Effects of horizontal plyometric training volume on soccer players' performance

The aim of this study was to examine the dose response effect of strength and conditioning programmes, involving horizontally oriented plyometric exercises, on relevant soccer performance variables. Sixteen soccer players were randomly allocated to two 6-week plyometric training groups (G1 and G2) differing by imposed (twice a week) training volume. Post-training G1 (4.13%; d=0.43) and G2 (2.45%; d=0.53) moderately improved their horizontal countermovement jump performance. Significant between-group differences (p<0.01) in the vertical countermovement jump for force production time (T2) were detected post-training. No significant and practical (p>0.05, d=trivial or small) post-training improvements in sprint, change of direction ability (CODA) and horizontal arm swing countermovement jump were reported in either group. Horizontal plyometric training was effective in promoting improvement in injury prevention variables. Doubling the volume of a horizontal plyometric training protocol was shown to have no additional effect over functional aspects of soccer players' performance.