Combined Plyometric and Short Sprint Training in U-15 Male Soccer Players: Effects on Measures of Jump, Speed, Change of Direction, Repeated Sprint, and Balance

Abstract

This study examined the effect of 8 weeks of biweekly combined plyometric and short sprint training into the typical within-season training schedule of youth male soccer players. Participants were allocated at random to an experimental group (EG; n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 60.5 ± 7.1 kg, height: 1.64 ± 0.08 m, body fat: 11.3 ± 1.4%) and a control group (CG; n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.4 years, body mass: 61.0 ± 3.9 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m, body fat: 11.8 ± 1.4%). Measures obtained pre- and post-intervention included vertical and horizontal jump performances (i.e., squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with aimed arms (CMJA), and five-jump test (FJT)) and sprint performances (i.e., 10 and 30 m sprint). In addition, change-of-direction ability (sprint with 90° Turns (S90°) and sprint 9–3–6–3–9 m with backward and forward running (SBF)), repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), and dynamic balance performance (Y balance test) were measured pre- and post-intervention. The EG experienced higher jump (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.71), sprint (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.64), change-of-direction ability (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.66), RSSA (all parameters except the fatigue index p < 0.01; d ≥ 0.71), and dynamic balance (all p ≤ 0.05; d ≥ 0.50) improvement compared to the CG. Adding biweekly combined plyometric and short sprint training to standard training improves the athletic performance of youth male soccer players (under 15 (U15)).

Change of Direction Ability as a Sensitive Marker of Adaptation to Different Training Configurations, and Different Populations: Results from Four Experiments

“…In the first experiment, our novel findings support the beneficial effects of sand-based plyometric training combined with sprint training on the COD ability of beach handball players. This result is in line with previous findings ( Ahmadi et al, 2021 ; Aloui et al, 2022 ; Asadi et al, 2016b ). The improvement in COD ability may be related to lower-limb improved power, the rate of force development, maximal strength, speed and reactive force ( Brughelli et al, 2008 ; Young and Farrow, 2006 ).…”

“…Furthermore, PJT seems safe and effective in athletes, as well as in older adults ( Moran et al, 2018 ). Moreover, combined PJT and sprints seem highly effective ( Aloui et al, 2022 ). As an alternative to PJT, eccentric-overload training using flywheel or versa-pulley inertial devices has been suggested as another effective training strategy for the optimization of both strength and power capacities ( Vogt and Hoppeler, 2014 ).…”

Positive Effects of Plyometric Training on Increasing Speed, Strength and Limb Muscles Power in Adolescent Males

“…Marzouki et al (2022) explained that the application of a four-week plyometric program during physical education sessions instead of some physical education training led to higher jumps, linear running speed, agility, balance, and endurance than non-plyometric training among untrained schoolchildren. In particular, short-distance sprinting ability, agility, and vertical jump are discriminatory in terms of elite and sub-elite youth soccer players (Aloui et al, 2022;Reilly et al, 2000). In many courts and field sports such as basketball, rugby, and football, elite versus sub-elite athletes are characterized by better muscle strength and power, balance, linear sprints, and reactive change of direction (COD) appearance (Makhlouf et al, 2018;Asadi et al, 2017).…”

Effects of Sand Surface Plyometric and Sprint Training on Physical and Technical Skill Performance in Beach Handball Players

“…Numerous studies have reported that PT alone can induce muscular performance benefits in lower limb muscles that also contribute to power development and represent a significant advantage of this type of training ( Asadi et al, 2015 ; Markovic, 2007 ). Furthermore, a combination of PT with sprints may offer further advantages for team sport players ( Aloui et al, 2022 ), although its effects on BH need confirmation.…”