Effects of accentuated eccentric loading on explosive strength and agility in basketball players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Basketball performance depends on the development of physical qualities that support fast and efficient movement. Explosive strength and agility contribute to rapid acceleration, jumping, and changes in direction during gameplay. Despite the use of various training methods, their relative effectiveness in improving these qualities remains a subject of practical interest. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Accentuated Eccentric Loading training in enhancing explosive strength and agility among collegiate basketball players. Material and Methods. Thirty-two state-level male collegiate basketball players (age 18–25 years) were assigned into experimental and control conditions representing both rural and urban training environments. The experimental groups completed a six-week Accentuated Eccentric Loading program performed three times weekly, with eccentric overload initialized at 30% of body mass and progressively increased across sessions. Control groups continued regular basketball practice without additional eccentric loading. Explosive strength was assessed using the Vertical Jump Test, while agility was measured through the Agility T-Test. Performance was evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis included paired t-tests to examine within-group change and ANCOVA to compare post-intervention outcomes between groups while controlling for baseline values. Results. Accentuated Eccentric Loading led to measurable improvements in explosive strength and agility (p < 0.05). AEL groups demonstrated greater progress than controls, indicating that eccentric loading produced a stronger training effect than regular practice. Post-hoc comparisons showed a consistent advantage of AEL in both rural and urban subgroups. This suggests that the effectiveness of the method was similar across different training environments. Overall, AEL improved jump performance and directional movement capacity within a six-week training cycle. Conclusions. The findings indicate that AEL training is effective in improving explosive strength and agility in collegiate basketball players. The results support its practical application for coaches and trainers aiming to enhance performance in competitive basketball.