A comparison of the effects of general resistance training and ballistic resistance training on some of physical fitness factors in soccer players

Background & purpose: Different training methods can affect the athletes’ physical performance in different ways. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of general resistance training and ballistic resistance training on some of physical fitness factors in soccer players. Twenty-five male football players from volunteered and divided into 2 groups of general resistance training (n=13) and ballistic resistance training (n=12). Training programs were 3 sessions for 6 weeks. Indicators of anaerobic power, explosive power of lower body, sprint (5 and 30 m), legs strength, agility, and explosive power of upper body and skill were measured before starting the training programs and 48 hours after the last session of the trainings. Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test, and independent and dependent T-tests (P≤0.05). The results showed that the ballistic resistance training, compared with general resistance training, significantly impproved the maximum power, minimum power, mean power, fatigue index, explosive power of lower body, agility, and explosive power of upper body indices. There was no significant difference in the leg strength, 5 and 30 m speeds, and skill between the groups (P>0.05). To enhance the indices of physical fitness, specifically the explosive power of soccer players, the use of ballistic training program is more effective than the general resistance training; but they behave similarly in developing the leg strength, sprint (5 and 30 m), and skill.