Effects of horizontal compared to vertical-based plyometric jump training on semi-professional soccer player's performance

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of horizontal (HJ) and vertical (VJ)-based plyometric jump training on male semi-professional soccer player's performance (e.g., change-of-direction speed [5-0-5 test]; 10-m, 20-m, and 30-m linear sprint speed). A parallel-study design was conducted. Participants were organized into HJ (n = 10) or VJ (n = 9) during 12 weeks. Measures of athletic performance were obtained in four phases: (i) before and (ii) end of the pre-season, (iii) during (weeks 7th), and (iv) after the intervention. The within-group analysis revealed that both HJ and VJ improved change of direction ($${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 27.783; p < 0.001 ($${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 21.635; p < 0.001),), 10-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 28.576; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 28.969, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 26.143; p < 0.001). Similarly, the VJ-group also imposed significant changes on 5-0-5 time, 10-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 25.787; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 24.333, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 22.919; p < 0.001). Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences in any of the assessment moments. HJ and VJ plyometric jump training are effective for improving the change-of-direction and a linear sprint of semi-professional players with no difference between types of intervention.

Evaluating the Effects of Consecutive Phases of Plyometric Jump Training on Athletic Performance in Male Soccer Players: The Effect of Training Frequency and Volume Manipulations

“…Distances of 10 and 40 m were used to determine the sprinting speed of the players. Subjects started in a split-legged stance with the preferred foot positioned 70 cm behind the first pair of photocells that marked the starting line (22,25,26). Three pairs of photocells were used (starting line, 10 m, and 40 m).…”

“…The players were allowed to use their preferred leg for braking and turning; however, they were asked to use the same leg for each effort. The photocells were positioned at hip height (90 cm) (22,25,26) to enable the capturing of trunk movement rather than a false trigger from a limb. Players performed 2 trials, with the fastest used for further data analysis (22,25,26).…”

“…The photocells were positioned at hip height (90 cm) (22,25,26) to enable the capturing of trunk movement rather than a false trigger from a limb. Players performed 2 trials, with the fastest used for further data analysis (22,25,26).…”

“…Each subject was assessed twice with a passive rest period between efforts. The better performance of these 2 jumps (cm) was recorded for further analysis (22,25,26). The ICC for this test has been observed to be 0.99 (6).…”