This study aimed to compare the effect of integrating weightlifting (WL) resistance training or plyometric training for 8 weeks on physical performance among elite male junior table tennis players. Forty-five players were randomly divided into 3 groups. A WL resistance training group (n = 15), plyometric (P) group (n = 15), and a control (C) group (n = 15). Weightlifting group and P group were trained for 8 weeks (2 sessions per week with 3 different exercises each time) in addition to the usual practice of table tennis during the preparatory phase, whereas the C group continued classical table tennis training sessions. Subjects were tested for 5-m sprint time, change of direction (CD) test on a 20-m "T" shape course, jumping tests such as standing long jump, squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump, hang grip, and 1 repetition maximum strength tests as the bench press and back squat before (T0) and after (T1) the training program. There was no statistical difference between the 3 groups before the beginning of the training program. After the 8-week training program, only P and WL groups significantly improved their performances for all the tests. Combining all the tests, the WL group had larger improvement (12.6 vs. 8.2%) and effect sizes (1.88 vs. 1.22) than the P group. Thus, WL training seems more efficient than P training to improve neuromuscular performance of table tennis players, especially for a sport-specific table tennis change-of-direction test such as the 20-m CD test.
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