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Effects of traditional vs. complex strength training added to regular football training on physical capacities in U19 football players: a team study

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Abstract

Purpose

We compared short-term physical performance adaptations to traditional strength training (TST) or complex strength training (CST) in a youth football (soccer) team during the preparatory period.

Methods

A professional U19 male football team (n = 26; age = 17.3 ± 1.5 yrs) were divided in a TST (4 sets × 4 reps at 60–85% of one-repetition maximum [1RM] resistance training twice/week; n = 9), a CST (TST + plyometrics; n = 11) and a control (CON, only regular team’ practice; n = 6) group. The 1RM bench press, 1RM back squat, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), Illinois agility test, 10-, 20- and 30-m sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [Yo-Yo IR1] performance were tested before and after a 4-week preparatory period. Training load was quantified using the session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE; RPE × duration) method.

Results

Both TST and CST groups improved 1RM-BP and 1RM-BS (d = 0.67–0.91). The CST group improved SJ, CMJ, 10-, 20- and 30-m sprint and Yo-Yo IR1 performance (d = 0.43–0.74). The CON group experienced moderate improvements in CMJ (d = 0.73). After adjustment for s-RPE, the TST improved Yo-Yo IR1 performance (d = 0.53), whereas all functional adaptations disappeared in the CST and CON group. No between-group differences were observed in s-RPE neither after gym nor field training.

Conclusions

Adding TST or CST twice/week to regular pre-season U19 football training induced similar effects on maximal strength, albeit that CST seems more effective to improve functional capacity without being perceived as more demanding. Strength and conditioning coaches could implement CST to simultaneously enhance strength, power and intermittent exercise capacity in U19 football players.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Acatlán F.C. and the staff of the University of Guadalajara for their help.

Funding

The present research was funded by an individual grant “Beca-Credito para la continuación de estudios de maestria y/o doctorado” awarded by the Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, México (V/2019/2071).

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Author notes

  1. Carlos Miranda

    Present address: , Club Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Sciences Univeristy Center Organization, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico

    Carlos Miranda

  2. Kolding Sport Club, Kolding, Denmark

    Vincenzo Rago

  3. Center of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sports, Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    João R. Silva & António Rebelo

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  1. Carlos Miranda
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  2. Vincenzo Rago
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Correspondence to Vincenzo Rago.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the Ethical Board of the Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Portugal (CEFADE.07.2020).

Informed consent

All players were informed about the purpose and procedures of the study and provided an informed consent. In the case of the players being < 18 years old, their parents or guardians were informed and provided written and verbal consent according to the Declaration of Helsinki.

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Miranda, C., Rago, V., Silva, J.R. et al. Effects of traditional vs. complex strength training added to regular football training on physical capacities in U19 football players: a team study. Sport Sci Health 18, 671–680 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-021-00833-9

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