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Abstract:
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In order for athletes to succeed in sports, their physical performance must be at the highest level possible. One way to improve physical performance is to participate in a strength and conditioning program specific to the sport played. The purpose of this study was to examine the change in the results of 5 physical performance tests between starters and nonstarters after implementing a combined strength and speed training program to a collegiate women’s soccer team over a competitive season. Similar research has focused on the effects of a strength and conditioning program during competitive seasons of soccer and many other sports. The studies have produced varying results, with some subjects improving performance, while others maintain or worsen.
The subjects in this study were 16 female soccer players at the community college playing level. They were tested at the beginning and end of their competitive season. They were tested on vertical jump, standing broad jump, 10m sprint, 40m sprint, and 150m shuttle run. In between the pre-test and post-test, the subjects participated in a 10 week strength and conditioning program including strength, plyometric, and speed training exercises. Pre-test and post-test scores were compared as well as the scores of starters and non starters. Both starters and nonstarters significantly improved in the standing broad jump, 40m sprint, and 150m shuttle. Neither starters nor nonstarters experienced significant changes in vertical jump or the 10m sprint. When the results between starters and nonstarters were compared, none of the performance tests showed significant difference. |
