Effects of Three Preseason Training Programs on Speed, Change-of-Direction, and Endurance in Recreationally Trained Soccer Players

Abstract

Background: Modern coaches experience a drastic reduction of the available training time with an increasingly large number of competitions during the competitive season. Thus, they must choose wisely the most efficient methods to improve the physical fitness of their players during the preseason. Among all the methods, this study compared the effects of plyometric training (PT), sprint interval training (SIT), and small-sided games (SSGs) on the performance of recreationally trained soccer players.Methods: Seventy-three participants were randomly assigned in one of the three experimental groups (i.e., PT [n = 23], SIT [n = 26] or SSGs [n = 24]) and completed two sessions per week for a total of 3 weeks. Meanwhile, the whole group maintained their habitual soccer-specific training program who do not interfere in the preparation of the season. Repeated sprint ability (RSA), maximal aerobic speed (MAS), and a 30-m sprint were assessed at baseline (PRE) and post-training (POST).Results: Performance in SSGs decreased for the average speed from 0 to 10 m (V0−10m; −0.84 km h−1, −4 ± 5%, p < 0.001), the maximal distance (Dmax) covered in the 30-s RSA test (−3.65 m, −3 ± 6%, p < 0.01) and MAS (−0.52 km h−1, −3 ± 6%, p < 0.01). PT increased the mean distance (Dmean) covered in the 30-s RSA test (+5.98 m, 5 ± 4%, p < 0.001) and MAS (+0.58 km h−1, 7 ± 5%, p < 0.01) while an improvement of all parameters but the maximal sprint speed reached during the 30-m trip (Vmax) was found in the SIT group (V0−10m: +1.462 km h−1, 8 ± 5%, p < 0.001; Dmax: +7.89 m, 6 ± 5%, p < 0.001; Dmean: +8.69 m, 7 ± 5%, p < 0.001 and MAS: +1.74 km h−1, 12 ± 8%, p < 0.001). All SSG POST values were significantly lower than PT and SIT (p < 0.01). Dmean and MAS in POST were also significantly higher in SIT than in the PT group (p < 0.001).Conclusion: This study suggests that both PT and SIT could be a better alternative to SSGs to boost performances during preseason. Moreover, SIT seems to produce higher improvements in physical performances than PT.

Endurance Performance Adaptations between SSG and HIIT in Soccer Players: A Meta-analysis

“…The inclusion of studies conducted across different stages of the season provides valuable representativeness in terms of seasonality. Within the analyzed research, studies were identified that focused exclusively on the pre-season [72,73,77], first half of the competitive season [36,70,85,86], second half of the competitive season [74,[87][88][89], and post-competitive season [37]. Additionally, some studies examined combined periods, such as pre-season and early competitive season [71,90].…”

“…Regarding moderator analyses according to the type of HIIT intervention, similar changes in the field-based tests performance were noted after HIIT-RST (3 groups; ES = 0.86, 95% CI = -0.41-2.13; I 2 = 81.6%), HIIT-long intervals (4 groups; ES = 0.40, 95% CI = -0.47-0.54; I 2 = 27.0%), and HIIT-short intervals (7 groups; ES = 0.16, 95% CI = -0.21-0.53; I 2 = 32.0%), with a between-moderator category p value of 0.498. Of note, the studies from Koral et al [73] and from Castillo et al [74] were not included in the analyses as only 1 trial was available per each HIIT type.…”

“…Unauthorized distribution is strictly prohibited. [69] Boraczynski et al [83] Castillo et al [74] Clemente et al [37] Dellal et al [105] Eniseler et al [90] Faude et al [70] Herazo-Sánchez et al [106] Hill-Haas et al [88] Impellizzeri et al [71] Koral et al [73] Los Arcos et al [89] Mohr et al [76] Nayiroglu et al [72] Ouertatani et al [86] Radmiminski et al [30] Safania et al [75] VO2max…”

“…ES = 0.16, 95 % CI = -0.21-0.53; I 2 = 32.0 %), with a between-moderator category p value of 0.498. Of note, the studies from Koral et al [73] and from Castillo et al [74] were not included in the analyses, as only one trial was available per each HIIT type. The reduced number (i.e.…”

“…Boraczynski et al [83] Castillo et al [74] Clemente et al [37] Dellal et al [105] Eniseler et al [90] Faude et al [70] Herazo-Sánchez et al [106] Hill-Haas et al [88] Impellizzeri et al [71] Koral et al [73] Los Arcos et al [89] Mohr et al [76] Nayiroglu et al [72] Ouertatani et al [86] Radmiminski et al [30] Safania et al [75] VO2max Boraczynski et al [83] Hill-Haas et al [88] Impellizzeri et al [71] Radmiminski et al [30] D1: randomization process; D2: deviations from the intended interventions; D3: missing outcome data; D4: measurement of the outcome; D5: selection of the reported result.…”