Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine if short-term periodized programming may improve strength, power, jump kinetics, and sprint efficiency in soccer. Seventeen players (19.6 ± 1.6 yrs; 73.8 ± 8.2 kg; 1.77 ± 0.6 m) were divided into two groups based on mean isometric midthigh pull peak force (IPF) (stronger and weaker) and squat jump (SJ) peak power (PP) (higher power and lower power). Eight weaker players were included in the lower power group, while six stronger players were included in the higher power group. Block periodization was adopted to design strength training consisting of 3-week strength endurance and 4-week maximum strength blocks. Performance data included SJ with polyvinyl chloride pipe (SJ0), 20 kgs bar (SJ20), and 40 kgs (SJ40) bar and 20 m sprint across three time points (baseline: TB; post-block 1: T1; post-block 2: T2). Stronger group showed significant increases from TB to T2 in SJ20 peak power (PP), net impulse, and allometrically-scaled PP (p = 0.005 to 0.01, ES = 0.32 to 0.49). Weaker group demonstrated moderate to large increases from TB to T2 in SJ20, allometrically-scaled peak force (PF), PP, and allometrically-scaled PP (p = <0.001 to 0.04, ES = 1.41 to 1.74). Lower power group showed significant increases from TB to T2 in SJ20 allometrically-scaled PF, net impulse, PP, and allometrically-scaled PP (p = <0.001 to 0.026, ES = 1.06 to 2.01). Weaker and less powerful soccer players can benefit from strength-focused training to improve loaded SJ kinetics associating with force production.
Highlights
Statistically significant moderate to large increases were observed from training block (TB) and T2 in net impulse (p = 0.005, Effect size (ES) = 1.04), allometrically-scaled peak force (PF) (p = 0.041, ES = 1.65), peak power (PP) (p < 0.001 ES = 1.41), PPa (p < 0.001, ES = 1.74), and peak velocity (p = 0.009, ES = 1.57) (Table 4)
Our study indicated that short-term periodized programming may be effective in improving unloaded and loaded jump kinetics in weaker and lower power soccer players
Based on squat jump (SJ) kinetic data, it should be noted that, with a maximum strength emphasis, there appears to be a degree of specificity for the gains in power and movement velocity
Summary
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and involves intermittent physical activity such as sprinting, walking, jogging, jumping, kicking, and heading. Players often possess high lean body mass, muscle strength and power in the lower extremity, and these capabilities allow the players to produce high running velocities and jump height [2,3,4,5]. Radzimiński et al [6] reported that a large inverse relationship was observed between fat mass percentage and match-sprinting velocity (p < 0.001, r = −0.57). Soccer players are typically required to play 1 to 2 matches per week for 12 to 24 consecutive weeks. The competitive season schedule would not provide sufficient time to improve physical capabilities. Obtaining a high level of physical fitness characteristics during the off-season may aid in maintaining physical performance during a competitive season
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