a parallel-study design

Most of the research combining small-sided games (SSGs) with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is using the short or long forms of HIIT. However, other types of HIIT as repeated sprint training (RST) could enhance different stimuli. The purpose of the current research was to analyze the within- and between-group variations of physical fitness and body composition of two combined training interventions: (i) SSGs combined with a short high intensity interval training (sHIIT); and (ii) SSGs combined with a RST. This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Twenty-eight youth soccer players (age: 17.3 ± 0.5) belong to the same team were assigned equally to two interven tion groups: SSG + sHIIT versus SSG + RST. Training intervention lasted 4 weeks, with a 2-session/week frequency. The players were tested twice, once before and after the intervention with the following tests: skinfolds (fat mass); Sargent jump test (SJT); standing long jump; sprinting time at 10-, 20-, or 30-m; 5-0-5 for time and deficit; 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT) based on the final velocity, and repeated sprint ability (RAST) for peak, minimum, average power, and fatigue index. A mixed analysis of variance was conducted to considering factor × time effect. Between group analysis revealed no significant differences at baseline and post-intervention period for fat mass, sprinting time at 10-, 20-, and 30-m, change-of-direction (COD) time and deficit, SJT and standing long jump, final velocity at 30-15IFT and RAST peak, average power, and fatigue index (p > 0.05). Within-group analysis revealed that both groups significantly reduced fat mass (p ≤ 0.001), SJT (p ≤ 0.001), standing long jump (p ≤ 0.001), sprint time at 10- and 20-m (p ≤ 0.001), 30-m (p = 0.002), COD time (p ≤ 0.001) and deficit (p < 0.05), RAST average (p < 0.05), and final velocity 30-15IFT (p ≤ 0.001). Only SSG + RST had significant improvements on COD deficit and peak power (p < 0.05). The result of the current research suggests that either SSG + sHIIT or SSG + RST are effective for improving physical fitness in youth soccer players, with a multiple beneficial effect on locomotor profile, speed and COD, jumping performance and repeated sprint ability.9E1A-F9DD-3EB8 | Filipe Manuel ClementeN/

Effect of vertical, horizontal, and combined plyometric training on jump, sprint and change of direction performance in male soccer players.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of vertical (VPT), horizontal (HPT) and combined vertical and horizontal (V+HPT) plyometric training on sprint, jump and change of direction (COD) performance in adult male soccer players. Method Participants were randomly allocated into VPT (n = 8), HPT (n = 8) and V+HPT (n = 8) groups which undertook eight weeks of PT, executing 100 foot contacts per session, twice weekly. Results Though demonstrably effective, no specific one of the three applied programmes enhanced performance to a greater extent than another with only the 40 m sprint for the HPT group (mean difference = 0.07 s [HPT] vs. 0.04 s [VPT] and 0.04 s [V+HPT]) and the vertical jump for the V+HPT group (mean difference = 4.5 cm [V+HPT] vs. 4.0 cm [VPT] and 3.25 cm [HPT]) appearing to deviate from a uniform pattern of group level adaptation across the performance tests. Conclusion A total volume of 100 foot contacts per session, twice per week for eight weeks was sufficient to achieve the observed changes. Though jump and changing direction performance were enhanced, linear sprint performance was largely unchanged and so a more complete and intense programme may have been warranted. No method was superior to another in eliciting changes across these tests and a directionally-specific pattern of adaptation was not apparent

The effect of volume equated 1- versus 2-day formats of Nordic hamstring exercise training on fitness in youth soccer players: A randomised controlled trial

Purpose This randomised controlled trial examined the effect of an 8-week volume-equated programme of Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training, executed at frequencies of 1- or 2-days per week, on fitness (10 m and 40 m sprint, ‘505’ change of direction [COD] and standing long jump [SLJ]) in male youth soccer players (mean age: 16.4 ± 0.81 years). Method Players were divided into an experimental group (n = 16) which was further subdivided into 1-day (n = 8) and 2-day (n = 8) per week training groups and a control group (n = 8). Results There were significant group-by-time interactions for 10-m sprint (pConclusion The NHE increases fitness in youth soccer players and there may be advantages to spreading training over two days instead of one

The effect of volume equated 1- versus 2-day formats of Nordic hamstring exercise training on fitness in youth soccer players: a randomised controlled trial

Purpose: This randomised controlled trial examined the effect of an 8-week volume-equated programme of Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training, executed at frequencies of 1- or 2-days per week, on fitness (10 m and 40 m sprint, ‘505’ change of direction [COD] and standing long jump [SLJ]) in male youth soccer players (mean age: 16.4 ± 0.81 years). Method: Players were divided into an experimental group (n=16) which was further subdivided into 1-day (n=8) and 2-day (n=8) per week training groups and a control group (n=8). Results: There were significant group-by-time interactions for 10-m sprint (p<0.001, η2=0.120, d=1.73), 40-m sprint (p=0.001, η2=0.041, d=1.26) and COD (p=0.002, η2=0.063, d=1.01). The experimental group demonstrated a ‘very large’ effect size (d=3.02) in 10-m sprint, and ‘large’ effect sizes in 40-m sprint (d=1.94) and COD (d=1.84). The control group showed no significant changes. There were no significant differences between the 1-day and 2-day training groups. In three of the four tests (40 m, COD, SLJ) the 2-day group demonstrated larger effect sizes. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly lower in the 2-day group (p<0.001, d=3.46). Conclusion: The NHE increases fitness in youth soccer players and there may be advantages to spreading training over two days instead of one

Evaluating the Effects of Consecutive Phases of Plyometric Jump Training on Athletic Performance in Male Soccer Players: The Effect of Training Frequency and Volume Manipulations

Purpose: This 14-week, two-phase study aimed to determine the relative effects of 1-day or 2-days of volume-matched plyometric training on athletic performance (10 m and 40 m sprints, change of direction, vertical jump) in male soccer players (Phase 1). The objective of Phase 2 was to determine the relative effects of higher- and lower-volume plyometric training protocols in maintaining any previously attained increases in athletic performance from Phase 1. Method: A randomised parallel-group trial design was utilised. In Phase 1, participants (n=24; mean age: 19.5 ± 1.2 yrs; mean height: 179.7 ± 7.1 cm; mean weight: 69.8 ± 6.9 kg) were randomly allocated to one of two groups to receive either 1-day or 2-days of volume- and intensity-matched plyometric training for a 7-week period. For the second 7-week period (Phase 2), half of each group was randomized into either a lower volume or higher volume plyometric training group. Results: In Phase 1, both the 1-day group and 2-day groups attained comparably significant (p<0.001) increases in performance in all fitness tests ranging from effect sizes (d) of 0.4 (95% CI: 0.11 to 0.70) for 10 m sprint to 1.51 (0.42 to 2.60) for vertical jump. There were no significant differences between the performance increases in the two groups. In Phase 2, neither group increased or decreased performance, maintaining all previously attained increases with only trivial effect sizes observed (-0.02 [-0.58 to 0.53] to 0.11 [-0.38 to 0.61]). Conclusion: Increases in 10 and 40 m sprint speed, change of direction speed and vertical jump height can be achieved and maintained with as little one plyometric training session per week. Sessions can include 120 jumps to induce increases of the reported magnitudes with 60 jumps to maintain these increases thereafter, in male soccer players

Effects of horizontal compared to vertical-based plyometric jump training on semi-professional soccer player's performance

Abstract This study aimed to compare the effects of horizontal (HJ) and vertical (VJ)-based plyometric jump training on male semi-professional soccer player's performance (e.g., change-of-direction speed [5-0-5 test]; 10-m, 20-m, and 30-m linear sprint speed). A parallel-study design was conducted. Participants were organized into HJ (n = 10) or VJ (n = 9) during 12 weeks. Measures of athletic performance were obtained in four phases: (i) before and (ii) end of the pre-season, (iii) during (weeks 7th), and (iv) after the intervention. The within-group analysis revealed that both HJ and VJ improved change of direction ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2  = 27.783; p < 0.001 ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2  = 21.635; p < 0.001),), 10-m linear sprint time ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2  = 28.576; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2  = 28.969, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2  = 26.143; p < 0.001). Similarly, the VJ-group also imposed significant changes on 5-0-5 time, 10-m linear sprint time ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2  = 25.787; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2  = 24.333, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2  = 22.919; p < 0.001). Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences in any of the assessment moments. HJ and VJ plyometric jump training are effective for improving the change-of-direction and a linear sprint of semi-professional players with no difference between types of intervention

Do verbal coaching cues and analogies affect motor skill performance in youth populations?

Purpose The way coaching cues are worded can impact on the quality with which a subsequent motor skill is executed. However, there have been few investigations on the effect of coaching cues on basic motor skill performance in youths. Method Across several international locations, a series of experiments were undertaken to determine the effect of external coaching cues (EC), internal coaching cues (IC), analogies with a directional component (ADC) and neutral control cues on sprint time (20 m) and vertical jump height in youth performers. These data were combined using internal meta-analytical techniques to pool results across each test location. This approach was amalgamated with a repeated-measures analysis to determine if there were any differences between the ECs, ICs and ADCs within the different experiments. Results 173 participants took part. There were no differences between the neutral control and experimental cues in any of the internal meta-analyses except where the control was superior to the IC for vertical jump (d = -0.30, [-0.54, -0.05], p = 0.02). Just three of eleven repeated-measures analyses showed significant differences between the cues at each experimental location. Where significant differences were noted, the control cue was most effective with some limited evidence supporting the use of ADCs (d = 0.32 to 0.62). Conclusion These results suggest the type of cue or analogy provided to a youth performer has little subsequent effect on sprint or jump performance. Accordingly, coaches might take a more specific approach that is suited to the level or preferences of a particular individual