Resistance and plyometric training for optimal performance in youth soccer players

2024-01-30T22:50:12-05:00

In youth soccer, systematic resistance training can significantly improve performance. Often, this type of training is carried out during the preparatory season and is interrupted or diminishes its emphasis during the competitive season. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of three consecutive mesocycles of combined resistance training (weightlifting and plyometrics in the first two, plyometrics and changes of direction in the third) to achieve continuous improvements in sprinting, vertical jumps, and changes of direction in male youth soccer players. Eighteen soccer players, with an age of 14.1 ± 0.3 years and no previous experience in structured resistance training, were the subjects of the study. Before and after each mesocycle, athletes were tested in countermovement jump (CMJ), 5m sprint, 10m sprint, 15m sprint, 20m sprint, and change of direction (505 test). Additionally, performance was assessed in specific exercises used in each mesocycle, including squats, Bulgarian squats, unilateral and bilateral hip thrusts, and unilateral and bilateral horizontal jumps (single and multiple). Performance improvements were observed in all analyzed variables across the three mesocycles (p ≤ 0.05), except for CMJ (p > 0.05) in the last mesocycle. Considering that these improvements were attained with relatively low loads compared to those reported in similar interventions with this population, it is inferred that this strategy holds the potential to yield sustained performance enhancements throughout the entire year of training for young soccer players lacking prior experience in resistance training.

Factors associated with the amount of physical activity elementary students engage in physical education class: a scope review

2024-01-28T14:12:42-05:00

Introduction: Physical activity provides benefits in children, however, despite this, it has been shown that there is a high prevalence of physical inactivity in children worldwide. However, the physical education class has been used as a strategy to promote physical activity in schools. Therefore, some physical activity recommendations have been set aside for the education class that primary school students are not complying with. Therefore, it is important to inquire about the factors that are associated with the amount of physical activity that primary school children do in physical education class. Method: follows the methodology for scoping reviews, searching the following databases: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Addressing physical activity in the physical education class and extracting the information according to the methodological aspects, interventions and factors reported by each article. Results: A total of 14 articles were included, which were classified into methodological outcomes, factors associated with physical activity in the physical education class and their respective categories, and emerging variables. Discussion: We propose a series of recommendations for physical education teachers according to the factors reported in the literature after an analysis of their scope and nature. Its weakness was the distribution of the articles among the authors, and the strength of the thoroughness of the methodology process. Conclusion: There are factors associated with the amount of physical activity that primary school children perform in physical education class, which are classified as: factors related to students, the teacher, the environment, and other factors.

Revista Académica Internacional de Educación Física

Resistance and plyometric training for optimal performance in youth soccer players

Factors associated with the amount of physical activity elementary students engage in physical education class: a scope review