EFFECTS OF A THREE WEEK SPORT SPECIFIC PLYOMETRICS TRAINING PROGRAM ON LEG PERFORMANCE OF MALE UNIVERSITY SOCCER PLAYERS

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a plyometrics program (twice weekly) of leg performance on male university soccer players. Thirteen subjects were divided into two groups. Group 1 served as a control group and participated in normal soccer training only. Group 2 served as a plyometrics training group and participated in both regular soccer training and a plyometrics training program. Pre- and post-training data was collected from subjects on a force plate performing counter-movement jumps. After three-weeks of training, both the control group and the plyometrics group showed improved velocity of center of mass (p<0.05), however, the plyometrics group showed a greater improvement (p<0.05) than the control group. It was concluded that an appropriate short-term plyometrics training program could enhance leg performance.