What is a key benefit of resistance training for athletes who do not primarily lift weights?

The key benefit of resistance training for athletes who do not primarily lift weights is the improvement in jump performance. This is because resistance training enhances the strength and power of the muscles involved in jumping, leading to better explosive strength and the ability to generate force rapidly. Athletes in sports that require jumping, such as basketball or volleyball, benefit from resistance training as it develops the necessary muscle groups and has been shown to improve overall athletic performance in terms of vertical leap and explosive movements.

This strength development not only contributes to better jump heights but also helps in stabilizing joints and preventing injuries, which is crucial for athletes. Resistance training can be tailored to focus on specific movements that athletes engage in during their sport, maximizing the transfer of strength gains to their performance.

Other options such as increased muscle bulk, enhanced cardiovascular endurance, and greater agility, while they may have some relevance, are not as strong benefits specific to the context of resistance training for improving jumping ability. Increased muscle bulk may not be desirable or necessary for all athletes, particularly in sports where weight class may matter, and enhanced cardiovascular endurance is typically developed through aerobic activities rather than resistance training. Similarly, while better strength can contribute to agility, the direct relationship with jump performance through power development is more compelling in this