The comparison of plyometric and speed training effect on speed abilities of soccer players: pilot study

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the impact of 6 weeks plyometric intervention training (PIT) and speed intervention training (SIT) on the stimulation of speed abilities (indicators) of soccer players. Methods: Research group was uniformly divided to experimental sample 1 (n=7, graduated PIT) and experimental sample 2 (n=7, graduated SIT). The indicators of linear running speed were measured by 5m, 10m, 30m sprinting. 5-10-5 test was used to measure indicators of running speed with changes of direction, where the following have been recorded: (5-0-5L) 5m left side sprint from the start, change of direction, 5m sprint (5-0-5L); 5m sprint from the start, change of direction, 10m sprint, change of direction and 5m left side sprint to the finish (5-10-5L); 5m right side sprint from the start, change of direction, 5m sprint (5-0-5R); 5m sprint from the start, change of direction, 10m sprint, change of direction and 5m right side sprint to the finish (5-10-5R). Results: Intergroup comparisons of pretest-posttest (PRE-POST) differences between PIT and SIT have not revealed significant difference (p>0.05) in any of the speed indicators tests. In two indicators of linear speed, we observed PRE-POST differences with a medium effect in favour of SIT (5m; 10m) in one indicator (30m) in favour of PIT. In two indicators of speed with changes of direction PRE-POST differences with a large effect (5-10-5L; 5-0-5R) have been noted in favour of SIT. In two other indicators (5-0-5L; 5-10-5R) PRE-POST differences between PIT and SIT have been noted without any difference effect. Conclusion: The results of the pilot study revealed a positive effect of both PIT and SIT on the stimulation of the speed abilities of soccer players and indicate tendencies in favour of SIT, which is needed to be verified with larger research samples.