title: Effects of speed, agility, quickness training method on power performance in elite soccer players.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the speed, agility, quickness (SAQ) training method on power performance in soccer players. Soccer players were assigned randomly to 2 groups: experimental group (EG; n = 50) and control group (n = 50). Power performance was assessed by a test of quickness--the 5-m sprint, a test of acceleration--the 10-m sprint, tests of maximal speed--the 20- and the 30-m sprint along with Bosco jump tests--squat jump, countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal CMJ, and continuous jumps performed with legs extended. The initial testing procedure took place at the beginning of the in-season period. The 8-week specific SAQ training program was implemented after which final testing took place. The results of the 2-way analysis of variance indicated that the EG improved significantly (p < 0.05) in 5-m (1.43 vs. 1.39 seconds) and in 10-m (2.15 vs. 2.07 seconds) sprints, and they also improved their jumping performance in countermovement (44.04 vs. 4.48 cm) and continuous jumps (41.08 vs. 41.39 cm) performed with legs extended (p < 0.05). The SAQ training program appears to be an effective way of improving some segments of power performance in young soccer players during the in-season period. Soccer coaches could use this information in the process of planning in-season training. Without proper planning of the SAQ training, soccer players will most likely be confronted with decrease in power performance during in-season period.
authors.affiliation: Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia. mario.jovanovic@kif.hr
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jovanovic
authors.forename: Goran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sporis
authors.forename: Darija
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Omrcen
authors.forename: Fredi
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fiorentini
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D056352:Athletes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D054874:Athletic Performance; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time; D012016:Reference Values; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*