Effects of Different Plyometric Training Frequencies on Measures of Athletic Performance in Prepuberal Male Soccer Players

Bouguezzi, R, Chaabene, H, Negra, Y, Ramirez-Campillo, R, Jlalia, Z, Mkaouer, B, and Hachana, Y. Effects of different plyometric training frequencies on measures of athletic performance in prepuberal male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1609-1617, 2020-This study aimed to compare the effects of 1 vs. 2 sessions of equal-weekly volume plyometric training (PT) across 8 weeks on measures of athletic performance (i.e., sprint time, change of direction CoD, jumping ability, and muscle strength) in prepuberal male soccer players. Thirty participants were randomly assigned either to 1 session PT group (1SPT n = 15) or 2 sessions PT group (2SPT n = 15). Plyometric training was integrated into their regular soccer training routine. Pretraining and posttraining tests for the assessment of sprint time (e.g., 5, 10, 20, and 30-m), CoD (e.g., T-test and modified Illinois change of direction test MICODT), jumping ability (e.g., standing long jump SLJ, countermovement jump CMJ, and squat jump SJ), muscle strength (reactive strength index RSI), and kicking distance were conducted. Results showed a main effect of time for 5-m sprint-time performance (F(1,56) = 4.00, effect size ES = 0.53 medium, p = 0.05), T-test (F(1,56) = 23.19, ES = 1.28 large, p < 0.001), MICODT (F(1,56) = 5.72, ES = 0.94 large, p = 0.02), SLJ (F(1,56) = 16.63, ES = 1.09 large, p < 0.001), CMJ (F(1,56) = 15.43, ES = 1.04 large, p < 0.001), SJ (F(1,56) = 20.27, ES = 1.20 large, p < 0.001), RSI (F(1,56) = 26.26, ES = 1.36 large, p < 0.001), and kicking distance (F(1,56) = 47.19, ES = 1.83 large, p < 0.001). There were no training group × time interactions in all the measured outcomes. In conclusion, when an equated moderate volume of jumps is performed, higher PT frequency across 8 weeks has no extra effects on prepuberal male soccer players' measures of athletic performance. The present findings may help optimizing PT interventions dedicated to prepuberal male soccer players.