Purpose: This study compared the effects of two jump training protocols - Plyometric Training and the Air Alert Program - on vertical jump performance among male and female collegiate volleyball players. It also aimed to analyze time-dependent performance changes and develop a predictive model for post-training outcomes. Methods: Twenty-four athletes (12 males, 12 females) were assigned to four groups (n = 6 each): male-plyometric, male-Air Alert, female-plyometric, and female-Air Alert. Both programs were implemented for eight weeks (3 sessions/week). Vertical jump height was measured at pre-, mid- (week 4), and post-training (week 8) using a Vertec device. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, independent t-tests, ANCOVA, and multiple regression. The significance level was set at p < .05. Results: Significant effects of time (p < .001) and training type (p = .002) were found, with greater gains in the plyometric group for both sexes. Regression identified pre-test performance (ß = 0.35, p < .01) and training type (ß = 4.12, p = .02) as key predictors of post-test height, explaining 94% of variance (R² = .94). Conclusions: Plyometric training was superior to Air Alert in enhancing vertical jump height, emphasizing progressive, high-intensity, low-volume training for optimizing neuromuscular adaptation. Practical applications: Coaches should integrate structured plyometric training early in the season and monitor mid-phase outcomes to predict final performance more effectively.
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