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Influence of Zercher Squat Exercises on Back Strength
and Leg Strength among College Basketball Players
*Satheesh Kumar. K1., Suriya. P2., and Arumugam. S.
1Assistant Professor
St. Johns college of Physical Education, Veeravanallur, Tirunelveli,Tamilnadu, India
(Affiliated to Tamilnadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai)
2 & 3Ph.D Scholar and Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Education and Sports, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University,
Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu State, India.
1sk7532@gmail.com, 2suryasunrise3260@gmail.com, 3draru1975@gmail.com
==========================================================
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of zercher squat exercises on back
strength and leg strength among college basketball players. To achieve the purpose of the
study twenty four college level male basketball players were selected randomly as subjects
from St.John’s College of Physical Education, Veeravanallur, Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu
and SCAD College of engineering, Cheranmahadevi Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu, India
and their age were ranged from 18 to 22 years. The basketball players were assigned at
random into two groups of each twelve player (N=12). Group-I underwent zercher squat
exercises and Group–II acted as control group who did not attended any special training
other than their daily college schedule curriculum. The duration of the training period was
restricted to six week for three alternative days per week. The pre and post data were
collected before and immediately after the training period. The dependent variables were
back strength and leg strength were tested by standardized tests isometric back strength test
and wall sit test. The collected data from the two groups prior to and after the experimental
treatments on selected back strength and leg strength were statistically analyzed by using the
statistical technique of dependent‘t’ test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). In all the
cases 0.05 level of confidence was fixed as a level of confidence. The result of the study
indicated that zercher squat exercises group had shown significantly improved in back
strength and leg strength among college basketball players. However the control group had
not shown any significant improvement on any of the selected variables such back strength
and leg strength
Keywords: Zercher Squat Exercises, Back Strength, Leg Strength, Basketball Players
1. Introduction
The general training strategy is the main methodological concept, which determines the
priorities in the organization of all the phases of the training process. Training is not a recent
discovery. In ancient times, people systematically trained for military and Olympic
endeavours [1].
In strength training and fitness, the squat is a compound, full body exercise that trains
primarily the muscles of the thighs, hips and buttocks, quadriceps femoris muscle,
hamstrings, as well as strengthening the bones, ligaments and insertion of the
tendons throughout the lower body. Squats are considered a vital exercise for increasing the
strength and size of the legs and buttocks, as well as developing core strength.
Journal of Information and Computational Science
Volume 10 Issue 2 - 2020
ISSN: 1548-7741
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Isometrically, the lower back, the upper back, the abdominals, the trunk muscles, the costal
muscles, and the shoulders and arms are all essential to the exercise and thus are trained when
squatting with the proper form.
The Zercher squat is a classic squat lift that challenges and strengthens the upper back,
quadriceps, and hips for nearly every strength, power, and functional fitness athlete. It’s
named after Ed Zercher, a renowned 156lb All-Around Weightlifter in the 1930’s, best
known for his style of squatting and a reported 3.45x bodyweight deadlift, in 1934 (536lbs
deadlift weighing 155lbs) Basketball, game played generally indoors by two opposing teams
of five players each.
Training the back can be quite a challenge because many people cannot feel the back
muscles working when they train. Training long enough (can flex any muscle at will) start
any back exercise by flexing the back and pulling with the back muscles first. By doing this,
one will feel the back muscles working. If this continues to be a problem, one can try two
things: a thumbless grip and/or lifting hooks. Both of these options can take the biceps out of
it, putting more stress on the back [2].
Strengthening leg muscles will make it easier to climb stairs, ride a bicycle, and even walk[3].
Strength development is ability important for every player performance in basketball.
Generally, resistance training based on gravity is used to improve these qualities. This allows
for eccentric overload and variable resistance throughout the movement.
2. Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of zercher squat exercises on back
strength and leg strength among college basketball players.
3. Hypotheses
1. It was hypothesized that there may be a significant improvement on selected variables
among zercher squat exercises group.
2. There would be a significant difference among experimental and control groups on
selected variables.
4. Methodology
The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of zercher squat exercises on back
strength and leg strength variables among college basket ball players. To achieve the purpose
of the study twenty four college men basketball players were selected randomly as subjects
from St. Johns College of Physical Education, Veeravanallur, Tirunelveli district and SCAD
Engineering College, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveil District, Tamilnadu, India and their age
were ranged from 18 to 22 years. The College men basketball players were assigned at
random into two groups of each twelve (N=12). Group-I underwent zercher squat exercises
and Group–II acted as control group who did not attended any special training other than
their regular daily schedule curriculum. The duration of the training period was restricted to
six week for three alternative days per week. The pre and post data were collected before and
immediately after the training period. The dependent variables back strength and leg strength
were tested by standardized tests isometric back strength test and wall sit test.
5. Experimental design and Statistical technique
This study was conducted to determine the possibility cause and the influence of Zercher
squat exercises on back strength and leg strength variables among college basketball players.
The related group design was employed for this investigation. This study consisted of two
Journal of Information and Computational Science
Volume 10 Issue 2 - 2020
ISSN: 1548-7741
www.joics.org46
equal groups of twelve subjects each. Group-I (n=12) underwent Zercher squat Exercise and
Group II acted as control group. The collected data from the two groups prior to and after the
experimental treatments on selected back strength and leg strength were statistically analyzed
by using the statistical technique of dependent‘t’ test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
In all the cases 0.05 level of confidence was fixed as a level of confidence to test the
hypotheses.
6. Analysis of the data
The influence of zercher squat exercises on back strength and leg strength variables
among college basketball players were analyzed and presented below,
6.1 Back Strength
The t-test on back strength (isometric back strength) (second) of the pre and post test
scores of zercher squat exercise group and control group have been analyzed and presented in
table 1.
Table 1: The Pre Test and Post Test Scores of Experimental and Control
Groups on Back Strength (seconds)
Group
Pre
Mean
SD
Post
Mean
SD
Obtained t-ratio
Experimental
38.86
3.35
45.93
3.25
3.25*
Control
38.80
2.75
39.06
2.72
0.19
*Significant at .05 level. (The table value required for 0.05 level of significance with df 14
is 2.14)
The table 1 shows that the pre-test mean value of zercher squat exercise group and control
group are 38.86 and 38.8 respectively and the post test means are 45.93 and 39.06
respectively. The obtained dependent t-ratio values between the pre and post test means of
zercher squat exercises group and control group are 3.25 and 0.19 respectively. The table
value required for significant difference with df 11 at 0.05 level is 2.20. Since, the obtained‘t’
ratio value of zercher squat exercise group was greater than the table value, it is understood
that zercher squat exercise group had significantly improved the back strength. However, the
control group has not improved significantly. The ‘obtained t’ value is less than the table
value, as they were not subjected to any specific training.
Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on back strength of experimental and control groups
have been analyzed and presented in table 2.
Table 2: Analysis of Covariance on Back Strength of Experimental and Control
Groups
Adjusted Post Test Means
Source
of
variance
Sum
of
squares
df
Mean
square
F – ratio
Experimental
Group
Control
Group
Between
112.44
1
112.4
56.79*
45.61
38.84
Within
41.58
21
1.98
* Significant at 0.05 level. (The table value required for significance at 0.05 levels with df
1 and 21 is 4.32)
Journal of Information and Computational Science
Volume 10 Issue 2 - 2020
ISSN: 1548-7741
www.joics.org47
Table 2 shows that the adjusted post test means values on back strength. The obtained f-
ratio of 56.79 for adjusted post test mean is greater than the table value 4.32 with df 1 and 21
required for significance at 0.05 level of confidence. The results of the study indicate that
there is a significant mean difference exist between the adjusted post test means of zercher
squat exercise and control groups on back strength .
6.2 Leg Strength
The t-test on leg strength of the pre and post test scores of zercher squat exercise group and
control group have been analyzed and presented in table 3.
Table 3: The Pre Test and Post Test Scores of Experimental and Control
Groups on Leg Strength (seconds)
Group
Pre
Mean
SD
Post
Mean
SD
Obtained
t-ratio
Experimental
41.33
3.15
48.46
3.88
5.97*
Control
40.86
3.18
42.06
3.80
1.40
*Significant at .05 level. (The table value required for 0.05 level of significance with df 11
is 2.20)
The table 3 shows that the pre-test mean value of zercher squat exercise group and control
group are 41.33 and 40.86 respectively and the post test means are 48.46 and 42.06
respectively. The obtained dependent t-ratio values between the pre and post test means of
zercher squat exercises group and control group are 5.97 and 1.40 respectively. The table
value required for significant difference with df 1 and11 at 0.05 level is 2.20. Since, the
obtained‘t’ ratio value of zercher squat exercise group was greater than the table value, it is
understood that zercher squat exercise group had significantly improved the leg strength.
However, the control group has not improved significantly. The ‘obtained t’ value is less than
the table value, as they were not subjected to any specific training.
Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on leg strength of experimental and control groups
have been analyzed and presented in table 4.
Table 4: Analysis of Covariance on Leg Strength of Experimental and Control
Groups
Adjusted Post Test Means
Source
of variance
Sum
of
squares
df
Mean
square
F –
ratio
Experimental
Group
Control
Group
Between
544.80
1
544.82
50.54*
49.90
41.80
Within
226.38
21
10.78
* Significant at 0.05 level. (The table value required for significance at 0.05 levels with df
1 and 21 is 4.32)
Table 4 shows that the adjusted post test means values on leg strength. The obtained f-
ratio of 50.54 for adjusted post test mean is greater than the table value 4.32 with df 1 and 21
required for significance at 0.05 level of confidence. The results of the study indicate that
there is a significant mean difference exist between the adjusted post test means of zercher
squat exercise and control groups on leg strength.
Journal of Information and Computational Science
Volume 10 Issue 2 - 2020
ISSN: 1548-7741
www.joics.org48
The bar diagram shows the mean values of pre test, post test and adjusted post test on back
strength and leg strength of zercher squat exercise group and control group.
Figure 1& 2. Pre Test, Post Test and Adjusted Post Test mean Values of
Zercher Squat Exercise Group and Control Group on Back Strength and
Length Strength
7. Discussion on Findings
The Zercher squat is a squat style that can build serious back strength and leg
strength. The squat is a very important exercise for improving athletic performance and for
prevention and rehabilitation of injuries. It has many different variations which are
purportedly directing on different muscles. Squat exercises are improving back and leg
strength of the players. Basketball players need good enough back and leg strength for
performing well in the play field. This study was focus to improve through zercher squat
exercises to basketball players back and leg strength.
The findings of the study were to significant improvement on back strength and leg
strength due to the effect of Zercher squat exercise among basketball players. The findings of
the study were also agreed with the following study’s findings were conducted by Satheesh
Kumar, K., & Arumugam, S. [4] were examined Influence of bous med ball exercises on
selected motor fitness variables among active school basketball players, and Arumugam, S.
[5] conducted effect of flywheel training on shoulder and leg strength among kabaddi players
and Selvaraja, C., & Arumugam, S. [6] examined the Influence of barbell training on
shoulder strength and leg strength among handball players and Kavikumar R. & Arumugam,
S. [7] conducted a study on improvement on abdominal strength and shoulder strength due to
the impact of contrast training among hockey players and Satheesh Kumar, K., &
Arumugam, S. [8] were conducted influence of good-morning exercise on balance, core
strength and leg strength among gym bodybuilders and Arumugam, S. [9] studied impact of
elastic resistance training on leg strength and shoulder strength among cricket players and
Selvaraja, C., Suresh, C., & Arumugam, S.[10] were conducted effect of medicine ball
exercises on leg strength and abdominal strength among hockey players.
8. Conclusions
1. There was significant improvement on back strength due to the influence of zercher
squat exercise among basketball players
2. There was significant improvement on leg strength due to the influence of zercher squat
exercise among basketball players
3. However the control group had not shown any significant improvement on any of the
selected variables.
Journal of Information and Computational Science
Volume 10 Issue 2 - 2020
ISSN: 1548-7741
www.joics.org49
4. There was significant difference among experimental and control groups on back
strength and leg strength due to the influence of zercher squat exercise among basketball
players.
References
[1] Tudor, O. Bompa, “Theory and Methodology of Training”, Human Kinetics, 4th Ed,
P.413, (1999).
[2] Jim Brewster, “5 Training Routines to build your Back Fast”, retrieved from
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/fully-developed-back-training.html, (2020).
[3] Tom Valeo, “Strength Training: Building Leg Muscles”, retrieved from
https://www.webmd.com/men/features/strength-training-building-leg-muscles#1 (2005).
[4] Satheesh Kumar, K., & Arumugam, S. “Influence of bous med ball exercises on selected
motor fitness variables among active school basketball players”, Journal of emerging
technologies and innovative research, Vol:5, Issue:5, (2018), pp.774-778, ISSN: 2349-5162.
[5] Arumugam, S. “Effect of flywheel training on shoulder and leg strength among Kabaddi
players”, Journal of emerging technologies and innovative research, Vol: 6, Issue: 3, (2019),
pp.114-117, ISSN: 2349-5162.
[6] Selvaraja, C., & Arumugam, S. “Influence of barbell training on shoulder strength and
leg strength among handball players”, Universal review, Vol: 7, No: XII, pp.1277-1282,
(2018), ISSN: 2277-2723.
[7] Kavikumar, R., & Arumugam, S. “Impact of Contrast Training on Selected Strength
Variables among Hockey Players”, Journal of emerging technologies and innovative
research, 5(7), (2018), pp.316-319, ISSN: 2349-5162.
[8] Satheesh Kumar, K., & Arumugam, S. “Influence of good-morning exercise on balance,
core strength and leg strength among gym bodybuilders”, International conference on sorts
vision and mission for grooming athletics and para athletics for Olympic 2020, (2018),
pp.90-94, ISBN:978-93-5300-603-7
[9] Arumugam, S. “Impact of elastic resistance training on leg strength and shoulder
strength among cricket players”, Modern perspectives of sports science and yoga for the
enhancement of sports performance, (2018) pp.66-69, ISBN: 978-93-5300-491-0
[10] Selvaraja, C., Suresh, C., & Arumugam, S. (2015). Effect of medicine ball exercises on
leg strength and abdominal strength among hockey players, Recent developments in sports
and yogic sciences”, Dr.S.Saroja (Ed.), 54-56, ISBN: 978-81-928690-4-9
Journal of Information and Computational Science
Volume 10 Issue 2 - 2020
ISSN: 1548-7741
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