Comparison of Training Effects of Bounding and Single Leg Jumps for Speed on Sprint and Jump Kinematics in Young Female Football Players

Abstract

<jats:p>Objectives: This study compared the training effects of two horizontal plyometric training interventions over six weeks on sprint performance and jump kinematics in young female athletes. Methods: Nineteen female football players (age 15.3 ± 0.5 years) were stratified by sprint time into a bounding for speed group (n = 10) or a single leg jumps for speed group (n = 9). All participants completed pre- and post-tests including a 40 m sprint, bounding, and single leg jumps for speed with both legs. Sprint times and velocities over 10 m, 20 m, and maximal speed were recorded, and jump kinematics (horizontal velocity, step length, and step frequency) were analyzed. Results: A significant main effect of time was found for sprint performance, indicating that both groups improved overall. The single-leg jump group showed significant within-group improvements across all sprint measures (10 m, 20 m, maximal velocity, and 40 m time) and significant increases in horizontal velocity and step length during the single-leg jump with both legs. The bounding group showed no significant sprint improvements, with only a within-group increase in step frequency during bounding and a trend toward shorter step length (p = 0.037, ηp2 = 0.40). Conclusions: Both training groups improved sprint performance overall, but only the single-leg jump group showed consistent within-group gains in both sprint and jump performance. These findings suggest that single-leg jumps for speed may be a practical and effective option for developing sprint-related qualities in young female football players, although the differences between groups should be interpreted with caution.</jats:p>