Maximal Strength Training in High-level Female Football Players

Introduction: Maximal strength increments are reported to result in improvements in sprint speed and jump height in elite male football players. Although similar effects are expected in females, this is yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of maximal strength training on sprint speed and jump height in high-level female football players. Methods: Two female football teams were team-cluster-randomized to a training group (TG) performing maximal strength training (MST) twice a week for five weeks, or control group (CG) doing their regular pre-season preparations. The MST consisted of 3-4 sets of 4-6 repetitions at ≥85% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in a squat exercise. Sprint speed and jump height were assessed in 5-, 10- and 15 meter sprints and a counter-movement jump (CMJ) test, respectively. 19 participants in TG (18.3 ± 2.7 years) and 14 in CG (18.3 ± 2.4 years) completed pre- and posttests and were carried forward for final analyses.