: 9.0%, d = 0.76). Post hoc analyses also revealed significant increases in the PJT-B group (20-m speed: -7.4%, d = 0.75; 20-cm DJ reactive strength index: 19.1%, d = 1.4; SJ: 6.3%, d = 0.44; ICODT results: -4.2%, d = 1.1). In general, our study revealed that plyometric training is effective in improving measures of physical fitness in young male soccer players when combined with regular soccer training. More specifically, larger training-induced effects on physical fitness were registered if plyometric training was conducted before soccer-specific training.

Objectives: Plyometric training is a well-established method for enhancing jump performance in basketball and volleyball athletes but has certain limitations. Kettlebell training may provide a viable alternative as it mimics key biomechanical aspects of jumping, like explosive hip and knee extension during a ballistic hip–hinge pattern. Because evidence remains limited, this study aimed to compare the effects of both training methods. Methods: Thirty-eight volleyball and basketball club athletes (age: 22 (4.3); male = 29, female = 9) completed this study. Countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), drop jump (DJ), body fat percentage (FM), and muscle mass percentage (MM) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The participants were assigned to one of three groups: a kettlebell training group (KbG), a plyometric training group (PG), or a control group (CG). Both the KbG and PG completed two supervised 25-min training sessions per week for six weeks, while the CG did not engage in any additional training intervention. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in CMJ, SJ, and DJ performance between the groups before the intervention. Significant differences in change between the groups from pre- to post-test were found for the SJ (p = 0.006), but not for the DJ (p = 0.06), CMJ (p = 0.26), FM (p = 0.9), and MM (p = 0.55). Pairwise comparisons revealed significantly greater positive change in the KbG than in the CG for the SJ (p = 0.003) and DJ (p = 0.03). Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in the KbG for the CMJ (p = 0.04), SJ (p < 0.001), and DJ (p = 0.003) performance, whereas FM and MM did not change. Within the PG and CG, no significant change occurred. Conclusions: Kettlebell training effectively improved jump performance and may therefore serve as a valuable component within strength and conditioning programs for basketball and volleyball athletes.

This meta-analysis examined the effects of plyometric training (PT) and resistance training (RT) on lower limb explosive power and speed quality in athletes, including lower limb jumping and short-distance sprinting abilities. Empirical studies investigating the PT and RT effect on lower limb explosive power were identified using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSOC, and CNKI databases. Heterogeneity testing and potential publication bias assessment were conducted using STATA 15 and Review Manager 5.4. There were 20 articles included, involving 457 participants (230 in the PT group and 227 in the RT group). The meta-analysis results indicated no significant difference in countermovement jump (CMJ) between PT and RT groups (SMD = -1.03; 95% CI = -5.20 - 3.14). Additionally, no significant differences were found between the two training methods for standing long jump (SLJ) (MD = -0.04; 95% CI = 0.00 - 0.09), squat jump (SJ) (MD = -0.79; 95% CI = 1.79 - 0.22), 10-m sprint (MD = -0.02; 95% CI = -0.06 - 0.02), and 30-m sprint (MD = -0.02; 95% CI = -0.15 - 0.11). However, PT and RT comparisons revealed a significant difference between the 5-m sprint (MD = -0.03; 95% CI = -0.05 - 0.00) and the 20-m sprint (MD = -0.05; 95% CI = -0.09 - 0.01). This meta-analysis demonstrated that relative to RT, PT significantly improved the sprinting abilities of athletes at 5-m and 20-m distances. However, no significant differences were observed in sprinting at 10 and 30 meters, CMJ, SLJ, and SJ, indicating consistent effects of PT and RT on jumping performance.

ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effects of two versus three weekly PT sessions on strength and jump performance in competitive jumpers, and to examine associations between delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and week-to-week performance changes.MethodsThirty-nine male regional-level high and long jump athletes (17–23 years) completed a 4-week non-randomized observational cohort study. In Week 1 all performed two PT sessions; from Week 2, athletes continued with either two sessions per week (n = 19) or increased to three (n = 20). In Week 4, both groups reduced to two weekly sessions as part of a taper, such that Week-4 outcomes reflect shared recovery rather than continued frequency differences. Assessments at baseline and Weeks 1–4 included isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and standing long jump (SLJ). DOMS was recorded weekly. Mixed-design ANOVAs tested group × time effects, and participant-level correlations examined DOMS associations with performance changes.ResultsSignificant main effects of time were found for IMTP, SLJ, CMJ, and SJ (all p < 0.001). The 2×/week group showed steady improvements in IMTP and SLJ, while the 3×/week group experienced early decrements during intensified loading, followed by recovery in Week 4 during the taper phase. Participant-level analyses revealed significant negative correlations between DOMS and ΔIMTP (r = −0.38, 95% CI [–0.53, −0.21]) and ΔSLJ (r = −0.63, 95% CI [–0.73, −0.50]); weaker associations were observed for ΔCMJ (r = −0.21, 95% CI [–0.37, −0.03]) but not for ΔSJ.ConclusionTraining twice weekly promoted more consistent gains, while three weekly sessions induced transient impairments linked to higher DOMS. Week-4 convergence reflected taper-related recovery rather than sustained frequency effects. Monitoring soreness may help coaches optimize load and recovery in jump athletes.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) in school settings has been much less studied in adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of HIIT on health-related fitness in adolescents. The total sample consisted of 60 adolescents (age 16.33 ± 0.62 years) from secondary Grammar school, randomly divided into two groups: the experimental (EG) (30) and the control group (CG) (30). The experimental program (12-weeks; 2 times per week) involved two Tabata sessions during one physical education class lasting 4 min each. Participants were tested for health-related fitness components-cardiorespiratory fitness (The Shuttle Run Test (SRT) and strength, hand grip test, standing long jump (SLJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ). Both the EG and the CG experienced significant positive changes in SRT (meters) and VO2max values compared to baseline value (p < 0.05), however, the increase in the EG was significantly higher than that in the CG (SRT - ηp 2 = 0.111; VO2max - ηp 2 = 0.111, p < 0.01). The EG showed significant improvement in SRT (meters) and VO2max values compared to the CG (p < 0.01). Regarding the hand grip test results, a significant time × group interaction was found only for right hand (p < 0.01). Moreover, the improvements in SLJ and CMJ values was greater in EG than that in the CG group (SLJ- ηp 2 = 0.182; CMJ- ηp 2 = 0.112, p < 0.01). Findings indicate that HIIT implemented into physical education classes can result in significant improvements in selected health related fitness components in adolescents.

BackgroundBoxing performance heavily relies on lower-limb strength and power. Velocity-based resistance training (VBT), which adjusts load and repetition volume using real-time velocity feedback, may provide a more individualized and effective approach compared to traditional percentage-based training (PBT). However, its long-term effect on boxing-specific performance outcomes remains underexplored.MethodsTwenty-eight male collegiate boxers were randomly assigned to a VBT group (n = 14) or a PBT group (n = 14) for an 8-week training program. Both groups performed four sets of each exercise (back squat, Bulgarian split-squat, and deadlift) at 70% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). The VBT group performed a flexible number of repetitions until their velocity dropped below a 10% threshold, whereas the PBT group consistently performed sets of 5 repetition. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 1RM strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, standing long jump (SLJ) distance, and 30 m sprint run time.ResultsAll dependent variables demonstrated significant main effects of “time” (p < 0.001; averaged Hedges’ g = 0.44 for VBT group and 0.23 for PBT group). Notably, significant “time” × “group” interactions were observed for the CMJ, SLJ, and 30 m sprint run (p ≤ 0.038), whereas no significant interactions were found for 1RM strength measures across exercises (p ≥ 0.163). Furthermore, when comparing the magnitude of changes between groups, the VBT group exhibited small effect size improvements in CMJ height (Hedges’ g = 0.41), SLJ distance (Hedges’ g = 0.56), and 30 m sprint time (Hedges’ g = 0.51). In contrast, all other variables only showed trivial (Hedges’ g < 0.20) differences between groups.ConclusionBoth training programs led to comparable improvements in maximal strength (1RM) across exercises. However, VBT was more effective than PBT in enhancing performance in high-velocity tasks such as vertical and horizontal jumps and sprinting. These findings support the use of VBT to optimize neuromuscular adaptations relevant to explosive actions in male collegiate boxers.

ABSTRACTBeliefs that lunar phases affect human physiology started in ancient times. Research has recently revealed that a physical fitness index increased in sedentary students at the new moon (NM) and full moon (FM) compared to other moon phases. However, the effect of lunar cycle (moon illumination and gravitational pull) on physical performance in athletes was not examined. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether short-term explosive performance can be influenced by the different phases of the lunar cycle. Fourteen young male Taekwondo athletes (age: 16.9 ± 0.7 years, height: 159.7 ± 50.6 cm, body mass: 62.85 ± 7.84 kg) performed the following tests to assess the explosive physical performance during the different phases of the lunar cycle (NM, FQ (first quarter), FM, and LQ (last quarter)): maximal isometric manual contraction (dominant hand (MIMCD) and non-dominant hand (MIMCND)), maximal back isometric contraction (MBIC), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10-m sprint (10 m). The testing sessions during the different moon phases were performed in a counterbalanced order. The order of tests remained the same (MIMCD, MIMCND, MBIC, SJ, CMJ, and 10 m), and all sessions were performed in the evening (6:00 to 8:00 p.m.) on the first day of each evaluated lunar phase. Each parameter was measured over two consecutive lunar months in the calendar. Analysis of variance tests showed that there was no significant effect of lunar cycle on all explosive test measures, p > 0.05. Our results failed to identify any effect of lunar phase on evening explosive performance (mainly involving phosphagen pathway-based efforts) among young trained athletes. Therefore, it appears that moon phase/illumination does not affect short-term physical performance in young trained adolescents.

Beliefs in lunar effect on human physiology and behavior started back in ancient times. Outcomes recently revealed that (i) aggressive behavior increased around full moon (FM), and (ii) a physical fitness index increased in sedentary students at new moon (NM) and FM compared to other moon phases. This has been attributed to the alteration of cardiovascular parameters (i.e., heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) which were affected by the gravitational pull of the moon. However, there was no attention on the effect of lunar cycle (moon illumination and Gravitational pull) on physical performance in athletes. PURPOSE: to evaluate whether short-term explosive performance can be influenced by the different phases of lunar cycle. METHODS: Methods: Fourteen young male taekwondo athletes (Age: 16.9±0.7years, Height: 159.7±50.6 cm, Body Mass: 62.85±7.84 kg, Body Fat: 10.9±4.7) performed: squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10-m sprint tests to assess explosive physical performance during the different phases of the lunar cycle (NM, FQ (First Quarter), FM, and LQ (Last Quarter). The testing sessions at the different moon phases were performed in a counterbalanced order. Tests’ order was kept the same (SJ, CMJ, then 10-m sprint) and all sessions were performed at evening times (6:00 to 8:00 p.m.) on the first day of each concerned lunar phase. Each parameter was measured over two consecutive lunar months in the calendar (April and May 2016). Astronomical data (lunar phases) were acquired from the United States Naval Observatory astronomical applications department data services (http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/). RESULTS: ANOVA showed that there was no significant lunar cycle effect for all explosive tests measures F(3, 93)=1.834; p>0.05; ηp2=0.124. CONCLUSIONS: Moon phases did not affect evening explosive performances (mainly phosphagens’ pathway based efforts) among young trained athletes. Therefore, it seems that moon phase/illumination do not have an effect on short term physical performance in young trained adolescents. Future studies may evaluate whether High Intensity (predominance of the “glycolytic pathway” in addition to the “phosphagen’s pathway”) and Endurance (predominance of “oxidative phosphorylation”), performances would be affected by lunar cycle in athletes.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of unilateral and bilateral training program on changes in the level of speed and speed-strength abilities. Methods: Experimental group 1 (EG1) consisted of 8 young athletes (age = 12.76±1.55 years) and experimental group 2 (EG2) consisted of 8 athletes (age = 12.51±1.59 years) who regularly participate in the training process at a frequency of three times a week. All of our athletes had more than 4 years experiences with regular athletic training 3 times per week prior to this study. During a period of 8 weeks in the preparatory period, such exercises were applied which were performed unilaterally in EG1 and bilaterally in EG2. To determine the effectiveness of take-off training on change in the level of speed and speed-strength abilities, the following tests were performed: relative strength index (RSI), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), 20 m run from standing start. Results: We found out that in the posttest, the athletes of both groups achieved an improvement in the explosive strength of the lower extremities as well as in the acceleration speed. A significant improvement (p&lt;0.05) was recorded in EG1 in SLJ and in EG2 in RSI. The effect size coefficients showed a large effect in RSI in EG2 and in SLJ in EG1. Conclusion: The results clearly did not confirm a higher effect of the unilateral program in comparison with the bilateral program, but indicated a higher efficiency, especially in the take-off explosiveness of athletes with a unilateral training program.

Study aim The study compared the effects of speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training performed on grass versus sand surfaces on improvements in sprinting, jumping, and change of direction speed (CODS). Materials and methods Twenty-four male university soccer players were randomly assigned to SAQ training on grass or sand surfaces. The intervention lasted four weeks with a weekly frequency of two sessions. The variables assessed were 30-m linear sprint, CODS, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ; jump height, ground contact time [GCT], reactive strength index [RSI]), squat jump (SJ), standing long jump (SLJ), and triple-hop distance. A two-by-two mixed design ANOVA was used to analyze the training effects. Results A significant positive main effect of time was observed for CMJ, DJ, and SJ height (p &lt; 0.001) and triple-hop distance, with significant pre-to-post improvement in both groups (all p &lt; 0.001). In addition, a negative main effect of time was observed for DJ GCT and DJ RSI (p = &lt;0.001–0.024), with a significant increase in DJ GCT for both groups but a significant decrease in DJ RSI only for the group training on sand. No main effect of time was found for the 30-m linear sprint, CODS, or SLJ distance (p = 0.080–0.792). An interaction effect on CMJ height was noted (p = 0.027), favoring the group training on the sand surface. Conclusion SAQ training on grass and sand surfaces showed similar improvements in the DJ, SJ, and triple-hop performance. However, compared to the grass surface, training on the sand surface induced greater improvements in CMJ but showed negative effects on DJ RSI.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-activation potentiation (PAP) effects following eccentric overload (EOL) and traditional weightlifting (TW) exercise on standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 5 m sprint acceleration performance. Ten male athletes were involved in a randomized, crossover study. The subjects performed 3 sets of 6 repetitions of EOL or TW half squat exercise followed by SLJ, CMJ, and 5 m sprint tests at 1 min, 3 min and 7 min, in separate sessions using a randomized order. Bayes factor (BF10) was reported to show the strength of the evidence. Differences were found using EOL for SLJ distance at 3 min (BF10 = 7.24, +8%), and 7 min (BF10 = 19.5, +7%), for CMJ at 3 min (BF10 = 3.25, +9%), and 7 min (BF10 = 4.12, +10.5%). Differences were found using TW exercise for SLJ at 3 min (BF10 = 3.88, +9%), and 7 min (BF10 = 12.4, +9%), CMJ at 3 min (BF10 = 7.42, +9.5%), and 7 min (BF10 = 12.4, +12%). No meaningful differences were found between EOL and TW exercises for SLJ (BF10 = 0.33), CMJ (BF10 = 0.27), and 5 m sprint (BF10 = 0.22). In conclusion, EOL and TW exercises acutely increase SLJ and CMJ, but not 5 m sprint performance. The PAP time window was found between 3 min and 7 min using both protocols. This study did not find differences between EOL and TW exercises, and so both methodologies can be used to stimulate a PAP response.

This study aimed to compare the effects of two elastic band 10-week training programmes on the athletic performance in adolescent female handball players. Participants aged 16.0 ± 0.5 years were randomly assigned to control (CNT, n = 12), standard elastic band (SEB, n = 12), or contrast elastic band (CEB, n = 12) programmes, each performed twice a week supplementing the regular training. The sprint (10 m and 20 m), modified Illinois change-of-direction test (COD), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), back extensor strength (BES), medicine ball throw (MBT), 1-RM bench press, 1-RM half squat, repeated sprint ability, and force-velocity (F-V) tests were measured before and after the intervention. Both CEB and SEB similarly improved sprint (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01) and COD (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) when compared to CNT. Jumping performance improved significantly (SJ p < 0.01; CMJ p < 0.05) only in CEB, compared to CNT. Strength improved in both experimental groups (p < 0.01; ES: 0.73 < d < 1.59) compared to CNT, and there was a greater increase for CEB than SEB (p < 0.05) in the medicine ball throw (Table 3). Both CEB and SEB increased all RSA scores compared to CNT (p < 0.01; ES: 0.10 < d < 1.22), without significant difference between them. All F-V scores increased significantly in CEB and SEB compared to CNT (p < 0.01; ES: 0.45 < d < 2.47). In addition, CEB showed substantial gains in performance for PPabs, PPrel, and F0 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared to SEB. Ten-week elastic band training conducted within the competitive season improved limb strength, power and F-V profile in female handball players, with a superior effect of the contrast elastic band training mode for upper-limb strength and F-V characteristics.