The effect of plyometric and resistance training on muscle power, strength, and speed in young adolescent soccer players

Objective. To examine the effectiveness of Plyometric and Resistance Training on muscle power, strength, and speed in Young Adolescent Soccer Players. Methods. This is a three-group, randomized, single blinded, controlled trial. A total of 45 soccer players were divided equally into three groups (plyometric, resistance training, and control). Muscle strength, power and speed was measured at baseline and 6 weeks’post training. Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA. Results. At the end of the training session (6 weeks), all groups showed statistically significant improvement of muscle power, strength and speed (p<0.05). Plyometric group showed a significantly better improvement on muscle power and speed than the other groups while resistance training group showed better improvement of muscle strength than the other group. Conclusion. Plyometric is more effective in improving muscle power and speed in young adolescent soccer players, but resistance exercise is more effective in improving muscle strength.