I don't think plyometric training should be done with out first getting the strength to work with. plyometric or plyometric type training (link/speed training) can teach your body to move fast...

Tim-you talk about specific nueral pathways etc for plyometric training-I agree-sport specific is the way to go...why does this not aply to weight training...

Bench press transfers almost no power to standing and pushing with the ground as a leverage point as opposed to your back (in open kenetic chain) on a bench. I guess its another topic.

Anyway, I think plyometric type exercises are great if you first devlop strength in the joints/connective tissues and the prime movers and stabilizers etc first. Then train to be fast basically...