Effects of a short-term plyometric training on cement and synthetic turf surfaces in young soccer players

Purpose: We investigated the effects of plyometric training on synthetic grass or concrete surfaces on the physical performance of young soccer players. Methods: The participants were blocked randomly assigned to a synthetic turf (SYN, n = 9), a concrete surface (CEM, n = 10) or a control group (CON, n = 8). Performance (vertical jump, sprint, and agility) and perceptual measures were performed before and after 4 weeks of plyometric training. Results: The within-group effect showed improvements in jump height for CEM, rate of force development during the countermovement jump for SYN, 20-m sprint for CON and CEM, and COD (Change Of Direction) time for all groups (p < 0.05). Significant between-group effects of the training surface were observed only for squat jump height and the ratio between the countermovement jump and squat jump height (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A short-term plyometric protocol performed on cement or synthetic turf surfaces induced similar jump and sprint performance effects, by not determining specific adaptations in young soccer players.