Effect of Strength vs. Plyometric Training on Ground Reaction Force and Jumping Performance in Football Athletes

Effect of Strength vs. Plyometric Training on Ground Reaction Force and Jumping Performance in Football Athletes | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Effect of Strength vs. Plyometric Training on Ground Reaction Force and Jumping Performance in Football Athletes Dr Sanjay P, Dr Nikhil Roy M This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7328456/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Purpose To compare the effects of strength training (ST) versus plyometric training (PT) on vertical ground reaction force (GRF) and jumping performance in football athletes. Methods Sixtyfive male football players (age 18–24 years) were randomly allocated to either an ST group (n = 33) or PT group (n = 32). Both groups trained three times weekly for seven weeks. Outcome measures included countermovement jump (CMJ) height, standing broad jump (SBJ) distance, and vertical GRF during CMJ. Withingroup changes were assessed by paired ttests; betweengroup differences via oneway ANOVA. Results Both ST and PT groups showed statistically significant improvements in CMJ height and SBJ distance (p < 0.05). The PT group had significantly greater gains in CMJ (mean change ~ 2.0 cm vs ~ 1.6 cm) and SBJ (~ 17.4 cm vs ~ 7.6 cm) compared to the ST group (p < 0.05). Vertical GRF increased in both groups but did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion Plyometric training led to superior improvements in explosive jumping performance compared with strength training. While ST builds foundational force capacity, PT produces greater specific gains in jump metrics. Combined or periodized models incorporating both modalities are recommended. Sports Medicine and Kinesiology Football plyometric training strength training countermovement jump ground reaction force 1. Introduction Explosive lowerlimb power—integral to sprinting, jumping, cutting, and tackling—is a key determinant of football performance. Measures such as jump height and sprint speed correlate strongly with match-related performance indices [ 1 ]. Two widely used training methods targeting power are strength training (ST), which develops maximal force, and plyometric training (PT), which emphasizes rate of force development via stretchshortening cycle adaptations [ 2 ]. Previous work suggests PT improves jump height, sprint ability, and reactive strength index, whereas ST contributes primarily to muscle hypertrophy and force generation capacity [ 3 , 4 ]. However, their comparative effects on vertical ground reaction force (GRF) and jump performance in football players remain underexplored. This study directly compares ST and PT in trained football athletes over seven weeks. 2. Purpose This trial evaluated the effects of ST versus PT on: Vertical ground reaction force during countermovement jump Jump performance measures: CMJ height and SBJ distance 3. Methods 3.1 Study design and participants Data availability - The athletes enrolled in Saveetha Medical College's Sports Medicine Outpatient Department and students at the Saveetha College of Physical Education provided the datasets created and examined in this study. I can provide the data upon reasonable request, and they are safely stored. Although raw datasets are not publicly available due to ethical and participant confidentiality concerns, they may be made available in anonymised form for academic or research purposes with institutional consent. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 65 male football players aged 18–24 years, each with a minimum of one year of structured training and no history of lower‑limb injury. Participants were allocated to ST (n = 33) or PT (n = 32). The intervention lasted seven weeks with three sessions per week. 3.2 Ethical approval This study received approval from [ Scientific Review Board Saveetha Institute of medical and technical sciences], and all participants provided written informed consent before participation. 3.3 Training protocols Strength Training (ST) Exercises included squats, deadlifts, lunges, and leg presses, performed at 75–85% of one‑repetition maximum (1RM), for 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions per exercise, focusing on hypertrophy and maximal strength development [5]. Plyometric Training (PT) Protocols included depth jumps, bounding, tuck jumps, and lateral hops, with 3–4 sets of 8–10 repetitions, emphasizing minimal ground contact time and maximal velocity concentric movement [6]. 3.4 Outcome measures and data analysis Primary outcomes were CMJ height, SBJ distance, and vertical GRF measured via force plate during CMJ. Statistical analysis included paired t‑tests (pre‑post within groups) and one‑way ANOVA for between‑group comparisons; significance set at p < 0.05. 4. Results Table 1. Pre- and post‑intervention outcomes in ST and PT groups Parameter ST Group (Mean ± SD) PT Group (Mean ± SD) CMJ Height (cm) 39.8 → 41.4 41.2 → 43.2 SBJ Distance (cm) 234.6 → 242.2 232.4 → 249.8 Vertical GRF (N/kg) 1.5 → 1.7 1.4 → 1.8 Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in CMJ height and SBJ distance (p < 0.05). The PT group showed significantly greater improvements in CMJ and SBJ compared with ST (p < 0.05). Vertical GRF increased in both groups, but the between‑group difference was not statistically significant. 5. Discussion Both ST and PT interventions produced meaningful improvements in explosive performance. Superior gains in CMJ and SBJ in the PT group likely reflect enhanced neuromuscular coordination, improved stretch‑shortening cycle function, muscle stiffness regulation, and fast‑twitch fiber recruitment [3,7]. The ST group improved force capacity, particularly vertical force output, but achieved smaller gains in jump height and distance—possibly due to lower specificity and shorter duration of intervention [5,8]. These results suggest that PT should be prioritized for explosive performance enhancement, while ST remains essential for building foundational strength within a periodized training framework [9]. 5. Conclusions Plyometric training produces greater improvements in jump height and horizontal jump distance than strength training. Strength training remains fundamental for developing base force capacity. Periodized programs combining ST and PT may optimize performance and injury resilience in football athletes. Declarations 7. Acknowledgments We thank Dr Kaushik K V S , Dr Karthik , Dr Senthuran , Dr teja for assistance with data collection and technical support. 8. Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Data availability - The athletes enrolled in Saveetha Medical College's Sports Medicine Outpatient Department and students at the Saveetha College of Physical Education provided the datasets created and examined in this study. I can provide the data upon reasonable request, and they are safely stored. Although raw datasets are not publicly available due to ethical and participant confidentiality concerns, they may be made available in anonymised form for academic or research purposes with institutional consent. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 65 male football players aged 18–24 years, each with a minimum of one year of structured training and no history of lowerlimb injury. Participants were allocated to ST (n = 33) or PT (n = 32). The intervention lasted seven weeks with three sessions per week. References Comfort P, et al. J Strength Cond Res 2014;28(1):173–177. Suchomel TJ, et al. Sports Med 2016;46(10):1419–1449. Marković G, Mikulić P. Sports Med 2010;40(10):859–895. Faigenbaum AD, et al. J Strength Cond Res 2009;23(Suppl 5):S60–S79. Peterson MD, et al. J Strength Cond Res 2005;19(4):950–958. Ramirez‑Campillo R, et al. J Strength Cond Res 2015;28(5):1335–1342. Turner AN, Jeffreys I. Strength Cond J 2010;32(4):87–99. Cormie P, et al. Sports Med 2011;41(2):125–146. Lloyd RS, Oliver JL. Strength Cond J 2012;34(3):61–72. Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Supplementary Files DOC20250808WA0023..pdf Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eExplosive lowerlimb power\u0026mdash;integral to sprinting, jumping, cutting, and tackling\u0026mdash;is a key determinant of football performance. Measures such as jump height and sprint speed correlate strongly with match-related performance indices [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Two widely used training methods targeting power are strength training (ST), which develops maximal force, and plyometric training (PT), which emphasizes rate of force development via stretchshortening cycle adaptations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Previous work suggests PT improves jump height, sprint ability, and reactive strength index, whereas ST contributes primarily to muscle hypertrophy and force generation capacity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. However, their comparative effects on vertical ground reaction force (GRF) and jump performance in football players remain underexplored. This study directly compares ST and PT in trained football athletes over seven weeks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Purpose","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis trial evaluated the effects of ST versus PT on:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVertical ground reaction force during countermovement jump\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eJump performance measures: CMJ height and SBJ distance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"3. Methods","content":"\u003ch3\u003e3.1 Study design and participants\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e- The athletes enrolled in Saveetha Medical College's Sports Medicine Outpatient Department and students at the Saveetha College of Physical Education provided the datasets created and examined in this study. I can provide the data upon reasonable request, and they are safely stored. Although raw datasets are not publicly available due to ethical and participant confidentiality concerns, they may be made available in anonymised form for academic or research purposes with institutional consent.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA randomized controlled trial was conducted with 65 male football players aged 18–24 years, each with a minimum of one year of structured training and no history of lower‑limb injury. Participants were allocated to ST (n = 33) or PT (n = 32). The intervention lasted seven weeks with three sessions per week.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3.2 Ethical approval\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study received approval from [ Scientific Review Board Saveetha Institute of medical and technical sciences], and all participants provided written informed consent before participation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3.3 Training protocols\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStrength Training (ST)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExercises included squats, deadlifts, lunges, and leg presses, performed at 75–85% of one‑repetition maximum (1RM), for 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions per exercise, focusing on hypertrophy and maximal strength development [5].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlyometric Training (PT)\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtocols included depth jumps, bounding, tuck jumps, and lateral hops, with 3–4 sets of 8–10 repetitions, emphasizing minimal ground contact time and maximal velocity concentric movement [6].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3.4 Outcome measures and data analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimary outcomes were CMJ height, SBJ distance, and vertical GRF measured via force plate during CMJ. Statistical analysis included paired t‑tests (pre‑post within groups) and one‑way ANOVA for between‑group comparisons; significance set at p \u0026lt; 0.05.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1.\u003c/strong\u003e Pre- and post‑intervention outcomes in ST and PT groups\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"3\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParameter\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eST Group (Mean\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026plusmn;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSD)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePT Group (Mean\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026plusmn;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSD)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCMJ Height (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.8 \u0026rarr; 41.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41.2 \u0026rarr; 43.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSBJ Distance (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e234.6 \u0026rarr; 242.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e232.4 \u0026rarr; 249.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVertical GRF (N/kg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5 \u0026rarr; 1.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.4 \u0026rarr; 1.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in CMJ height and SBJ distance (p \u0026lt; 0.05). The PT group showed significantly greater improvements in CMJ and SBJ compared with ST (p \u0026lt; 0.05). Vertical GRF increased in both groups, but the between‑group difference was not statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eBoth ST and PT interventions produced meaningful improvements in explosive performance. Superior gains in CMJ and SBJ in the PT group likely reflect enhanced neuromuscular coordination, improved stretch‑shortening cycle function, muscle stiffness regulation, and fast‑twitch fiber recruitment [3,7]. The ST group improved force capacity, particularly vertical force output, but achieved smaller gains in jump height and distance\u0026mdash;possibly due to lower specificity and shorter duration of intervention [5,8]. These results suggest that PT should be prioritized for explosive performance enhancement, while ST remains essential for building foundational strength within a periodized training framework [9].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusions","content":"\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePlyometric training produces greater improvements in jump height and horizontal jump distance than strength training.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eStrength training remains fundamental for developing base force capacity.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePeriodized programs combining ST and PT may optimize performance and injury resilience in football athletes.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003e7. Acknowledgments\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe thank Dr Kaushik K V S , Dr Karthik , Dr Senthuran , Dr teja for assistance with data collection and technical support.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e8. Conflict of Interest\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no conflicts of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData availability -\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe athletes enrolled in Saveetha Medical College's Sports Medicine Outpatient Department and students at the Saveetha College of Physical Education provided the datasets created and examined in this study. I can provide the data upon reasonable request, and they are safely stored. Although raw datasets are not publicly available due to ethical and participant confidentiality concerns, they may be made available in anonymised form for academic or research purposes with institutional consent.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA randomized controlled trial was conducted with 65 male football players aged 18\u0026ndash;24 years, each with a minimum of one year of structured training and no history of lowerlimb injury. Participants were allocated to ST (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;33) or PT (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;32). The intervention lasted seven weeks with three sessions per week.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eComfort P, et al. J Strength Cond Res 2014;28(1):173–177.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSuchomel TJ, et al. Sports Med 2016;46(10):1419–1449.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMarković G, Mikulić P. Sports Med 2010;40(10):859–895.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFaigenbaum AD, et al. J Strength Cond Res 2009;23(Suppl 5):S60–S79.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePeterson MD, et al. J Strength Cond Res 2005;19(4):950–958.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRamirez‑Campillo R, et al. J Strength Cond Res 2015;28(5):1335–1342.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTurner AN, Jeffreys I. Strength Cond J 2010;32(4):87–99.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCormie P, et al. Sports Med 2011;41(2):125–146.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLloyd RS, Oliver JL. Strength Cond J 2012;34(3):61–72.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"Saveetha University","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Football, plyometric training, strength training, countermovement jump, ground reaction force","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7328456/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7328456/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003ePurpose\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo compare the effects of strength training (ST) versus plyometric training (PT) on vertical ground reaction force (GRF) and jumping performance in football athletes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSixtyfive male football players (age 18\u0026ndash;24 years) were randomly allocated to either an ST group (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;33) or PT group (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;32). Both groups trained three times weekly for seven weeks. Outcome measures included countermovement jump (CMJ) height, standing broad jump (SBJ) distance, and vertical GRF during CMJ. Withingroup changes were assessed by paired ttests; betweengroup differences via oneway ANOVA.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth ST and PT groups showed statistically significant improvements in CMJ height and SBJ distance (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The PT group had significantly greater gains in CMJ (mean change\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;2.0 cm vs\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;1.6 cm) and SBJ (~\u0026thinsp;17.4 cm vs\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;7.6 cm) compared to the ST group (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Vertical GRF increased in both groups but did not differ significantly between groups.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlyometric training led to superior improvements in explosive jumping performance compared with strength training. While ST builds foundational force capacity, PT produces greater specific gains in jump metrics. Combined or periodized models incorporating both modalities are recommended.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effect of Strength vs. Plyometric Training on Ground Reaction Force and Jumping Performance in Football Athletes","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-11 10:10:46","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7328456/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"797d5b53-4758-48a1-847f-eddb1b70beb5","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 11th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":52882225,"name":"Sports Medicine and Kinesiology"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-11T10:10:46+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-11 10:10:46","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7328456","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7328456","identity":"rs-7328456","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}