Eccentric-concentric Ratio: A Key Factor for Defining Strength Training in Soccer

Abstract

The aims of this study were to analyse the effect of chronic strength training over concentric power (CON), eccentric power (ECC), ECC/CON ratio, and 20 m linear sprint performance in elite young soccer players. Twenty young elite Spanish soccer players were assigned to an experimental group (CPG) which performed a front-step exercise using a conical pulley, 2–3 sets of 6 repetitions each leg, during 9 weeks (CPG, n = 10) in addition to its usual strength training, or to a control group (CG, n = 10). The improvements in the ECC mean power (36 %, ES = 1.61), and ECC / CON ratio (17 %, ES = 1.77) were substantially greater in the CPG than in the CG while the CON mean power (16 %, ES = 0.83) was substantially greater in the CG than in the CPG. The sprinting time for 10 m (2.8 %, ES = 0.78) and the 10 m flying time between 10–20 m (1.72 %, ES = 0.41) were substantially enhanced in CPG and CG respectively. To be efficient when defining a functional strength training and performance increments using an inertial device, the mean power output need to be measured during the CON and ECC phases and an analysis of the ECC / CON ratio should be included.