Effects of horizontal compared to vertical-based plyometric jump training on semi-professional soccer player's performance

This study aimed to compare the effects of horizontal (HJ) and vertical (VJ)-based plyometric jump training on male semi-professional soccer player's performance (e.g., change-of-direction speed [5-0-5 test]; 10-m, 20-m, and 30-m linear sprint speed). A parallel-study design was conducted. Participants were organized into HJ (n = 10) or VJ (n = 9) during 12 weeks. Measures of athletic performance were obtained in four phases: (i) before and (ii) end of the pre-season, (iii) during (weeks 7th), and (iv) after the intervention. The within-group analysis revealed that both HJ and VJ improved change of direction (x² = 27.783; p < 0.001 (x² = 21.635; p < 0.001),), 10-m linear sprint time (x² = 28.576; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time (x² = 28.969, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time (x² = 26.143; p < 0.001). Similarly, the VJ-group also imposed significant changes on 5-0-5 time, 10-m linear sprint time (x² = 25.787; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time (x² = 24.333, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time (x² = 22.919; p < 0.001). Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences in any of the assessment moments. HJ and VJ plyometric jump training are effective for improving the change-of-direction and a linear sprint of semi-professional players with no difference between types of intervention.