Effects of combined plyometric, speed and change of direction training on female soccer players on physical performance

The objective of this study is to determine the influence of short-term combined plyometrics (PL), speed and change of direction (COD) training (6 weeks) within regular soccer practice on the jumping, speed and COD of female soccer players during the season. Twenty-three subjects were randomly assigned to PL+ speed + COD (COMB), or control group (CG). Subjects performed 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Before and after training contramovement jump (CMJ), contramovement jump with arms (CMJA), 10 metres (m) - 20m sprint and L-RUN tests were analysed. Within-group analysis showed substantial improvements in CMJ (effect size [ES] = 0.92), 20m sprint (ES: <0.001), L-run (ES: <0.001). Between-group analysis showed significant improvements in 20m sprint (p ≤ 0.001). No significant improvements in CMJ (p ≤ 0.95); CMJA (p ≤ 0.61); 10m sprint (p ≤ 0.23); L-Run (p ≤ 0.24) in experimental groups in comparison to CG. The replacement of some low-intensity football drills with PLexercises combined with sprints and COD, during warm-up may be a possible option to optimise sprint performance.