Verkhoshansky

Verkhoshansky is a Russian surname. The most widely known bearer is Yuri Verkhoshansky, a Soviet and Russian sports scientist and coach who is widely regarded as a pioneer of plyometric training.

Verkhoshansky developed and codified plyometrics, a training approach that uses the stretch-shortening cycle of muscles to enhance explosive power. He popularized exercises such as the depth jump and designed training programs for athletes across track and field, weightlifting, and team sports. His work emphasized the physiology of the stretch-shortening cycle, high-intensity effort, and sport-specific conditioning, along with progression and appropriate recovery to manage injury risk.

In the 1970s and beyond, Verkhoshansky collaborated with researchers and coaches worldwide and contributed to translating laboratory findings into practical coaching methods. His influence extended through training manuals and scientific writings, helping to establish systematic approaches to strength and power development in athletic training.

One of his notable legacies is the collaboration with Mel Siff on the book Supertraining, which summarized plyometric concepts and related training principles and has been influential in sports science and coaching education. The surname Verkhoshansky is of Russian origin and is most closely associated in the public record with this figure in the fields of exercise science and athletic training.