Short-term effects of complex and contrast training in soccer players' vertical jump, sprint, and agility abilities

J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Apr;24(4):936-41. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c7c5fd.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term effects of complex and contrast training (CCT) on vertical jump (squat and countermovement jump), sprint (5 and 15 m), and agility (505 Agility Test) abilities in soccer players. Twenty-three young elite Portuguese soccer players (age 17.4 +/- 0.6 years) were divided into 2 experimental groups (G1, n = 9, and G2, n = 8) and 1 control group (G3, n = 6). Groups G1 and G2 have done their regular soccer training along with a 6-week strength training program of CCT, with 1 and 2 training sessions.wk, respectively. G3 has been kept to their regular soccer training program. Each training session from the CCT program was organized in 3 stations in which a general exercise, a multiform exercise, and a specific exercise were performed. The load was increased by 5% from 1 repetition maximum each 2 weeks. Obtained results allowed identifying (a) a reduction in sprint times over 5 and 15 m (9.2 and 6.2% for G1 and 7.0 and 3.1%, for G2; p < 0.05) and () an increase on squat and jump (12.6% for G1 and 9.6% for G2; p < 0.05). The results suggested that the CCT induced the performance increase in 5 and 15 m sprint and in squat jump. Vertical jump and sprint performances after CCT program were not influenced by the number of CCT sessions per week (1 or 2 sessions.wk). From the obtained results, it was suggested that the CCT is an adequate training strategy to develop soccer players' muscle power and speed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anthropometry
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Competitive Behavior / physiology*
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Fatigue
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Physical Education and Training / organization & administration
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Portugal
  • Probability
  • Running
  • Soccer / physiology*
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Time Factors
  • Track and Field