Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte

9-17

Authors: Hernández P. YH y García G. JM

This study proves the effects of specific power training on youth soccer players with results expressed on the graphic of power vs. load. The exercise observed was the loaded jump. This analysis was developed with 49 soccer players, with an average age of 17.29 (± 0.791) years. Players were divided in two groups, the first group identified as EXG (S+P), received special training to increase the power levels; additionally to their regular soccer training they received in the club. The program was designed using specific individual loads, which were identified to be used for each player after evaluating their best value of initial average power, using the device Isocontrol 5.2. The first group developed the following exercises: 1) power cleans, 2) half squat, 3) loaded jump, and 4) continuous jumps (40-50 cm height). While the second group, identified as CG (S), accomplished only their regular soccer training. The observed variables in the loaded jump were 1RM and optimal load related with the best average power value evaluated in five repetitions. After eight weeks of observation the group EXG increased the weight of the load at which the player expresses its maximum average power. In contrast the group CG did not show changes for the 1RM and optimal load. Conclusions: 1) Associating specific training on power to regular soccer training, working with youth players, improves the optimal load related to 1RM in the practice of loaded jump; 2) The optimal load that lets to express the best average power on loaded jump is around 50% of 1RM; and 3) Weight at which the player expresses its best power value is displaced toward 1 RM.