Effects of Plyometric Training on Explosive Strength, Speed and Kicking Speed in Female Soccer Players

The aim of the present study was to examine how to speed, explosive strength, and kicking speed are affected by a 10-week plyometric training (PT) program in elite female soccer players. Twenty adult players from Women First League (age=19.3 +/- 1.6year, height=163.3 +/- 4.7cm, body mass=56.6 +/- 6.1kg) were divided into plyometric group (PG) and control group (CG). Both the groups performed technical and tactical training and matches together. PG performed PT 2 times per week for 10 weeks. No significant difference was found between the groups at pretest variable (p>0.05). The significant improvement was found in the posttest of both groups (p<0.05), except for 10-20-m sprint test in the CG (p>0.05). Sprint, counter movement jump, standing broad jump, peak power and kicking speed test values were all significantly improved in the PG, as compared with the CO (p<0.05). The results indicated that safe and effective PT can be useful to strength and conditioning coaches for explosive strength.