Effects of speed, agility, quickness training method on power performance in elite soccer players

J Strength Cond Res. 2011 May;25(5):1285-92. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d67c65.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the speed, agility, quickness (SAQ) training method on power performance in soccer players. Soccer players were assigned randomly to 2 groups: experimental group (EG; n = 50) and control group (n = 50). Power performance was assessed by a test of quickness--the 5-m sprint, a test of acceleration--the 10-m sprint, tests of maximal speed--the 20- and the 30-m sprint along with Bosco jump tests--squat jump, countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal CMJ, and continuous jumps performed with legs extended. The initial testing procedure took place at the beginning of the in-season period. The 8-week specific SAQ training program was implemented after which final testing took place. The results of the 2-way analysis of variance indicated that the EG improved significantly (p < 0.05) in 5-m (1.43 vs. 1.39 seconds) and in 10-m (2.15 vs. 2.07 seconds) sprints, and they also improved their jumping performance in countermovement (44.04 vs. 4.48 cm) and continuous jumps (41.08 vs. 41.39 cm) performed with legs extended (p < 0.05). The SAQ training program appears to be an effective way of improving some segments of power performance in young soccer players during the in-season period. Soccer coaches could use this information in the process of planning in-season training. Without proper planning of the SAQ training, soccer players will most likely be confronted with decrease in power performance during in-season period.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration*
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Athletes / statistics & numerical data
  • Athletic Performance*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills / physiology
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Reaction Time
  • Reference Values
  • Soccer / physiology*