Effects of plyometric–agility and agility training on agility and running acceleration of 10-year-old soccer players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 6-week agility training and plyometric–agility training on level changes of agility and running acceleration of 10-year-old soccer players and compare both training programs. For our study, we were usinga 3-group, 2-factortime-parallel experiment. Thirty young soccer players attended a 10-minute warm-up. Eleven of them completed agility training, and 10 of them completed plyometric–agility training duringthe same duration of 20-25 min withclassic improvement of gaming activities and preparatory games of 40–50 min. Nine soccer players were included in the control group, which was only involved in 60–75min of preparatory exercises. For evaluation of the parameters of running speed and strength– speed abilities in input and output measures, we used a vertical jump test with countermovement with no arms, running for 5 m from athree-point start, running for 20 m from athree-point start, and a pro-agility test. After implementing agility training, we noted improvements in CMJ tests of 2.8 (24.50 ± 4.61 to 27.30 ± 3.81 cm; ~ Δ11.4 %; p ≤ 0.01) and in the pro-agility test of 0.18 (6.17 ± 0.30 to 5.99 ± 0.23 s; ~ Δ 2.3%; p ≤ 0.01). After implementation of plyometric–agility training, improvement in CMJ 2 (23.40 ± 4.17 to 25.40 ± 4.33 cm; ~ Δ 8.6%; p ≤ 0.01) running at 5 m from the mid-start was 0.04 (1.24 ± 0.08 to 1.20 ± 0.07 s; ~ Δ 3.2%; p ≤ 0.01) and in the pro-agility test - 0.11( 6.19 ± 0.35 to 6.09 ± 0.30 s; ~ Δ 1.8%; p ≤ 0.05). Although we were not able to confirmthat one of the training programs is more effective,thefindings highlight the importance of establishing agility and plyometric–agility training at an early age as they contribute to developing agility and running acceleration of athletes.