The relationship between power output in different squats and sprint performance in young male soccer players

Abstract: Background: Research has displayed a strong relationship between lower body strength and power, both in eccentric-concentric and concentric only exercises, in male soccer players. However the relationship between different types of squats and sprint performance has not been studied thoroughly in young male soccer players. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between sprint performance and power output in different squat variations in young male soccer players. Methods: Eleven young male soccer players, 17-19 years old, were tested in 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat (S), 1RM concentric squat (CS) and in 5m, 10m, 15m and 30m sprint performance. Power testing in S and CS were performed at 30%, 50% and 70% of 1RM and registered as absolute power (W) and as power relative to body weight (W/kg). Results of the power output in S and CS were correlated with sprint performances. Correlations of rs ≥0.6 were considered to indicate a strong relationship. Results: There were strong correlations (rs = -0.61 to -0.68) between CS power output at 50% of 1RM, relative to body weight (W/kg), and all the sprint distances. S power output at 50% of 1RM, relative to body weight (W/kg), showed strong correlations (rs = -0.64 to -0.67) to 5m, 10m and 15m sprint. The only absolute power output (W) value to strongly correlate (rs = -0.62) with sprint performance was S at 50% of 1RM and 5m sprint. Conclusion: Both S and CS performance showed strong correlations with sprint start performance in young male soccer players. In conflict with previous research, this study showed a stronger correlation between CS and 30m sprint performance than S did. The results support previous findings that strength and power divided by body weight are stronger associated with sprint performance than absolute measures are. Both S and CS should be performed in the general strength training program to improve maximal strength and power, and thereby enhance soccer performance.