Six contractile styles predominate plyometric training. They are rapid response, controlled power, isometric reloading, buoyant, stick, and the soft style. The first three are for production and reduction, and the last three are landing only. Coaches can manipulate the rate of eccentric action, concentric exchange time, joint emphasis, and range of motion. Before it was just the choices of visual barrier heights, type of jump, and run up speed, and possible external loads- Now it’s about specific contractile types. I thought the details were hyper-specific and overthinking at first but after seeing the contact volumes stay high and the joint and connective tissue soreness low, I realized that the jump coaches were understanding the need to keep the movement precise in order to keep athletes healthy. I use to think that art of jump training was about power, now I think it’s about power without pain.
