The Effects of Circuit and Conventional Plyometric Training and Self-Efficacy on Speed Performance in Elite Indonesian Speed Climbers
Speed climbing requires high levels of explosive power, maximal strength, and psychological readiness. However, limited empirical evidence has examined how physical training methods interact with psychological attributes, particularly self-efficacy, in influencing performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit and conventional plyometric training on speed climbing performance, differences in performance between athletes with high and low selfefficacy, and the interaction between training method and self-efficacy level. A quasi-experimental study employing a 2 × 2 factorial design was conducted among 38 eligible male Indonesian elite athletes aged 21–27 years. Based on the 27% extreme group technique for self-efficacy classification, 20 athletes representing the highest and lowest self-efficacy levels were included in the final analysis (n = 20). Participants were assigned to four groups based on training method and self-efficacy level, assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Climbing speed performance was measured before and after an eight-week intervention, conducted three sessions per week, using Motion Climb sensor technology. Data were analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA at a significance level of α = 0.05. The results indicated that circuit plyometric training produced significantly greater improvements in climbing speed than conventional training (F = 20.801, p < .001). Athletes with high self-efficacy demonstrated significantly superior performance gains compared with those with low self-efficacy (F = 16.712, p = .001). A significant interaction effect was observed (F = 5.284, p = .035), with the circuit training and high self-efficacy combination yielding the greatest improvement.