Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a six-week combined jump and sprint training program on strength-speed abilities in a large sample of youth competitive soccer players. It was hypothesized that the experimental training group would enhance their jumping and sprinting abilities. Enhancement of kicking performance was also hypothesized due to an expected increase in explosive strength established by a plyometric and sprinting regimen. Fifty-two young male soccer players playing at the national level (aged 13.4 ± 1.4 years, body mass 53.4 ± 11.7 kg, body height 1.66 ± 0.11 m) took part in the study. Half of the group underwent the plyometric and sprint training program in addition to their normal soccer training, while the other half was involved in soccer training only. The plyometric training group enhanced their running (+1.7 and +3.2%) and jumping performance (+7.7%) significantly over the short period of time, while the control group did not. Furthermore, both groups increased their kicking velocity after just six weeks of training (+3.3 vs. 6.6%). The findings suggest that a short in-season 6-week sprint and jump training regimen can significantly improve explosive strength in soccer-specific skills and that these improvements can be transferred to soccer kicking performance in terms of ball speed.
Highlights
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport
Explosive performance has been studied in soccer (Wisloff et al, 1998; Haff et al, 2001; Wisloff et al, 2004), only few studies have investigated the effects of plyometric training programs on youth competitive soccer players
Post hoc analysis showed that the running time of the training group decreased significantly between 15-30m (+3.2%) and 0-30m (+1.7%; p < 0.001; Figure 2) while the control group did not show any significant changes in running times (+0.9%; p ≥ 0.14; Figure 2)
Summary
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Due to this fact, many studies have been conducted in an attempt to provide understanding of the essential skills required by players (Cometi et al, 2001; Wisloff et al, 2004; Chelly et al, 2009; Mújica et al, 2009; Requena et al, 2009). Running is a predominant activity involved in playing soccer, while explosive-type activities such as sprinting, jumping, tackling and kicking are important factors for successful performance (Wisloff et al, 1998; Hoff and Helgerud, 2004; Thorlund et al, 2009). Explosive performance has been studied in soccer (Wisloff et al, 1998; Haff et al, 2001; Wisloff et al, 2004), only few studies have investigated the effects of plyometric training programs on youth competitive soccer players.
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