Professor Yuri Verkhoshansky is the Russian scientist who pioneered plyometric training as a means of sports training to improve athletic performance, mainly speed-strength. Widely known as the "Father of Plyometrics", he has been the leading researcher and coach most recognized with the spread of plyometrics training. Verkhoshansky’s first research study on plyometrics was published in 1964, but he had been researching the subject for several years before then as part of his post-doctoral work.