AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF 8-WEEK COMPLEX AND CONTRAST STRENGTH TRAININGS APPLIED TO SOCCER PLAYERS ON SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of 12-weeks complex and contrast training applied to soccer players on selected physical Characteristics. A total of 23 university students playing soccer in the university team participated in the study voluntarily. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups; complex (CPX) and contrast (CNT) training protocols. During 12-weeks, CPX and CNT training groups performed strength training in addition to soccer training 2 days a week, over 7 hours (4-5 units). On the first day, one repetition maximum (1RM) strength tests (back squat, calf, and leg extension) of all subjects were measured respectively. On the second day, all athletes’ height, body weight, body fat ratio, (20m) sprint, vertical jump and agility performance tests were measured at the beginning and end of the 12-weeks study.  As a result of the analysis of the data, a statistically significant difference was found in the values of the first and last measurements (1RM test) (back squat, calf and leg extension) between the groups of the CPX strength training group subjects and CNT strength training group (p< .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in speed (20m), vertical jump, agility and smash dive performance tests (p > .05). Although these results are not thought to be conclusive yet, there may be important information for coaches, especially during the training prescription and physical performance control of football players.