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Effects of plyometric training on maximal-

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female soccer players

Article in Journal of Sports Sciences · July 2015

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 JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES, 2015
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2015.1068439

Effects of plyometric training on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance in male

and female soccer players
Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo1, Marcelo Vergara-Pedreros1, Carlos Henríquez-Olguín2, Cristian Martínez-Salazar3,
Cristian Alvarez4, Fábio Yuzo Nakamura5, Carlos I. De La Fuente6, Alexis Caniuqueo7, Alicia M. Alonso-Martinez8
and Mikel Izquierdo 8,9
1
Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile; 2Laboratory of Exercise Sciences, MEDS Clinic, Santiago, Chile;
3
Department of Physical Education, Sport and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; 4Family Health Center of Los Lagos, Health
Promotion Program, Los Lagos, Chile; 5Departament of Physical Education, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil; 6Foot and Ankle
Unit, Instituto Traumatologico “Teodoro Gebauer Weisser”, Santiago, Chile; 7Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics, Universidad Autónoma
de Chile, Temuco, Chile; 8Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Navarra, Spain; 9Facultad de Cultura Física, Deporte y
Recreación, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá D.C., Colombia

ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

In a randomised controlled trial design, effects of 6 weeks of plyometric training on maximal-intensity Accepted 26 June 2015
exercise and endurance performance were compared in male and female soccer players. Young (age
KEYWORDS
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21.1 ± 2.7 years) players with similar training load and competitive background were assigned to Muscle strength; muscle
training (women, n = 19; men, n = 21) and control (women, n = 19; men, n = 21) groups. Players were action; sports; women;
evaluated for lower- and upper-body maximal-intensity exercise, 30 m sprint, change of direction speed strength training
and endurance performance before and after 6 weeks of training. After intervention, the control groups
did not change, whereas both training groups improved jumps (effect size (ES) = 0.35–1.76), throwing
(ES = 0.62–0.78), sprint (ES = 0.86–1.44), change of direction speed (ES = 0.46–0.85) and endurance
performance (ES = 0.42–0.62). There were no differences in performance improvements between the
plyometric training groups. Both plyometric groups improved more in all performance tests than the
controls. The results suggest that adaptations to plyometric training do not differ between men and
women.

1. Introduction jump performance after plyometric training. Conversely, similar

sprint (ES = 0.36–0.37) (de Villarreal, Requena, & Cronin, 2012)
Numerous maximum- and high-intensity muscle actions are
and endurance (~4%) (Ramírez-Campillo, Álvarez, et al., 2014)
required during soccer, including jumping, passing, kicking,
performance adaptations have been reported in men and
tackling, turning, sprinting and quick changing pace (Stølen,
women after plyometric training. Moreover, similar plyometric
Chamari, Castagna, & Wisløff, 2005). In addition, endurance is
training-induced adaptations have occurred in men and
also important to sustain repeated changes of direction, as
women, independent of initial performance before training
players must complete up to 1400 short-burst activities,
(Ramírez-Campillo, Álvarez, et al., 2014) or basal differences in
changing every 4–6 s throughout the 90 min of match play
important performance-related hormonal markers (Guadalupe-
(Stølen et al., 2005). Plyometric training has a favourable effect
Grau et al., 2009). However, because none of these studies have
on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance performance in
analysed the independent effect of the sex of participants on
soccer players (Datson et al., 2014; Siegler, Gaskill, & Ruby,
adaptations induced by plyometric training in soccer players
2003), even during the most competitive periods of the year
and because the adaptations might differ according to the type
(i.e., in-season) (Brito, Vasconcellos, Oliveira, Krustrup, & Rebelo,
of sport practised (de Villarreal et al., 2012), or standard (i.e.,
2014). However, to our knowledge, there is no data regarding
non-trained compared with trained participants) (de Villarreal
the independent effect of sex during plyometric training on
et al., 2009), extrapolation of results to soccer players is unwise.
performance adaptations in soccer players (Markovic, 2007).
Given the limitations and conflictive results previously cited,
Because strength before a plyometric training intervention is
there is a need to study the independent effect of sex on
an important variable (Barr & Nolte, 2014), and because men
plyometric training-induced performance adaptations in soccer
tend to be stronger than women, they might be better suited
players. Thus, our objective was to compare adaptations to
to plyometric training. This was demonstrated by de Villarreal,
plyometric training in male and female soccer players matched
Kellis, Kraemer, and Izquierdo (2009), whereby men had greater
according to soccer training load and competitive experience.
gains than women (ES = 0.8 and 0.5, respectively) in vertical

CONTACT Mikel Izquierdo [email protected] Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Campus of Tudela, Av. de Tarazona
s/n. 31500, Tudela, Navarra, Spain.
Present affiliation for Carlos I. De La Fuente is Carrera de Kinesiología, UDA Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago,
Chile
© 2015 Taylor & Francis
 2 R. RAMÍREZ-CAMPILLO ET AL.

2. Methods Sample size was determined according to changes in plyo-

metric (i.e., reactive strength index) performance in a group
2.1. Participants
of trained men and women submitted to a control
With institutional ethics approval, 91 participants were (Δ = −0.01 cm.ms-1; SD = 0.047) or to a short-term plyometric
recruited from amateur male and female soccer teams com- training (Δ = 0.026 cm.ms-1; SD = 0.035) (Ramírez-Campillo,
peting at the national level (i.e., college). In the last college Álvarez, et al., 2014) comparable with that applied in this
national championship, players were positioned between study. A total of 11 participants per group would yield a
the fourth and second places. At recruitment, players com- power of 80% and α = 0.05, with a detectable ES of 0.2.
pleted four training sessions plus a competitive match per
week and had won 70% of their matches in the current
2.2. Experimental protocol
season. Players had similar competitive schedules and similar
involvement in soccer drills, resulting in comparable soccer- Participants were accustomed to procedures (four learning
specific weekly training loads for all groups in the study sessions during two weeks) to reduce learning effects. In
design (Table I). In a randomised controlled design, partici- addition, some of the performance tests were regularly
pants were allocated to one of the four groups separated by used on the basis of monitoring training seasons. Before,
sex: two training and two control groups. The training and immediately after the intervention period, standardised
groups underwent a plyometric training programme, tests were scheduled >72 h after a match or hard physical
whereas the control groups did their regular soccer training training session and were completed in the same order, at
(control condition). Before and after a 6 week period, all the same time of day (between 15:00 and 19:00 h) and
players performed a battery of seven tests related to max- indoor venue, with the same sports clothes and by the
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imal-intensity exercise and endurance performance. The ran- same investigator, who was blinded to the training group
domisation sequence was generated electronically and of the participants. All players were instructed to (1) have a
concealed until interventions were assigned. Soccer players good night’s sleep (≥8 h) before each testing day and (2)
fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: (1) a background of have a meal rich in carbohydrates and be well hydrated
more than 2 years of systematic soccer training and compe- before assessment. The participants were motivated via
titive experience; (2) continuous soccer training for the pre- strong verbal encouragement (e.g., “come on”, “you can do
vious 6 months with absence of musculoskeletal injury, (3) it”) to give their maximum effort during testing, in addition
no plyometric training experience in the previous 6 months, to performance feedback. Players were evaluated in 2 days.
(4) no participation in other competitive sport activity aside On day 1, age, stature, body mass, soccer experience, soccer-
from soccer during the intervention period. Initially, 91 par- specific weekly training demand, countermovement jump,
ticipants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were chosen to countermovement jump with arms, 40 cm drop jump reac-
participate in the study. To be included in the final analyses, tive strength index and 3 kg medicine ball throwing test
participants were required to complete all the training ses- were completed. On day 2, the 30 m sprint, change of
sions and attend all assessment sessions. As a result of these direction speed and the 20 m multi-stage shuttle run endur-
requirements, 11 participants were excluded from the study. ance test were carried out. The best score from three
Therefore, 80 soccer players (38 women) were included in attempts was recorded for all performance tests, apart from
the final analyses. For the final analysis, the four study the single shuttle run endurance test. A rest interval of at
groups were as follows: male plyometric training group least 2 min was allowed between each physical performance
(MPT, n = 21), female plyometric training group (FPT, trial to reduce effects of fatigue. While waiting, participants
n = 19), male control group (MCG, n = 21), and female performed low-intensity activity to maintain readiness for the
control group (FCG, n = 19). Details of the characteristics next test. Ten minutes of general warm-up (i.e., submaximal
for each group are given in Table I. Similar number of goal- running with change of direction, 20 vertical and 10 horizon-
keepers (2; 2; 3; 2), defenders (6; 6; 7; 5), midfielders (7; 6; tal submaximal jumps) were used before each testing ses-
5; 6) and forwards (6; 5; 6; 6) were present in the MPT, FPT, sion. In addition, participants performed a specific warm-up
MCG and FCG, respectively. that comprised two practice jumps or runs, except for the
shuttle run endurance test, where players completed the first
minute of the test for warm-up.
Anthropometry comprised stature on a stadiometer
Table I. Descriptive data of the female control group (FCG; n = 19), female (Bodymeter 206, SECA, Germany to 0.1 cm) and body mass
plyometric training group (FPT; n = 19), male control group (MCG; n = 21) and on an electrical scale (BF 100_Body Complete, Beurer,
male plyometric training group (MPT; n = 21). Germany to 0.1 kg). Protocols used for the jump, 30 m sprint,
FCG FPT MCG MPT change of direction speed and shuttle run endurance tests
Age (y) 20.5 ± 2.5 22.4 ± 2.4 20.8 ± 2.7 20.4 ± 2.8 were according to Ramírez-Campillo, Andrade, and Izquierdo
Stature (cm) 159 ± 6b 161 ± 5b 174 ± 6 171 ± 8
Body mass (kg) 60.2 ± 9.3b 60.7 ± 9.3b 71.5 ± 6.9 68.4 ± 8.5 (2013), Ramírez-Campillo, Meylan, et al. (2015) and Ramírez-
Body mass index (kg.m-2) 23.7 ± 3.2 23.5 ± 3.3 23.5 ± 1.5 23.4 ± 2.0 Campillo, Gallardo, et al. (2015). Briefly, for the vertical jumps,
Soccer experience (y) 10.6 ± 3.0 12.3 ± 3.0 12.0 ± 2.5 11.5 ± 3.1 players executed maximal effort jumps on a mobile contact
Soccer training loada 404 ± 241 417 ± 318 440 ± 183 371 ± 178
mat (Ergojump; Globus, Codogne, Italy) with arms akimbo,
Notes: aSoccer training load was determined by multiplying the minutes of
soccer training by the rating of perceived exertion after each soccer training except during countermovement jump with arms, where arm
session. bDenotes significant difference compared to MCG and MPT, P < 0.05. swings were used. Take-off and landing were standardised to
 JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES 3

full knee and ankle extension on the same spot. The partici- groups did not perform the plyometric training, but
pants were instructed to maximise jump height. In addition, performed their usual soccer training (i.e., mainly technical-
for the 40 cm drop jump reactive strength index, players were tactical, small-sided and simulated games). The design of the
instructed to minimise ground contact time after dropping plyometric intervention was based on the players’ previous
down from a 40 cm drop box. Reactive strength index was training records (Ramírez-Campillo, Meylan, et al., 2015).
calculated from jump height (cm) divided by contact time Plyometric training was not added to the regular training of
(ms). Jump height was determined using an acknowledged soccer players, instead a replacement of some low-intensity
flight-time equation (Ramírez-Campillo et al., 2013). technical-tactical soccer drills by plyometric drills was per-
The sprint time was assessed to the nearest 0.01 s using formed within their usual 120 min training, twice per week,
single-beam infrared photoelectric cells (Globus Italia, during the 6 week intervention period.
Codogne, Italy). Participants had a standing start with the Each plyometric session included 12 jump exercises (i.e.,
toe of the preferred foot forward and just behind the starting cyclic and acyclic horizontal and vertical jumps, with left, right
line. Sprint start was given by a random-delay sound (1–3 s) and both legs) performed with involvement of stretch-short-
which triggered timing. The photoelectric signal was posi- ening cycle muscle activity, similar to a countermovement
tioned at 30 m and set ~0.7 m above the floor (i.e., hip level) jump with arms. For the acyclic drills, participants were
to capture trunk movement rather than a false trigger from a instructed during each jump to achieve maximal vertical
limb. For the change of direction speed test (i.e., Illinois agility height or horizontal distance (according to the type of exer-
test), the timing system and procedures were same as for the cise), while during cyclic jumps, participants were motivated
30 m sprint, except that players started supine and completed to maximise the ratio between vertical height or horizontal
a circuit with several changes of directions. distance and ground contact time. The reliability of jump
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For the shuttle run endurance test, players ran back and heights was verified in a randomly assigned subsample of
forth between two lines, spaced 20 m apart, in time with the participants (two from each group) during two randomly
“beep” sounds from an electronic audio recording. Each suc- assigned training sessions, by assessment of contact times,
cessful run of the 20 m distance was a completion of a shuttle. height and distance of jumps, using same procedures as
The beep sounded at a progressively increasing pace with every described above. Before beginning the training period, players
minute of the test, and the player had to increase speed were instructed on how to perform all the exercises. The order
accordingly. The player was warned if he/she did not reach of tasks was randomised in each session to add variation
the end line in time once. The test was terminated when the during training. In the first week of training, players completed
examinee: (1) could not follow the set pace of the beeps for two two sets of five repetitions for each exercise, for a total of 80
successive shuttles or (2) stopped voluntarily. The scores were jumps per leg during each session. In the plyometric training
expressed as the last minute that the player completed. weeks, one repetition per set was added. In this way, players
The medicine ball throw test was conducted according completed 160 jumps per leg during each session in the last
to Palao and Valadés (2013). Briefly, the player threw a week of plyometric training. In addition to the lower-body
3 kg medicine ball with both arms as far as possible, plyometric training, in each session, participants completed
with an extension movement of the shoulders, elbows three sets of eight repetitions of medicine ball throw as
and wrists from behind their neck, using a concentric described above. All training sessions were supervised by an
muscle action. The player’s back is always in contact with investigator at a participant ratio of 1:4 and particular atten-
a bench, where he/she remains in a supine position during tion was paid to technique. All plyometric sessions lasted
throwing. The distance was assessed from the player’s approximately 40 min and were performed just after the
shoulders. warm-up. The FPT and MPT completed the same number of
Total training load was assessed to ensure that all players total repetitions during intervention, using the same surface
received the same soccer training stimulus during the inter- (i.e., grass soccer-field) and time of day (afternoon) for
vention. Session rating of perceived exertion was deter- plyometric training, with the same rest intervals between ses-
mined (Impellizzeri, Rampinini, Coutts, Sassi, & Marcora, sions (i.e., 72 h), sets (i.e., 60 s) and jumps or throws [i.e., 15 s
2004). Briefly, each player’s session rating of perceived exer- for acyclic jumps – as previously recommended (Read &
tion was collected about 30 min after each soccer training Cisar, 2001)].
session and match to ensure that the perceived effort
reflected the entire session rather than the most recent
2.4. Data analysis
exercise intensity. In this study, the Chilean translation of
the 10 point category ratio scale modified by Foster et al. Statistical analyses were via STATISTICA statistical package
(2001) was used. This scale was modified to reflect the (Version 8.0; StatSoft, Inc, Tulsa). All values are reported as
Chilean idiomatic English. Total training load was calculated mean ± standard deviation. Relative changes (%) in perfor-
as rating of perceived exertion × training session duration mance and Cohen’s d ES are expressed with 90% confidence
(i.e., minutes). limits. Normality and homoscedasticity assumptions for all
data before and after intervention were checked with the
Shapiro–Wilk and Levene tests, respectively. To determine
2.3. Training programme
effects of the intervention on performance adaptations,
The plyometric training was completed during the groups were compared via a mixed-design factorial ANOVA.
mid-portion of player’s competition period. The control When a significant F-value occurred for interaction between
 4 R. RAMÍREZ-CAMPILLO ET AL.

groups or for main effects of group or time, Scheffé post hoc 3. Results
procedures were performed. In addition, a between-groups
3.1. Baseline
one-way analysis of variance compared changes between
groups, i.e., the difference between scores before and after Men were taller and heavier than women (Table I) and per-
the intervention. The α level was set at P < 0.05 for statistical formed better in all physical tests (Table II), although there
significance. In addition to this null hypothesis testing, data were no differences between groups of the same sex.
were also assessed for practical meaningfulness using a mag-
nitude-based inference approach. Threshold values for asses-
sing magnitudes of ES were 0.20, 0.60, 1.2 and 2.0 for small,
moderate, large and very large, respectively (Hopkins, 3.2. Plyometric training effects
Marshall, Batterham, & Hanin, 2009). Magnitudes of differ- The factorial ANOVA (four groups × two times) identified an
ences in training effects between groups were evaluated interaction between groups, where replacement of low-inten-
non-clinically (Hopkins et al., 2009): if the confidence interval sity technical-tactical soccer drills by plyometric drills
overlapped thresholds for substantial positive and negative produced greater (F3,76 > 7.20, P < 0.001) performance
values, the effect was deemed unclear (i.e., trivial). The effect improvements in all (except shuttle run endurance test) per-
was otherwise clear and reported as the magnitude of the formance tests in the plyometric training groups than control
observed value with a qualitative probability, as above (i.e., groups with small-to-large ES of 0.35–1.59 in the former versus
small, moderate, large and very large). The reliability of trivial-to-small ES of up to 0.31 in the latter (Table II). In
assessments was determined using the technical error of addition, the plyometric training groups had small-to-large
measurement (Pederson & Gore, 1996), and ranged from greater meaningful training effects on performance variables
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0.9% to 6.5%. (Table III).

Table II. Training effects (with 90% confidence limits) for the performance variables of the female control group (FCG; n = 19),
female plyometric training group (FPT; n = 19), male control group (MCG; n = 21) and male plyometric training group (MPT; n = 21).
Baseline After training
Mean ± SD Mean ± SD Performance change (%) ES
Countermovement jump (cm)
FCG 26.6 ± 4.8 26.6 ± 4.3 0.5 (−1.2, 2.3) 0.03 (−0.07, 0.13)
FPT 26.7 ± 5.5 29.4 ± 5.8 10.7 (8.9, 12.5)e, f 0.48 (0.41, 0.56)a
MCG 33.2 ± 3.9d 32.8 ± 3.8 −1.2 (−2.6, 0.3) −0.09 (−0.2, 0.02)
MPT 35.3 ± 3.3d 37.6 ± 4.0 6.4 (4.9, 8.0)e, f 0.57 (0.44, 0.7)a
Countermovement jump with arms (cm)
FCG 29.2 ± 5.5 28.9 ± 5.1 −1.1 (−4.7, 2.7) −0.06 (−0.25, 0.14)
FPT 30.3 ± 6.5 32.6 ± 6.5 8.3 (6.6, 10.1)e, f 0.35 (0.28, 0.42)a
d
MCG 37.5 ± 4.4 37.6 ± 4.0 0.3 (−0.9, 1.4) 0.02 (−0.08, 0.12)
MPT 41.0 ± 3.8d 44.3 ± 3.9 7.9 (6.3, 9.5)e, f 0.76 (0.61, 0.91)b
40 cm drop jump reactive strength index (cm.ms-1)
FCG 0.101 ± 0.03 0.107 ± 0.03 8.0 (4.2, 11.9) 0.27 (0.14, 0.39)
FPT 0.119 ± 0.04 0.144 ± 0.04 21.5 (17.0, 26.2)e, f
0.61 (0.49, 0.73)b
d
MCG 0.162 ± 0.03 0.170 ± 0.03 4.2 (1.1, 7.4) 0.2 (0.05, 0.37)
MPT 0.162 ± 0.02d 0.204 ± 0.03 26.3 (22.9, 29.8)e, f
1.59 (1.4, 1.77)c
3 kg medicine ball throwing (m)
FCG 4.62 ± 0.47 4.59 ± 0.39 −0.6 (−2.3, 1.2) −0.06 (−0.23, 0.12)
FPT 4.55 ± 0.35 4.86 ± 0.38 6.7 (4.1, 9.4)e, f 0.78 (0.48, 1.08)b
MCG 6.18 ± 0.52d 6.19 ± 0.53 0.0 (−0.7, 0.7) 0.0 (−0.08, 0.08)
MPT 6.16 ± 0.53d 6.46 ± 0.54 4.9 (3.9, 5.9)e, f 0.62 (0.49, 0.75)b
30 m sprint time (s)
FCG 5.72 ± 0.28 5.82 ± 0.31 1.7 (0.5, 3.0) 0.31 (0.08, 0.53)a
FPT 5.69 ± 0.31 5.40 ± 0.32 −5.2 (−6.3, −4.1)e, f
−0.86 (−1.05, −0.68)b
MCG 5.05 ± 0.18d 5.05 ± 0.12 −0.1 (−0.6, 0.4) −0.05 (−0.24, 0.14)
MPT 5.05 ± 0.17d 4.79 ± 0.18 −5.4 (−6.3, −4.4)e, f
−1.44 (−1.67, −1.15)c
Change of direction speed time test (s)
FCG 19.79 ± 1.0 19.93 ± 0.9 0.7 (0.3, 1.2) 0.14 (0.05, 0.24)
FPT 19.48 ± 0.9 18.73 ± 1.0 −4.0 (−4.9, −3.1)e, f
−0.85 (−1.04, −0.66)b
MCG 17.55 ± 0.6d 17.65 ± 0.7 0.2 (−0.5, 0.8) 0.05 (−0.16, 0.26)
MPT 17.72 ± 0.7d 17.32 ± 0.7 −2.1 (−3.0, −1.2)e, f
−0.46 (−0.66, −0.26)a
20 m multi-stage shuttle run test (min)
FCG 8.6 ± 1.6 8.6 ± 1.1 0.8 (−3.2, 4.9) 0.05 (−0.21, 0.31)
FPT 8.4 ± 1.9 9.1 ± 1.2 9.7 (4.4, 15.2)e 0.42 (0.19, 0.64)a
MCG 11.8 ± 1.1d 11.7 ± 1.5 −1.9 (−5.1, 1.5) −0.15 (−0.41, 0.12)
MPT 11.4 ± 1.4d 12.2 ± 1.2 6.8 (5.0, 8.5)e 0.62 (0.46, 0.77)b
Notes: a, b, cDenote small, moderate and large ESs, respectively; ddenotes significant difference compared to FCG and FPT (P < 0.05);
e
denotes significant difference from pre- to post training (P < 0.05); fdenotes significant difference compared to FCG and MCG
(P < 0.05).
 JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES 5

3.3. Sex-linked effects

Table III. Differences between the female control group (FCG; n = 19), female plyometric training group (FPT; n = 19), male control group (MCG; n = 21) and male plyometric training group (MPT; n = 21) in the training effectsa

Notes: a Effects are shown in percentage units with 90% confidence limits and probabilistic inferences about the true ES; b meaningfully higher training effect with plyometric training; c data of the group indicated at the right
(−7.8, −0.3) Trivial

(−3.1, −0.8) Trivial

(−2.7, 1.7) Trivial

(−1.6, 1.5) Trivial

(−2.1, 8.6) Trivial

(1.5, 5.4) Trivial

(1.0, 4.4) Trivial

There were no interactions for sex, i.e., no differences between

MPT – FPT
the plyometric training groups’ performance improvements
(adaptations) after 6 weeks of plyometric training intervention
(Tables II and III).

3.4
−0.5
−4.1
2.7
−0.1
−1.9
3.1
(−3.4, −1.3) Moderateb
4. Discussion

(17.2, 25.9) Moderateb

(−6.3, −4.1) Largeb

(5.8, 10.1) Smallb

(3.6, 10.6) Smallb

(5.3, 9.3) Smallb
To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically
(3.6, 6.0) Smallb
MPT – MCG

examine the maximal-intensity exercise and endurance-adap-

tive sex differences from plyometric training in male and
female soccer players with similar competitive background
and training load. We observed that both sexes achieved
7.9
7.3
21.5
4.8
−5.2
−2.4
7.0

similar changes in performance during jumps, 3 kg medicine

ball throwing, 30 m sprint time, change of direction speed and
(−6.5, −4.0) Moderateb
(−5.6, −3.7) Moderateb

shuttle run endurance tests. Both control groups failed to

(10.0, 14.9) Smallb

(12.3, 22.8) Smallb

demonstrate improved performance in any test, suggesting

(5.8, 10.1) Smallb

(8.1, 20.5) Smallb

(6.3, 9.8) Smallb
FPT – MCG

that regular soccer training in the studied teams was not

effective in inducing further physiological adaptations in addi-
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tion to those gained before intervention. Therefore, replace-

ment of low-intensity technical-tactical soccer drills by
12.4
8.0
17.4
8.0
−5.3
−4.7
14.1

plyometric drills might be a practical approach in both male

and female players to improve maximal-intensity exercise and
endurance performance during the competition period.
(−8.2, −5.3) Moderateb

In modern soccer, the need to improve players’ maximal-

(−3.9, −1.9) Smallb
(13.2, 23.5) Smallb
(4.6, 12.9) Smallb

(1.0, 10.0) Smallb

(3.6, 8.3) Smallb

(3.8, 7.6) Smallb

intensity performance along with endurance performance is

MPT – FCG

evident in both sexes (Datson et al., 2014; Stølen et al., 2005).

Since both male and female players demonstrated similar per-
formance improvements in maximal-intensity exercise, speed,
change of direction speed and endurance in response to plyo-
6.0
8.6
18.2
5.7
−6.8
−2.9
5.4

metric training, this time-saving method can be adopted in

soccer teams of both sexes. Although the reasons for the similar
(−5.7, −4.0) Moderateb
(6.2, 11.0) Moderateb

plyometric training-induced adaptations between sexes are not

(−8.3, −5.3) Largeb
(7.6, 12.9) Smallb
(5.1, 13.6) Smallb
(8.9, 20.5) Smallb

(5.3, 18.7) Smallb

clear, the differences between men and women in initial levels of

FPT – FCG

performance before training intervention (Ramírez-Campillo,

Álvarez, et al., 2014) or important performance-related hormonal
markers (Guadalupe-Grau et al., 2009) might not be the under-
lying mechanisms. In fact, basal performance differences
10.2
9.2
14.6
8.6
−6.8
−4.9
11.8

between men and women were observed (Table II); however,

of each of the six comparative columns was used as the outset value.

both sexes showed a similar training-induced adaptive response.

−2.0 (−4.2, 0.2) Trivial
1.6 (−2.0, 5.0) Trivial
−2.3 (−6.7, 2.3) Trivial
0.6 (−1.2, 2.4) Trivial

0.0 (−0.8, 0.8) Trivial

−0.7 (−5.2, 4.0) Trivial
−1.6 (−2.9, 2.4) Small

Moreover, this fitness-independent effect was valid both for

MCG – FCGc

maximal-intensity exercise (de Villarreal et al., 2012) and endur-

ance (Ramírez-Campillo, Álvarez, et al., 2014) performance vari-
(with 90% confidence limits) on performance variables.

ables. However, sex differences may exist regarding the potential

injury-reducing effects of plyometric training, with a clearer
effect in women than in men (Ter Stege, Dallinga, Benjaminse,
& Lemmink, 2014).
40 cm drop jump reactive strength index

For jump performance, both plyometric training groups

Change of direction speed time test
Countermovement jump with arms

had similar improvements, which were greater than those of

20 m multi-stage shuttle run test

the control groups (Tables II and III). In the present study, the
3 kg medicine ball throwing

magnitude or relative improvement was similar to that pre-

Countermovement jump

viously reported for analogous slow stretch-shortening cycle

(i.e., countermovement and countermovement with arms
30 m sprint time

jumps) (Faude, Roth, Di Giovine, Zahner, & Donath, 2013)

and fast stretch-shortening cycle (i.e., 40 cm drop jump) mus-
cle actions (Faude et al., 2013; Michailidis et al., 2013) after
plyometric training with male and female soccer players using
interventions of similar duration or number of sessions. These
 6 R. RAMÍREZ-CAMPILLO ET AL.

changes might have a positive effect on the percentage of allow better performance during a change of direction speed task
games won (Faude et al., 2013) and could have been induced (Young et al., 2002).
by neuromuscular adaptations (Markovic & Mikulic, 2010). Our results demonstrated that both plyometric training groups
The plyometric training groups showed a similar increase in achieved a similar improvement in shuttle run endurance perfor-
medicine ball throwing performance, which was greater com- mance (Table II), which was greater compared to their non-plyo-
pared to control groups (Tables II and III). Upper-body maximal- metric training counterparts (Table III). Although studies have
intensity exercise should not be overlooked in soccer players, as an shown a meaningful effect of plyometric training on endurance
important number of goals during competitive games occur after performance (Barnes & Kilding, 2015), a relatively novel finding to
upper-body-dependant maximal-intensity exercise (Cerrah & this study is the improvement of endurance performance in a test
Gurol, 2011). In addition, upper-body maximal-intensity exercise with repeated changes of direction such as the 20 m shuttle run
performance is positively related to lower-body maximal-intensity endurance test, which might be more specific for soccer players
exercise (Lehman, Drinkwater, & Behm, 2013), suggesting that (Ramírez-Campillo, Meylan, et al., 2015). This improvement might
upper-body plyometric training might positively affect both, be related with a better running economy (Marta, Marinho,
upper- and lower-body maximal-intensity performance. Barbosa, Izquierdo, & Marques, 2013), which in turn might be
Both plyometric training groups presented a similar decrease in explained by decreased ground contact times, increased muscu-
30 m sprint times and the change was greater compared to non- lotendinous stiffness, elastic energy return (Barnes & Kilding, 2015;
plyometric trained groups (Tables II and III). Although the differ- Spurrs, Murphy, & Watsford, 2003), neuromuscular activity or
ences in the type of training programme applied make compar- enhanced running mechanics (Barnes & Kilding, 2015). However,
isons between different studies difficult, others have also found an direct assessment of potential mechanisms that could improve
increase in sprint performance after plyometric training in male endurance performance after plyometric training deserves further
Downloaded by [79.146.54.113] at 13:55 27 July 2015

(Brito et al., 2014) and female (Ozbar, Ates, & Agopyan, 2014) consideration.
soccer players; however, this was the first study to compare the We realise that by replacing low-intensity soccer drills with
effects of in-season short-term plyometric training on 30 m sprint high-intensity plyometric jumps, differences in training loads
times in both male and female soccer players. Because vertical might have arisen between control and intervention groups.
strength and maximal-intensity exercise are related with sprint However, when soccer training load was determined, similar
performance (Loturco et al., 2015), the maximal-intensity vertical soccer training loads were observed among control and plyo-
jump drills completed during intervention might have positively metric training groups (Table I). Regarding male and female
affected sprint performance in the plyometric training groups. plyometric training groups, both completed the same training
However, due to the importance of horizontal force production programme, for a total of 1440 jumps per leg during the
and application in sprint performance, the incorporation of hor- 6 week intervention period. A possible limitation of the pre-
izontal drills during plyometric training probably played at least an sent study was the absence of more physiological assessments
equally important role in sprint performance improvement (de to better understand the underlying mechanisms of training-
Villarreal et al., 2012; Ramírez-Campillo, Gallardo, et al., 2015). From induced adaptations in both male and female soccer players.
a neuromuscular standpoint, the increase in sprint performance is
related to mechanical impulse development by legs (Chelly &
5. Conclusions
Denis, 2001), which can be increased with plyometric training in
soccer players (Ozbar et al., 2015), in addition to changes in muscle For male and female soccer players, replacement of some low-
activation patterns that occur in response to plyometric training in intensity technical-tactical soccer drills during the in-season
soccer players that achieve better sprint performance (Chimera, period with maximal-intensity exercise plyometric drills, in a
Swanik, Swanik, & Straub, 2004). short-term (i.e., 6 weeks) plyometric training intervention,
The present study demonstrated that both plyometric training induced higher maximal-intensity exercise and endurance per-
groups had similar increases in change of direction speed perfor- formance improvements compared to soccer training alone,
mance. Change was greater than for the control groups (Tables II and the improvements induced by plyometric training were
and III). Using the same change of direction speed test (Ramírez- not affected by sex. In practical terms, sex should not be seen
Campillo, Meylan, et al., 2014), or a similar duration change of as a special concern while applying plyometric training in
direction speed test (Ramírez-Campillo, Meylan, et al., 2015), after adult soccer players, at least when the target is improving
completion of an almost equal plyometric training intervention as specific physical performance. Therefore, male and female
in this study, we reported an improvement in change of direction soccer players with similar competitive background and train-
speed performance in young soccer players. During plyometric ing load can be submitted to similar programmes (e.g.,
training, soccer players performed exercises designed to induce volume, intensity, frequency) of plyometric training.
short ground contact times and high reactive strength index,
which predict change of direction speed performance (Young,
Acknowledgements
James, & Montgomery, 2002). Also, an improved change of direc-
tion speed performance could be related to changes in impulse The authors wish to thank all the volunteers who participated in this
development or increased eccentric strength, which can enhance study.
change of direction performance during the deceleration phase
(Nedergaard, Kersting, & Lake, 2014; Sheppard & Young, 2006). In
Disclosure statement
addition, plyometric training might enhance mental preparation
before maximal-intensity exercise (Beck et al., 2007), which might No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
 JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES 7

ORCID Marta, C., Marinho, D. A., Barbosa, T. M., Izquierdo, M., & Marques, M. C. (2013).
Effects of concurrent training on explosive strength and VO2max in pre-
Izquierdo Mikel http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1506-4272 pubescent children. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 34, 888–896.
Michailidis, Y., Fatouros, I. G., Primpa, E., Michailidis, C., Avloniti, A.,
Chatzinikolaou, A., . . . Kambas, A. (2013). Plyometricsʼ trainability in
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