Comparison Of The Effects Of Different Plyometrics Training Frequency On Explosive Actions Of Pubertal Male Football Players

This study aimed to compare the effects of once and twice-weekly sessions of plyometric training(PT)associate with different PT volumes across 8 weeks on measures of explosive motion performance(i.e.,20 m sprinting,jumping ability and change of direction [Co D])in puberal male footballers.18 participants were randomly assigned either to one PT group(1PTG,n=9)or two PT group(2PTG,n=9)differing in weekly PT volume.In each training session,the training volume of the 2PTG group is the same as that of the 1PTG group,and the weekly training volume of the 2PTG group is twice that of the 1PTG group.PT was integrated into their regular football training routine.Both groups will perform 20-minute PT after the warm-up on Mondays,and the 2PTG group will perform a second enhanced training on Wednesday.The amount of PT training volume gradually increased from low to medium in 8 weeks.Three tests were completed before and after 8 weeks of PT,including the 20 m Sprinting Test,counter movement jump(CMJ),and modified Illinois Agility Test.Pre and post tests for the assessment of sprinting(e.g.,0-10 m,10-15 m,15-20 m,and0-20m),Co D(modified Illinois Agility Test),jumping ability(counter movement jump [CMJ])were completed.Paired Samples Test was used to compare the difference within intra-group,and One-way analysis of covariance was used to examine the difference within inter-group.The results of the study showed a significant improvement for 10 m sprinting(ES=0.258\0.331),20 m sprinting(ES=0.211\0.262),CMJ vertical jumping height(ES=0.243\0.297),CMJ ground contact time(ES =0.366\0.695)and modified Illinois Agility Test(ES=0.301\0.309)on both groups.It is worth noting that there is no statistical significance on the ES of all post-tests for 1PTG and 2PTG(P>0.05).In conclusion,when low PT volume was executed,twice PT frequency with double PT volume after 8 weeks of PT intervention was not found result in extra-effects on puberal male footballers’ measures of explosive motion performance.Hence,it implied that once a week of PT frequency and low PT volume are more effective in developing pubertal explosive motion.Football coaches,consequently,could spend more time on tech-tactical training.The present findings may have considerable practical relevance for optimizing PT interventions to puberal footballers.