@article{Bonavolontà_Carvutto_Di Gioia_De Candia_2021, title={Plyometric training on sand versus grass: Effects on sprinting, jumping, agility and balance in soccer players}, volume={16}, url={https://www.jhse.ua.es/article/view/2021-v16-n3-proc-Plyometric%20training%20on%20sand%20versus%20grass%3A%20Effec}, DOI={10.14198/jhse.2021.16.Proc3.27}, abstractNote={<p>Soccer is an intermittent high-intensity activity requiring explosive strength and power production by the neuromuscular system. Plyometric training is recognized as an effective method for improving both sprinting and jumping ability through the stretch-shortening cycle. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of plyometric training on sand versus a grass surface on sprinting, jumping, agility, balance ability in soccer players. Sixteen adult soccer players volunteered in the study and were randomly assigned to a plyometric training group performed on sand (PS, n = 8) or on grass (PG, n = 8). Both groups performed 7 weeks of plyometric training on two separate weekly sessions lasting about 1.5 hour. Five-, 10- and 20-meters sprint test, Sargent test and standing long jump test, Illynois Agility test and Stork test were administered to assess sprinting, jumping, agility and balance ability, respectively. After 7 weeks of intervention results showed significative improvements in PS group for sprinting (p < .05), for standing long jump test (p < .05) and for balance (p < .05). Small but not significant differences were found for the other variables. A 7-week plyometric training performed on sand showed improvements on sprinting, jumping and balance respect to the same training performed on grass surface in adult soccer players.<em></em></p>}, number={3proc}, journal={Journal of Human Sport and Exercise}, author={Bonavolontà, Valerio and Carvutto, Roberto and Di Gioia, Angelo and De Candia, Michele}, year={2021}, month={Sep.}, pages={S1104-S1113} }