Improving Power in Elite Soccer Players
by Jovanovic, M, Sporis, G, Omrcen, D, and Fiorentini, F.
Effects of the SAQ training method on power performance in elite soccer players. From the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
The SAQ (speed, agility and quickness) program is one method that has been promoted for improving power performance in sports. The SAQ training method isolates speed, agility, and quickness through sport-specific exercises that emphasize proper biomechanics and results in greater energy efficiency. A recent study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research investigated the effectiveness of SAQ training on power performance in elite soccer players.
Performance gains were observed in 5- and 10-m sprints, countermovement jumps, and continuous jumping. However, 20- and 30-m sprints and squat jump performances did not improve with the SAQ training. Therefore, the SAQ training method appears to be an effective way of improving some qualities of power performance in soccer players. However, a great deal of planning is needed to create an appropriate and effective SAQ program. If proper planning is not completed prior to implementation of this program, then decreased power performance may result.
Effects of the speed, agility, quickness training method on power performance in elite soccer players.