Interesting. Do you have data on the SVJ/RVJ and strength numbers of the athletes before the test? My point of view has always been:
1) Athlete is weak and slow: Plyometrics are of little use
2) Athlete is moderately strong: Plyometrics are useful but weighted plyometrics are not.
3) Athlete is strong reactive and does not carry extra bodyfat: Plyometrics and weighted plyometrics are useful.
Obviously the scale is continuous. But the point is basically the more advanced the trainee is the more helpful weighted plyos are. I think of weighted plyos sort of like depth jumps from a large height. For advanced athletes they are great. For beginners they are simply a fast track to injury.
ya, that's why on here you'll catch alot of us talking about "low level reactive work", stuff like repetitive tuck jumps, pogos, line hop drills, etc.. i like those for beginners or any experience level, as long as they do not carry a high body fat % and are healthy, it's good to get in some rebounding training even if you're weak, but the intensity of the rebound training has to be low if you're weak... people who are really weak trying to perform depth jumps, bounds, etc, are asking for problems.. however, i consider low box dj's as safe for beginners, like 12" boxes etc.. any level of athlete will benefit from light rebound training, it still reinforces improvements in rfd/SEC efficiency.
pC
