The effect of 8 weeks of plyometric jump training on repeated sprint ability and aerobic capacity in young soccer players

This study aimed to investigate the impact of 8 weeks of in-season plyometric jump training on the repeated sprinting capacity (RSA) and aerobic capacity of young male soccer players. A total of 24 participants were assigned to the plyometric training group (PG; n = 13; age 16.61 ± 0.50 years, body mass 54.30 ± 6.12 kg, height 1.72 ± 0.30 m; biweekly plyometric training in addition to regular soccer training) or the control group (CG; n = 11; age 16.18 ± 0.40 years, body mass 53.09 ± 4.39 kg, height 1.69 ± 0.06 m; regular soccer training only). The players were tested for RSA using a protocol consisting of 6 × 35 m sprints, with 10 seconds of passive recovery between sprints. Aerobic capacity was determined using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. The

Results: showed that the PG group had significant improvements in RSAbest (p < .01), RSAmean (p < .01), and VO2max (p < .002) compared to the CG group. In contrast, the control group showed a decline in VO2max and a worsening of RSAmean times. The

Findings: suggest that biweekly plyometric training for 8 weeks can enhance RSA performance and aerobic capacity in young soccer players. Coaches should progress training volume and intensity gradually while ensuring appropriate jumping technique and body position during the jump phase to improve effectiveness and reduce injury risk.