Effects of closed-skill bodyweight strength exercises on jumping skill in youth soccer players

Background: Participation in soccer training is beneficial for the development of energetic motor abilities and coordination abilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of closed-skill bodyweight resistance exercises which differ in their jumping movement structure, on jumping skills in youth soccer players. It was hypothesized that the examined exercises provide a better stimulus than soccer training for jumping development. Methods: Twenty-six young soccer players participated in the study. They were assigned to a strength training soccer group (SSG, n = 15) or a soccer group (SG, n = 11). The SSG realized a 9-week strength training in addition to soccer training. The following measurements were taken: countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJas), countermovement jump without arm swing (CMJ), an indicator of coordination of the upper limbs (CMJas CMJ), and anaerobic power of CMJ (Pmax CMJ). Results: The obtained results showed similar improvements in jumping skills in both SSG and SG groups. Moreover, the results revealed a difference between both groups in pre- and post-training conditions for correlation coefficients observed between jumping variables. Conclusions: The strength exercises used in this study are not more beneficial for developing jumping skills than conventional soccer training among youth soccer players. Moreover, the strength training sessions should be based on a model of motor control in soccer players.