Plyometric training on sand versus grass: Effects on sprinting, jumping, agility and balance in soccer players

• VALERIO BONAVOLONTÀ ^[1] ; ROBERTO CARVUTTO ^[1] ; ANGELO DI GIOIA ^[1] ; MICHELE DE CANDIA ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Study of Bari “Aldo Moro”
• Localización: Journal of Human Sport and Exercise: JHSE, ISSN-e 1988-5202, Vol. 16, Nº. Extra 3, 2021 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Winter Conferences of Sports Science), págs. 1104-1113
• Idioma: inglés
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• Dialnet Métricas: 1 Cita
• Resumen

  • Soccer is an intermittent high-intensity activity requiring explosive strength and power production by the neuromuscular system. Plyometric training is recognized as an effective method for improving both sprinting and jumping ability through the stretch-shortening cycle. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of plyometric training on sand versus a grass surface on sprinting, jumping, agility, balance ability in soccer players. Sixteen adult soccer players volunteered in the study and were randomly assigned to a plyometric training group performed on sand (PS, n = 8) or on grass (PG, n = 8). Both groups performed 7 weeks of plyometric training on two separate weekly sessions lasting about 1.5 hour. Five-, 10- and 20-meters sprint test, Sargent test and standing long jump test, Illynois Agility test and Stork test were administered to assess sprinting, jumping, agility and balance ability, respectively. After 7 weeks of intervention results showed significative improvements in PS group for sprinting (p < .05), for standing long jump test (p < .05) and for balance (p < .05). Small but not significant differences were found for the other variables. A 7-week plyometric training performed on sand showed improvements on sprinting, jumping and balance respect to the same training performed on grass surface in adult soccer players.