Jump power measurement in semi-professional soccer players and comparison of results by positions

Abstract

Vertical Jump test have been used with soccer players to evaluate lower extremities muscle power (Wislof y cols., 1998; Casajús, 2001; Aranda y cols, 2004; Tessitore y cols., 2005). The aim of our study was evaluate the jump power level of semi professional soccer players to inform coaches and guide the jump training. We also check if differences between position players groups exist. 21 soccer players from Fuenlabrada CF participated for the study. They execute Squat Jump (SJ) and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) tests. Jump capacity was measured with a force plate (Kistler Quattro Jump) at 500 Hz (kistler Quatro Jump). It was checked that goalkeepers reached the highest jumps (36.94±3.14cm) and the highest muscle power level (45.80±15.63 W/Kg) executing the SJ test. Even though Midfielders reached the highest jumps (40.37±6.43cm) and the highest power level (53.60±4.80 W/Kg) executing the CMJ test since defenders reached the lowest jump high. It’s important to observe that midfielders reached the biggest difference between SJ and CMJ high results. So it indicated that midfielder take an optimal advantage of muscle elasticity for jumping. No significant differences were founded between groups. So it was no possible to establish a group with better jump power capacity results.