The effect of two plyometric training techniques on muscular power and agility in youth soccer players

J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):332-5. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318183a01a.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two plyometric training techniques on power and agility in youth soccer players. Twelve males from a semiprofessional football club's academy (age = 17.3 +/- 0.4 years, stature = 177.9 +/- 5.1 cm, mass = 68.7 +/- 5.6 kg) were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of depth jump (DJ) or countermovement jump (CMJ) training twice weekly. Participants in the DJ group performed drop jumps with instructions to minimize ground-contact time while maximizing height. Participants in the CMJ group performed jumps from a standing start position with instructions to gain maximum jump height. Posttraining, both groups experienced improvements in vertical jump height (p < 0.05) and agility time (p < 0.05) and no change in sprint performance (p > 0.05). There were no differences between the treatment groups (p > 0.05). The study concludes that both DJ and CMJ plyometrics are worthwhile training activities for improving power and agility in youth soccer players.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle Strength / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Probability
  • Reference Values
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Soccer / physiology*