Effects of Resistance Training on the Physical Capacities of Adolescent Soccer Players

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a progressive resistance training program in addition to soccer training on the physical capacities of male adolescents. Eighteen soccer players (age: 12-15 years) were separated in a soccer (SOC; n = 9) and a strength-soccer (STR; n = 9) training group and 8 subjects of similar age constituted a control group. All players followed a soccer training program 5 times a week for the development of technical and tactical skills. In addition, the STR group followed a strength training program twice a week for 16 weeks. The program included 10 exercises, and at each exercise, 2-3 sets of 8-15 repetitions with a load 55-80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Maximum strength ([1RM] leg press, bench-press), jumping ability (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ], repeated jumps for 30 seconds) running speed (30 m, 10 x 5-m shuttle run), flexibility (seat and reach), and soccer technique were measured at the beginning, after 8 weeks, and at the end of the training period. After 16 weeks of training, 1RM leg press, 10 x 5-m shuttle run speed, and performance in soccer technique were higher (p < 0.05) for the STR and the SOC groups than for the control group. One repetition maximum bench press and leg press, SJ and CMJ height, and 30-m speed were higher (p < 0.05) for the STR group compared with SOC and control groups. The above data show that soccer training alone improves more than normal growth maximum strength of the lower limps and agility. The addition of resistance training, however, improves more maximal strength of the upper and the lower body, vertical jump height, and 30-m speed. Thus, the combination of soccer and resistance training could be used for an overall development of the physical capacities of young boys.

Six weeks of knee extensor isometric training improves soccer related skills in female soccer players

“…21 Studies examining changes in speed and COD ability in soccer players after RT, plyometric, and other interventions alone or in combination report contrasting findings. 22,23 The lack of changes in the present study might also be a result of the short intervention duration. For example, Michailidis et al 24 found that only after 12-weeks of plyometric training did 30m-sprint time reduce by 3%.…”

The Influence of Resistance Training Experience on the Between-Day Reliability of Commonly Used Strength Measures in Male Youth Athletes

“…The between-day reliability of commonly used strength tests in youth athletes has yet to be reported, despite a plethora of research evaluating strength in this cohort (3,7,(30)(31)(32).…”

Importance Of Pilot Study And Data Quality Control In Designing Complex Training Programs For Young Athletes

“…The training programs for this study were based on available data sources [4,11,13,24,25] that used both children and adolescents who were either non-athletes or athletes. As our resistance training programs were predominantly designed to evaluate how young Thai male athletes respond to the program, subjective information revealed that young Thai male athletes were highly capable of performing all exercise routines throughout the two weeks of study.…”

“…Available data showed the benefits of resistance training programs when combined with sport-specific training in youth [4][5][6]. For example, significant strength and *Address correspondence to this author at the Center of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI 2 D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Tel: +351 964663997; Fax: +351 225500689; E-mail: rojapon@hotmail.com physical performance improvements of adolescent soccer players were reported when combined with specific soccer and resistance training programs [4]. Plyometric training studies in youth reported changes in various types of performance such as in vertical jump, sprint, agility, and sprint cycling tests following training programs [7,8].…”