Abstract
Background: The present study evaluated the effects of resistance training (RT) following a non-linear periodization model in the physical fitness of young soccer athletes. Methods: Young soccer players (n = 23) were allocated into two groups: an RT group (RTG), and the control group (CON). The RTG underwent 15 weeks of non-linear RT periodization in three weekly sessions in addition to their specific soccer training. The CON continued performing the specific soccer training. Before and after the training period, all of the subjects performed one-repetition maximum (RM) tests for speed, agility, and power (vertical and horizontal jump). Results: The RTG obtained significant gains in one-RM tests (before 64.1 ± 5.8 kg, after 79.1 ± 3.3 kg) and power (vertical jump (before 56 ± 2.7 cm, after 61.3 ± 1.7 cm) and horizontal jump (before 184.5 ± 5.5 cm, after 213.6 ± 3.2 cm)). In contrast, the CON group presented a non-significant increase in one-RM tests and horizontal jump, and a significant reduction in vertical jump (before 55.4 ± 2.2 cm, after 51.3 ± 1.5 cm). Neither group presented significant gains in speed (CON: p = 0.27; RTG: p = 0.72) and agility (CON: p = 0.19; RTG: p = 0.58). Conclusion: Our data suggest that non-linear RT should be inserted into the routine of young soccer athletes for improving strength and power without impairing speed and agility.
Highlights
The development of competitiveness in soccer requires a high improvement of physical conditioning, especially strength, power, and speed [1]
After two initial weeks of evaluation, participants were randomly assigned to two groups by block randomization [24]: (1) a group that performed resistance training (RT) following non-linear periodization in addition to soccer training (RTG, n = 11); and (2) a group that performed only conventional soccer training (CON, n = 12)
The RT group (RTG) group showed increases that were statistically significant on the one-repetition maximum (RM) test (64.1 ± 5.8 kg versus 79.1 ± 3.3 kg), in vertical jump height (56 ± 2.7 cm versus 61.3 ± 1.7 cm), and in horizontal jump distance
Summary
The development of competitiveness in soccer requires a high improvement of physical conditioning, especially strength, power, and speed [1]. Muscular power measured by sprinting or jumping seems to be strongly related to change of direction and agility [5] Linear sprint velocity and power are key components of soccer-specific physical conditioning, which include acceleration, repeated anaerobic sprint ability, and lower extremity explosive power [9]. These suggests that strength, speed, and endurance are important while attacking and defending in soccer [10]. Before and after the training period, all of the subjects performed one-repetition maximum (RM) tests for speed, agility, and power (vertical and horizontal jump). Results: The RTG obtained significant gains in one-RM tests (before 64.1 ± 5.8 kg, after 79.1 ± 3.3 kg) and power
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