The Effects of an Alternative Training Method on Physical and Technical Abilities of Adolescent Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an alternative strength training method during soccer training on the development of physical and technical abilities of youth soccer players. 17 soccer players (age: 15 ±0.5 years) were divided in a control group (cg) and an experimental group (Eg). The players of the Eg wore a “weight shorts”, with 300 gr of additional weight on each thigh, while they participated into 3 regular soccer training sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The cg followed the same training program without wearing the “weighted shorts”. before and after 12 weeks of training, anthropometric characteristics, 10- and 30-m speed, the arrowhead change-of-direction test, the illinois agility test with ball, the countermovement jump, and the 5-repetition maximum (5rM) load at the split squat, leg extension and leg curl were measured. The Eg improved significantly (p < 0.05) more in comparison with the cg in countermovement jump, leg extension and split squat (left leg) 5rM load. The addition of weights on the thighs using special shorts during soccer training sessions leads to increased jumping ability and lower limbs maximal strength in youth soccer players. to avoid an early activation of the timing mechanism. The photocells were placed at a height of 80 cm from the ground. The participants run as fast as possible, reaching the finish point of the final photocell, which was placed at 10 meters. Timing was performed at the distance of 10 meters. after 1 practice trial, 2 sprint tests were performed, separated by a 3-min recovery period, and the fastest trial was used for further analysis. 30-meters sprint time was measured with 2 photocells. One photocell was placed at the start and one at 30 m. The players followed the same procedure as in the 10 m sprint. Timing was performed at the distance of 30 meters. after 1 time measured with a contact mat (new Powertimer 300-series, Oy, For the execution of the cMJ, each participant placed his feet in the center of the contact mat and his body was in an upright position with the arms akimbo. The researcher gave a verbal signal and the participant moved from an upright position down to a semi-squat and performed a maximal vertical jump (stretching-shortening cycle), taking care to land on approximately at the same part of the contact mat with the legs kept outstretched during the jump. For the sJ, the participants placed their feet in the center of the contact mat with the arms akimbo, adopted the semi-squat position (knees angle at 90°) and without any pre-stretch performed a maximal vertical jump. The researcher was taking care that participants were descending at each jump until a knee angle of 90° was formed, landing with the toes and approximately at the same part of the contact mat.