Effectiveness of Land-Based Versus Aquatic Stretch Shortening Cycle Training on various Performance

INTERVENTION: Intervention1: Aquatic Plyometric Training (APT): 8‐week supervised aquatic plyometric training program conducted 3 sessions per week (total 24 sessions), each lasting 45 60 minutes. Exercises include similar plyometric drills as land group (ankle hops, squat jumps, bounding, tuck jumps, depth jumps, etc.) performed in chest‐deep water (1.1 1.3 meters). Water buoyancy reduces joint impact while viscosity provides resistance. Training intensity progressively increased from low to high with rest intervals of 30 90 seconds. Control Intervention1: Land‐Based Plyometric Training (LPT): 8‐week supervised land‐based plyometric training program conducted 3 sessions per week (total 24 sessions), each lasting 45 60 minutes. Exercises include side‐to‐side ankle hops, standing jump‐and‐reach, front cone hops, standing long jump, lateral jump over barrier, double‐leg hops, tuck jumps, single‐leg bounding, split squat jumps, depth jumps, jump to box, and pike jumps. Training intensity progressed from low to high across 8 weeks. Exercises performed on solid gym surface with appropriate rest intervals (30 90 seconds). CONDITION: PRIMARY OUTCOME: To assess changes in speed agility balance and explosive power in elite athletes following eight week land based and aquatic plyometric training programs using standardized performance testsTimepoint: Baseline before intervention and after eight weeks of training SECONDARY OUTCOME: NILTimepoint: NIL INCLUSION CRITERIA: Elite male and female athletes aged 18 35 years participating in football or basketball. Athletes who have participated at least twice at state or university level. Minimum 2 years of competitive experience. Athletes cleared for pre‐participation screening with adequate performance levels (speed, agility, balance, power). Willing participants providing written informed consent.