The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different mixed training programs (optimum power load [OPL] + resisted sprints [RS] and OPL + vertical/horizontal plyometrics [PL]) on neuromuscular performance of elite soccer players during a short-term training preseason. Eighteen male professional soccer players took part in this study. The athletes were pair-matched in two training groups: OPL + RS and OPL + PL. Unloaded and resisted sprinting speeds at 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m, change of direction (COD) speed, and performance in the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and horizontal jump (HJ) were assessed pre- and post- a 5-week training period. Magnitude based inference with the effect sizes were used for data analysis. A possible increase in the SJ and CMJ heights and a likely increase in the HJ distance were observed in the OPL + PL group. Meaningful improvements were observed in the COD speed test for both training groups comparing pre- and post-measures. In both unloaded and resisted sprints, meaningful decreases were observed in the sprinting times for all distances tested. This study shows that a mixed training approach which comprises exercises and workloads able to produce positive adaptations in different phases of sprinting can be a very effective strategy in professional soccer players. Moreover, the possibility of combining optimum power loads with resisted sprints and plyometrics emerges as a novel and suitable option for coaches and sport scientists, due to the applicability and efficiency of this strength-power training approach.

This study aimed to characterize the anthropometric profile and functional performance of elite competitors in different categories in the world championship of the ABADÁ-Capoeira School. Fifty high level male athletes were divided according to their weight categories, being: light category (VIOLA: ≤ 76.9 kg; n = 15); intermediate category (MEDIO: > 77.0 kg until ≤ 85.9 kg; n = 25) and heavy category (GUNGA: ≥ 86.0 kg; n = 10). Two evaluation batteries were performed: 1) anthropometry and somatotype determination; 2) physical performance in tests of push-up, sit-up, sit-and-reach, quadrant jump test, squat jump (SJ), and counter movement jump (CMJ). The "endo-mesomorph" classification predominated in the three categories. There was a difference in the quadrant jump test between VIOLA and GUNGA subgroups (F [2.47] = 4.299; p = 0.019). Endomorphism had a negative correlation (p < 0.01) with the performance in the sit-up (r = -0.51), push-up (r = -0.39), SJ (r = -0.45), and CMJ (r = -0.49). Male elite competitors at the international level, regardless the weight category, have a predominance of the mesomorphic component of the somatotype. Moreover, all capoeira athletes were classified as excellent for the sit-and-reach, sit-up, and push-up, and the latter were positively correlated with mesomorphism. However, endomorphism was inversely associated with the sit-up, push-up, SJ, and CMJ. In this way, the present study assists coaches in the formulation of appropriate training programs aiming the development of an ideal physical composition, which will be associated with high-level performance in capoeira.

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