Final answer:
The statement is false, as the amortization phase should be kept short in plyometric movements to maximize the stretch-shortening cycle for better performance and power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that athletes should strive to make the amortization phase as long as possible is false. The amortization phase refers to the transition time between the eccentric (muscle lengthening) and concentric (muscle shortening) phases of a plyometric movement. This phase should be as short as possible to maximize the effectiveness of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC), which is a natural elastic response of muscles. A longer amortization phase can result in a loss of stored elastic energy and a decrease in the force output during the concentric phase. Therefore, for optimal performance and power development, athletes aim to minimize the length of the amortization phase.