Is strength‐training frequency a key factor to develop performance adaptations in young elite soccer players?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a combined strength-training programme (full-back squat, YoYo leg curl, plyometrics and sled towing exercises) on performance in elite young soccer players and to examine the effects when this training programme was performed one or two days per week. Thirty-six male soccer players (U-17 to U-19) were recruited and assigned to experimental groups (EXP1: 1 s w; EXP2: 2 s w) or a control group (CON). Performance was assessed through a countermovement jump (CMJ) test (relative peak power [CMJ] and CMJ height [CMJ]), a 20-m linear sprint test with split-times at 10-m, and a change of direction test (V-cut test) 1 week before starting the training programme and also 1 week after performing such training programme. Within-group analysis showed substantial improvements in CMJ variables (ES: 0.39-0.81) and COD (ES: 0.70 and 0.76) in EXP1 and EXP2, while EXP2 also showed substantial enhancements in all linear sprinting tests (ES: 0.43-0.52). Between-group analysis showed substantially greater improvements in CMJ variables (ES: 0.39-0.68) in experimental groups in comparison to CON. Furthermore, EXP2 achieved a substantial better performance in 20-m (ES: 0.48-0.64) than EXP1 and CON. Finally, EXP2 also showed greater enhancements in 10-m (ES: 0.50) and V-cut test (ES: 0.52) than EXP1. In conclusion, the combined strength-training programme improved jumping ability, independently of training frequency, though the achievement of two sessions per week also enhanced sprinting abilities (linear and COD) in young soccer players.

Eccentric-concentric Ratio: A Key Factor for Defining Strength Training in Soccer

“…These results are similar to those obtained by De Hoyo et al [7], who used a protocol in which the different exercises included within our training routine were compared separately. Nevertheless, our results do not correspond to those obtained by Otero-Esquina et al [8], wherein participants performed a routine similar to the one proposed in this study, but with the addition of an exercise (YoYo TM leg curl) with special emphasis on the ECC phase of the hamstring muscle, thus allowing the T10m ( − 1.4 %, ES = 0.43) to improve but only in the group that trained two times a week. It is possible that the application of this device twice a week in the ECC phase of the hamstring musculature could be an important factor in the improvement of the acceleration capacity in the 10 m sprint, although this effects has currently only been demonstrated for distances of 20 m [24] and 30 m [9].…”

“…It is possible that the application of this device twice a week in the ECC phase of the hamstring musculature could be an important factor in the improvement of the acceleration capacity in the 10 m sprint, although this effects has currently only been demonstrated for distances of 20 m [24] and 30 m [9]. Our study did not demonstrate substantial differences between the groups in T10m, but the results exhibited a noticeably greater improvement than the results from another study with young soccer players [8]. It is possible that the lower capacity to accelerate from the CPG to the CG in the pretest could explain these differences, which indicate a greater capacity for improvement in the CPG; therefore, further research concerning the influence of the conical pulley ECC/CONrat on the sprint performance is needed.…”

“…After 9 weeks, a post-test was performed under the same conditions as the pre-test. To compare the effects of 9 weeks of the addition of a weekly conical pulley training regimen to the usual strength training regimen, including moderate sled training, full squats, and plyometric exercises (as described by Otero-Esquina et al [8]), participants were randomly allocated to: a) the experimental group (CPG, n = 10), which included the addition of the aforementioned strengthening programme with an one-step-acceleration exercise by using the conical pulley device, as described by De Hoyo et al [13]; and b) a control group (CG, n = 10), which only performed the usual strength training sessions during the training period.…”

“…Only the full squat training group was able to improve their sprint performances (e. g., times between 10-20 m), although improvements in 10 and 20 m sprints were not significant. Otero-Esquina et al [8] examined the effects of combined sled training, full squats, and plyometric exercises with a leg curl inertial device exercise that has a specific involvement of the hamstring muscles during the ECC phase [9]. These authors showed improvements in 20 m sprints in young soccer players after 7 weeks of training but only in those subjects who trained 2 times a week and not in those subjects who trained only once a week or the control group; therefore, it could be suggested the incorporation of this inertial device may improve several abilities in young soccer players.…”

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].…”