Question

Why are plyometrics best performed on grass playing fields, basketball courts, or tartan tracks?

Select one:
a. The surfaces are unstable and proprioceptively enriched.
b. The surfaces are more stable, which helps reduce injury risk.
c. They protect the exerciser from real-world movement.
d. Only athletes need plyometric training.

Answer 1

Plyometrics are best performed on stable surfaces like grass fields, basketball courts, or tartan tracks to reduce injury risk and provide a balance of firmness and cushioning necessary for high-impact exercises.

Step-by-step explanation:

Plyometrics, which are high-intensity exercises that involve explosive movements like jumping, are best performed on surfaces like grass playing fields, basketball courts, or tartan tracks because these surfaces are more stable, which helps reduce the risk of injury. Stable surfaces provide a firm foundation for the rapid and powerful movements involved in plyometric training, aiding in the maintenance of proper form and minimizing the chances of sprains or other impact-related injuries.

When comparing different surface types for plyometric exercises, a stable surface can also help in attenuating shock. For example, jogging on soft ground and wearing padded shoes reduces the pressures on the feet and legs, similar to how exercising in water provides buoyancy and less stress on joints compared to hard surfaces. Moreover, surfaces like tartan tracks are designed to provide a balance of firmness and cushioning, which can enhance performance while still protecting the body from the high impact of plyometric movements.