Short-Term Compound Training on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a five-week compound training (with strength and plyometric exercises performed on separate days) on sprint, change of direction, and vertical jump in young soccer players. Eighteen novices in strength and plyometric training were assigned to either a compound training (CMPT) or a control condition (CNT). Both groups trained three times per week. One session was dedicated to soccer-specific drills. The other two weekly sessions were dedicated to circuit-based training routines employing on one-day strength exercises and on the other day plyometric exercises in the CMPT group. At the same time, the CNT group performed two weekly soccer-specific training sessions. All players were tested by 15-m sprint, change-of-direction and acceleration test (CODAT), squat jump, and countermovement jump with arms swing tests. CMPT group improved CODAT, squat jump and countermovement jump to a higher extent compared to CNT group (large vs small or trivial effects, p < 0.05), while both groups had similar 15-m sprint performance (p > 0.05). These results support the use of compound training to improve change of direction and vertical jump performances in young novice soccer players, which are unfamiliar with structured and advanced strength and plyometric training.

Keywords: plyometrics; strength training; team sport; testing; youth.

Figure 1

Individual changes in 15 m sprint performance between CMPT and control condition (CNT). The circles with black outline show the mean pre-values while the circles with grey outline indicate the mean post-values for both interventions. * = significant (p ≤ 0.05) within-group (pre and post) changes. Note: CMPT = compound training group, CNT = soccer-specific training group.

Figure 2

Individual changes in change of direction performance between CMPT and CNT tested by change-of-direction and acceleration test (CODAT). The circles with black outline show the mean pre-values while the circles with grey outline indicate the mean post-values for both interventions. # = significant (p ≤ 0.05) interaction. Note: change of direction= change of direction speed, CMPT = compound training group, CNT = soccer-specific training group, CODAT= change of direction and acceleration test.

Figure 3

Individual changes in vertical jump performance between CMPT and CNT. Panel A and B show squat jump and countermovement jump with arm swing outcomes, respectively. The circles with black outline show the mean pre-values while the circles with grey outline indicate the mean post-values for both interventions. ### = significant (p ≤ 0.001) interaction. Note: CMPT = compound training group, CNT = soccer-specific training group.