The Effects of Training with Additional Weight Shorts on Physical Performance of Adolescent Soccer Players

This study examined the effects of an on field combined strength/speed/soccer training program on the physical performance of 20 male adolescent (age: 14.0 ± 0.7 years) soccer players, who were divided into an experimental and a control group (EG, CG). The EG players wore "weight shorts", with 300 gr of additional weight on each thigh and participated 2 times/week in a 12-week training intervention program. The CG followed the same training program without wearing the "weight shorts". The physical abilities were evaluated the week before (pre) and two days after the 12-week intervention training period (post) and the follow-up evaluation was performed 4 weeks after the post measurement. The measured parameters were: a) sprint/repeated sprint ability (straight and with 180º turns, RSA-best/mean/total), b) RSA fatigue-index, c) vertical jump ability and d) lower body maximal strength. The EG improved significantly more (p< 0.05) compared to the CG on 10-m-straight, 30-, 35-, 40-m with 180º turns RSAbest-sprints, RSA fatigue-index, squat jump, leg curl (single right/left leg) and in split squat (single right/left leg) 5RM load. Using special shorts with additional weights on the thighs during soccer training improved speed/RSAbest-times and fatigue-index, jump ability and lower limbs maximal strength in youth soccer players.