Short-Term Performance Effects of Three Different Low-Volume Strength-Training Programmes in College Male Soccer Players

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse the short-term performance effects of three in-season low-volume strength-training programmes in college male soccer players. Fifty-seven male college soccer players (age: 20.3±1.6 years) were randomly assigned to a resistance-training group (n=12), plyometric training group (n=12), complex training group (n=12), or a control group (n=21). In the mid-season, players underwent a 9-week strength-training programme, with two 20 min training sessions per week. Short-term effects on strength, sprint, agility, and vertical jump abilities were measured. All training groups increased 1-RM squat (range, 17.2–24.2%), plantar flexion (29.1–39.6%), and knee extension (0.5–22.2%) strength compared with the control group (p<0.05). The resistance-training group increased concentric peak torque of the knee extensor muscles by 9.9–13.7%, and changes were greater compared with the control group (p<0.05). The complex training group presented major increments (11.7%) in eccentric peak torque of the knee flexor muscles on the non-dominant limb compared with the control group and plyometric training group (p<0.05). All training groups improved 20-m sprint performance by 4.6–6.2% (p<0.001) compared with the control group. No differences were observed in 5-m sprint and agility performances (p>0.05). Overall, the results suggest that in-season low-volume strength training is adequate for developing strength and speed in soccer players.

Effects of plyometric training on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance in male and female soccer players

“…Although the differences in the type of training programme applied make comparisons between different studies difficult, others have also found an increase in sprint performance after plyometric training in male (Brito et al, 2014) and female (Ozbar, Ates, & Agopyan, 2014) soccer players; however, this was the first study to compare the effects of in-season short-term plyometric training on 30 m sprint times in both male and female soccer players. Because vertical strength and maximal-intensity exercise are related with sprint performance (Loturco et al, 2015), the maximal-intensity vertical jump drills completed during intervention might have positively affected sprint performance in the plyometric training groups.…”

“…In addition, endurance is also important to sustain repeated changes of direction, as players must complete up to 1400 short-burst activities, changing every 4-6 s throughout the 90 min of match play (Stølen et al, 2005). Plyometric training has a favourable effect on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance performance in soccer players (Datson et al, 2014;Siegler, Gaskill, & Ruby, 2003), even during the most competitive periods of the year (i.e., in-season) (Brito, Vasconcellos, Oliveira, Krustrup, & Rebelo, 2014). However, to our knowledge, there is no data regarding the independent effect of sex during plyometric training on performance adaptations in soccer players (Markovic, 2007).…”

Effect of Different Core Exercises Applied During the Season on Strength and Technical Skills of Young Footballers

“…Additionally, there was significant variation in the dribbling and passing skills from among football technical skills for players participating in strength training, with significant development in terms of dribbling skills of players with strength training compared to those without strength training. It is commonly reported in previous studies that different resistance training types have positive effects on the motor skills of footballers like speed (Brito et al 2014,Meylan and Malatesta 2009, Christou et al2006, strength (Brito et al 2014, Jay et al 2004, Christou et al2006, quickness (Meylan andMalatesta 2009, Christou et al2006), stamina (Helgerud et al 2001) and balance (Iacono et al 2016, Sever 2017, Taskin 2016, Yıldızer and Kirazci 2017. Contrary to this, when the limited studies investigating the effect of this type of training on the technical skills of footballers are examined, it was found that speed and jumping work applied during the season had a positive effect on kicking skills of footballers (marques et al 2013, Sedano et al 2009, Villarreal et al 2015, Haghighi et al 2012, Manolopoulos et al 2004.…”

Short-term adaptations following Complex Training in team-sports: A meta-analysis

“…It is possible that younger players had no sufficient strength training background, and for that reason any training stimulus would promote positive adaptations in performance, with or without PAP or combination of loads [26]. In fact, in the study by Brito et al [37], in which CT was compared to resistance training alone and plyometric only programs, no differences were found between protocols.…”