Comparative Study Evaluating Effect of Agility Ladder and Cone Drills on Speed and Agility of University Female Badminton Players

Abstract

In this research, the effects of two popular training methods, agility ladder exercises and cone drills on the speed and agility of female badminton players competing at the collegiate level are investigated.  Athletic performance in the fast-paced game of badminton depends on one’s capacity to move quickly, change direction quickly, and retain synchronization under pressure. For eight weeks, thirty female university badminton players between the ages of 18 and 25 participated in this study.  One group was given an organized program of agility ladder drills, while the other group was given a cone drill regimen.  The 20-meter sprint test was used to gauge the participants’ speed, while the Illinois Agility Test was used to gauge their agility. To identify within-group and between-group differences, paired and independent sample t-tests were used to analyze data collected before and after the intervention. The results showed that both training groups significantly improved their speed and agility. Cone drills showed larger increases in agility, whereas agility ladder drills showed a more noticeable improvement in speed. These findings imply that although both approaches work, their effects differ based on the particular performance criterion. The study emphasizes the possibility of customized training plans that maximize player performance by utilizing each drill's advantages. By identifying the distinct benefits of agility ladder and cone drills, the study provides a foundation for designing more effective, evidence-based training regimens. This study underscores the importance of gender-specific and sport-specific training approaches in maximizing athletic potential.