Effects of Traditional and Cluster Resistance Training on Explosive Power in Soccer Players

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of traditional and cluster resistance training 
on explosive power in soccer players during pre-seasonal preparation.
Materials and Methods: 22 male, soccer players (mean age 24/68±3/13 years, mean height 176 ± 0.41cm, 
and mean body mass 71/05 ± 6/51 kg ) were selected as available samples and performed a 10-week resistance 
training protocol that included three stages; [1] Hypertrophy (4 weeks), [2] Strength (3 weeks) and [3] Power 
(3 weeks). The subjects were evaluated after 4 weeks of hypertrophy phase for maximum strength and power. 
They were then divided into two squat training groups, with respect to their recorded one repetition maximum: 
[1] Traditional training (TT) group (N=11) and [2] Cluster training (CT) group (N=11). Each group performed 
strength and power trainings for 6 weeks. Data was analyzed using Repeated Measures (ANOVA) at a 
Significance level of (P<0.05).
Results: The statistical analysis showed that strength significantly increased in both groups but this increase 
was significantly higher in the traditional group compared to the cluster group (P <0.05). There was also a 
significant increase in the power of the cluster group which was greater than the traditional group (P <0.05). 
Discussion and Conclusion: According to the current findings, we concluded that as CT probably increases 
power in the soccer players, it might be a convenient alternative for TT as a means of developing power in 
soccer players.

Keywords

• Soccer
• Cluster training
• Traditional training
• Explosive power

---