Effects of light-load maximal lifting velocity weight training vs. combined weight training and plyometrics on sprint, vertical jump and strength performance in adult soccer players.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of combined light-load maximal lifting velocity weight training (WT) and plyometric training (PT) with WT alone on strength, jump and sprint performance in semiprofessional soccer players.


METHODS
Experimental, pre-post tests measures.


METHODS
Thirty adult soccer players were randomly assigned into three groups: WT alone (FSG, n=10), WT combined to jump and sprint exercises (COM, n=10) and control group (CG, n=10). WT consisted of full squat with low load (∼45-60% 1RM) and low volume (4-6 repetitions). Training program was performed twice a week for 6 weeks of competitive season in addition to 4 soccer sessions a week. Sprint time in 10 and 20m, jump height (CMJ), estimated one-repetition maximum (1RMest) and velocity developed against different absolute loads in full squat were measured before and after training period.


RESULTS
Both experimental groups showed significant improvements in 1RMest(17.4-13.4%; p<0.001), CMJ (7.1-5.2%; p<0.001), sprint time (3.6-0.7%; p<0.05-0.001) and force-velocity relationships (16.9-6.1%; p<0.05-0.001), whereas no significant gains were found in CG. No significant differences were found between FSG and COM.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite FSG resulted of greater increases in strength variables than COM, this may not translate into superior improvements in the sport-related performance. In fact, COM showed higher efficacy of transfer of strength gains to sprint ability. Therefore, these findings suggest that a combined WT and PT program could represent a more efficient method for improving activities which involve acceleration, deceleration and jumps compared to WT alone.
Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain. Electronic address: davidrodriguezrosell@gmail.com.
David
D
Rodríguez-Rosell
Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain.
Julio
J
Torres-Torrelo
Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain.
Felipe
F
Franco-Márquez
Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain.
José Manuel
JM
González-Suárez
Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain.
Juan José
JJ
González-Badillo
D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods; D059385:Plyometric Exercise; D055070:Resistance Training; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
Countermovement jump; Force–velocity curve; Full squat; In season; Resistance training