An investigation on the use of strength training in soccer players in relation to their performance

Abstract

The utilization of resistance training by Maltese Premiership Division teams was investigated together with the beliefs and opinions of the coaches and players. 7 clubs from a total of 10 that played in this division in the 2010/2011 season participated in this study. Data was collected by the use of questionnaires to the players, interviews with 5 coaches of this same division and another 6 interviews with players of the Maltese national team. This study shows that there is an overall awareness of the importance and effectiveness of resistance training related to soccer performance, all the coaches interviewed stated that they do incorporate this type of training with their players and 4 out of 5 said that they use it once a week. It is also evident that none of the clubs in the study use a fitness trainer for this component of training and all the training related is conducted by the primary coach. This is not the case with the national team were they can benefit from the services of a specialized physical trainer. In this regard all the coaches feel that they are well prepared in this topic but 60% of them stated that a physical trainer is needed. The attributes most believed to be improved with resistance training by the coaches are strength followed by injury prevention, this is also believed by the players in the study. Maltese national players think that the work done at national level is on the right track and when comparing their performance with foreign players they think that fitness is not the only variable.