Abstract

The game of softball is essentially skill related and needs perfection in throwing, catching, hitting and bases running skills. In addition to technical and tactical skills, muscular strength and power are important factors that give clear advantage for successful participation and performance during tournaments. Strength and conditioning programs for collegiate female athletes are important in helping to prepare them for the sport season, and being incorporated into training schedule can facilitate subsequent improvements in skills and technique. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training program on fitness profile of female university softball players. A total of 20 healthy female university players were involved in this study. All subjects completed pre-test assessments followed by 6 weeks of intervention training for experimental group (n=10), similar duration of the standard training for control group (n=10) and post-test assessments. Fitness tests included 30m run, sit ups, modified push-ups, standing broad jump, 6x10m agility shuttle run and softball throw. Independent and dependent t-test analyses were administered to compare the effects of administered training within and between the groups. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements at post-test assessment, most parameters in experimental group however showed superior improvements as compared to the control group at the time of the post- testing.

Keywords

Resistance training, Female softball players, Fitness profile,

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