Taddese, Aschenaki (PhD)Naser, Mubarek2021-11-172023-11-092021-11-172023-11-092021-06-24http://10.90.10.223:4000/handle/123456789/28714The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks plyometric training on selected physical fitness variables and skill performance with specific reference to Kemal and Sadat Football Academy players found in Silte Zone. To attain the purpose of the study, the researcher used Quasi experimental design within 12-week plyometric training program. The Football Academy had a total N 90 players grouped into three age categories: U-13, U-15 and, U-17. The researcher selected the U-17 age category by using purposive sampling method and all the 30 players in this age category were clustered as control and experimental group by using simple random sampling method. The control group (n=15) registered mean scores of 15.72 and 1.87 for the chronological and Training age respectively while the experimental group (n=15) had mean scores of 15.85 and 1.64 chronological and Training age respectively. Only the experimental group was made to receive a 60 minutes plyometric training for12 consecutive weeks with frequency of 3 days per week. However, both groups engaged in the regular football training program that was given by the Academy. The selected physical fitness and football skills were strength, speed, power, accurate pass, and accurate shoot. Field tests were taken as data gathering instruments. These were wall sit test to measure lower body strength, vertical jump test to measure explosive lower body power, 30-meter sprint test to measure maximum speed, passing accuracy test to measure accurate pass, shooting accuracy test to measure accurate shoot. To determine the difference between pre training and post training mean values, a paired-samples t-test was computed by using SPSS software version 23 at 95% significance level for both experimental and comparison groups. The results of the paired samples t-test for the experimental and control groups respectively were wall sit Test P = 0.00 and P = 0.357, Vertical jump Test P = 0.01 and P = 0.06, 30 Meter Acceleration Test indicate P = 0.00 and P = 0.568, passing Accuracy Test P = 0.07 and P = 0.599, Shooting Accuracy Test P = 0.023 and P = 0.325. Generally, after the analysis of the study the researcher observed improvements on the selected physical fitness variables and skill performance of the experimental groups. Based on this finding, the researcher concluded that 12-weeks Plyometrics training had positive effect on the selected physical fitness variables and skill performance of the football players.enPlyometric TrainingPhysical FitnessFootball SkillsThesis