Effectiveness and time-course adaptation of resistance training vs. plyometric training in prepubertal soccer players

PurposeThis study assessed the effectiveness and time course for improvements in explosive actions through resistance training (RT) vs. plyometric training (PT) in prepubertal soccer players.MethodsThirty-four male subjects were assigned to a control group (n = 11); 5 regular soccer training sessions per week, an resistance training group (RTG) (n = 12); 3 soccer training sessions and 2 RT sessions per week, and a plyometric training group (PTG) (n = 11); 3 soccer training sessions and 2 PT sessions per week. The outcome measures included tests for the assessment of muscle strength (e.g., 1-RM half-squat test), jump ability (e.g., countermovement jump, squat jump, standing long jump, and multiple 5 bounds test), linear speed (e.g., 20-m sprint test), and change of direction (e.g., Illinois change of direction test).ResultsThe RTG showed an improvement in the half-squat (Δ13%; d = 1.3, p