Abstract

In sports there are a variety of different ways to strength train. Plyometric

training is a form of training that can be used to enhance athletes strength gains

(Davies, Riemann & Manske, 2015). However, research is lacking in this type of

training, especially in male soccer players. The purpose of this study was to

measure changes in strength following plyometric training in male collegiate soccer

players. Twelve collegiate male soccer players from Immaculata University

participated in a four-week plyometric strength-training program. The athletes went

through pre and post training testing for one repetition maximum squat and bench

press, maximum number of pull-ups, broad jump and vertical jump. Significant

differences were found when comparing the pre and post scores of each test; squat

(p = 0.004), bench press (p = 0.001), pull-ups (p = 0.001), broad jump (p = 0.002),

and vertical jump (p = 0.001). From these findings it can be concluded that

plyometric strength training does help male collegiate soccer players obtain

improve strength.