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

Raja Bouguezzi, Helmi Chaabène, Yassine Negra, Rodrigo Ramírez Campillo, Zied Jlalia, Bessem Mkaouer, Hachana Younes

• 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.