Plyometric exercises are popular for “shock training” the muscles of the legs to increase vertical jump and power. Some athletes and coaches have extended plyometric training exercises to the upper body. Often neglected in the traditional strength training program is explosive training to develop power in the athlete's trunk. Plyometric exercises are perhaps the best method for just that.

Plyometric exercises refer to the training method which exploits the muscles natural cycle of lengthening and shortening to increase power. These exercises start with rapid stretching of the muscle (eccentric contraction) followed by a shortening of the same muscle (concentric contraction). Plyometrics train the nervous system to react quickly to the lengthening of the muscle by rapidly shortening the same muscle with maximum force. This process is called the stretch-shortening cycle and is one of fastest reflexes in the human body.

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References:

1. Chu, D.A., Plyometric Exercises with the Medicine Ball” 2nd Edition, Bittersweet Publishing 2003
2. Ebben, W.P. and Watts, P.B. A Review of Combined Weight Training and Plyometric Training Modes: Complex Training. Strength and Conditioning. 18-26. Oct. 1998.
3. O'Connor, D.P. Application of Plyometrics to the Trunk. Athletic Therapy Today. 4(3):36-40.1999.