What is plyometrics?

Speed and strength are integral components of fitness found in varying degrees in virtually all athletic movements. Simply put, the combination of speed and strength, is power. For many years, coaches and athletes have sought to improve power in order to enhance performance. Throughout this century and no doubt long before, jumping, bounding, and hopping exercises have been used in various ways to enhance athletic performance. In recent years, this distinct method of training for power or explosiveness has been termed plyometrics. 

Plyometrics is any exercise where the muscle is stretched (loaded) before it is contracted. A good example is push-ups with a clap between each push-up. Your muscles (pectorals in this case) are elongated and loaded by the downward force of your body, then immediately you must contract the muscles to push yourself back up.