Comparative Effects of In-Season Full-Back Squat, Resisted Sprint Training, and Plyometric Training on Explosive Performance in U-19 Elite Soccer Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of 3 different low/moderate load strength training methods (full-back squat [SQ], resisted sprint with sled towing [RS], and plyometric and specific drills training [PLYO]) on sprinting, jumping, and change of direction (COD) abilities in soccer players. Thirty-two young elite male Spanish soccer players participated in the study. Subjects performed 2 specific strength training sessions per week, in addition to their normal training sessions for 8 weeks. The full-back squat protocol consisted of 2-3 sets × 4-8 repetitions at 40-60% 1 repetition maximum (∼ 1.28-0.98 m · s(-1)). The resisted sprint training was compounded by 6-10 sets × 20-m loaded sprints (12.6% of body mass). The plyometric and specific drills training was based on 1-3 sets × 2-3 repetitions of 8 plyometric and speed/agility exercises. Testing sessions included a countermovement jump (CMJ), a 20-m sprint (10-m split time), a 50-m (30-m split time) sprint, and COD test (i.e., Zig-Zag test). Substantial improvements (likely to almost certainly) in CMJ (effect size [ES]: 0.50-0.57) and 30-50 m (ES: 0.45-0.84) were found in every group in comparison to pretest results. Moreover, players in PLYO and SQ groups also showed substantial enhancements (likely to very likely) in 0-50 m (ES: 0.46-0.60). In addition, 10-20 m was also improved (very likely) in the SQ group (ES: 0.61). Between-group analyses showed that improvements in 10-20 m (ES: 0.57) and 30-50 m (ES: 0.40) were likely greater in the SQ group than in the RS group. Also, 10-20 m (ES: 0.49) was substantially better in the SQ group than in the PLYO group. In conclusion, the present strength training methods used in this study seem to be effective to improve jumping and sprinting abilities, but COD might need other stimulus to achieve positive effects.

Effectiveness of Traditional Strength vs. Power Training on Muscle Strength, Power and Speed with Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“… %Δ, percent change from pre-test to post-test; BPT, balance training before plyometric training; BW, bodyweight; cm, centimeter; CMJ, counter movement jump; DJ, drop jump; Dom, dominant; Ex, exercises; FP, frontal plane; Freq, frequency; GCOM, combined resistance training and endurance; GR, resistance training alone; Int, intensity; IPT, plyometric training on unstable surface; Isok, isokinetic; Isom, isometric; kg, kilogram; m, meter; Mod, moderate; MVIC, maximal voluntary isometric contraction; N, number of participants; Nm, newton meter; NonDom, non-dominant; NPPT, no plyometric training; PBT, plyometric training before balance training; PE, physical education students; Pre, pre-test; PHV, peak height velocity; PL, plyometric; Post, post-test; Power, power measures; PPT, plyometric training; Reps, repetitions; RS, resisted sprinting; s, second; SD, standard deviation; SJ, squat jump; SP, sagittal plane; SPT, plyometric training on stable surface; SQ, squat; ST, Strength; Strength, strength measures; T, trained youth; Tr, training status; TRS, torso rotational strength; U, untrained youth; Wks, weeks . Additional Citations for Tables 2A,B are found in the text reference list (Hewett et al, 1996; Cossor et al, 1999; Witzke and Snow, 2000; Diallo et al, 2001; Matavulj et al, 2001; Martel et al, 2005; Szymanski et al, 2007; Meylan and Malatesta, 2009; Thomas et al, 2009; Buchheit et al, 2010; King and Cipriani, 2010; Skurvydas and Brazaitis, 2010; Skurvydas et al, 2010; Potdevin et al, 2011; Santos and Janeira, 2011; Lloyd et al, 2012; Noyes et al, 2012, 2013; Santos et al, 2012; Marques et al, 2013; Michailidis et al, 2013; Ramirez-Campillo et al, 2013, 2015a,b; Marta et al, 2014; Piazza et al, 2014; Sohnlein et al, 2014; Attene et al, 2015; Chelly et al, 2015; Pereira et al, 2015; Alves et al, 2016; Arabatzi, 2016; Borges et al, 2016; de Hoyo et al, 2016; Fernandez-Fernandez et al, 2016; Hall et al, 2016; McCormick et al, 2016; Moran et al, 2016; Rosas et al, 2016) .…”

Relationship of Performance Measures and Muscle Activity between a 180° Change of Direction Task and Different Countermovement Jumps

“…As such, more knowledge of how to improve the COD performance is of great importance to sport and conditioning coaches. Several studies have utilized strength training [14][15][16][17][18][19][20], specific COD drills [21][22][23][24][25], plyometric training [26][27][28][29] and a combination of these different training forms [30][31][32][33][34][35] to the physical aspect of COD performance [9].…”

Intra and intersession reliability of the Run RocketTM in recreationally trained participants

“…However, a group of semi-professional female handball players showed trivial and moderate effect sizes in 10m and 30m sprint times following a 10-week resisted sled programme using a load equating to 12.4 ± 0.2% body mass (Luteberget, Raastad, Setnnes & Spencer, 2015). Using a similar load (12.6% body mass), de Hoyo et al (2016) reported an almost certain increase in countermovement jump and a likely decrease in sprint time (30-50m) in a group of U-19 elite soccer players. A more recent study by Monte and colleagues showed that towing with a load of 20% body mass maximised peak power production in male trained sprinters (100m personal best 10.91 ± 0.14) (Monte, Nardello & Zamparo, 2017).…”