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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 332-335 |
Journal | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2009 |
Keywords
- soccer players
- muscle strength
- physical fitness
- motor ability