Mixed training methods are widely recognized as efficient alternatives to improve neuromuscular performance during complex abilities such as maximal sprints and jumps (Newton and Kraemer, 1994; Saez de Villarreal et al., 2013). Therefore, coaches and sport scientists have been making significant efforts to identify the best combinations between different modes of strength-power exercises and training strategies (Newton and Kraemer, 1994; Saez de Villarreal et al., 2013; Loturco et al., 2015e, 2016b,c). Recent studies have shown that the concomitant use of traditional lifts (e.g., half squat) and sport-specific movements (e.g., loaded or unloaded jumps) may be highly effective to increase speed and power abilities in athletes from different disciplines and with distinct training backgrounds (Newton and Kraemer, 1994; Maio Alves et al., 2010; Saez de Villarreal et al., 2013). In this context, it seems that the exercise selection plays a key role in determining the magnitude and direction of the expected adaptations (Young et al., 2001). As such, the implementation of functional exercises which better mimic (or at least reproduce) the mechanical characteristics of dynamic sport tasks seems to be an essential and critical issue in elite sports (Young, 2006).

For example, the ability to orient the resultant ground reaction force vector with a forward orientation over the acceleration has been considered as a determinant factor of maximal sprint performance (Morin et al., 2012). From these data, it is plausible that the chronic use of horizontally oriented exercises (e.g., horizontal jumps and resisted sprints) during the training sessions would optimize the positive responses in both speed and acceleration capacities. Indeed, a program exclusively composed of horizontal plyometrics could significantly increase the short-distance acceleration ability (i.e., up to 10 m) in elite young soccer players (Loturco et al., 2015e). Conversely, the “vertical-jump group” reported superior increments in speed at longer distances (i.e., from 10 to 20 m) (Loturco et al., 2015e), which is consistent with the increased and substantial importance of vertical ground reaction forces during the transition from lower to higher velocities (Nilsson and Thorstensson, 1989; Weyand et al., 2000; Markovic et al., 2007). Likewise, resisted sprint training with different workloads (i.e., ranging from 5 to 20% BM) has already been shown to be effective in improving the maximal speed performance of physically trained subjects (in distinct running phases) over a 40 m distance (Bachero-Mena and Gonzalez-Badillo, 2014).

More recently, some authors have suggested the use of the optimum power loads (OPL) (i.e., workloads able to maximize power output) as an alternative way to enhance strength and speed qualities in elite team sport athletes (Loturco et al., 2016a,b,c). Essentially, this recommendation is based on two underlying reasons: (1) the well-established effects of this range of loads (capable of producing significant enhancements at both ends of the force-velocity curve) on athletic capacities (Wilson et al., 1993), and (2) the functional characteristics of this training strategy (which can be controlled in real-time, using the velocity-based training approach) (Bryan et al., 2015; Loturco et al., 2015b). More importantly, it has been reported that this method may meaningfully reduce the concurrent effects between power and endurance adaptations, commonly experienced by professional soccer players during their preseason practices (Loturco et al., 2015d). Despite these positive and encouraging premises, there is a lack of applied research investigating the potential effects of combining OPL with speed-specific exercises such as resisted sprints and plyometric drills (i.e., unloaded vertical and horizontal jumps) in top-level athletes. Considering the multifactorial nature of sprinting speed (Cronin and Hansen, 2005; Markovic et al., 2007; Loturco et al., 2017a), it would be reasonable to assume that more mixed and complex strength-power training approaches would lead to greater and more consistent improvements in this neuromechanical capacity.

Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different mixed training programs (OPL + resisted sprints and OPL + vertical and horizontal plyometrics) on neuromuscular performance of elite soccer players during a short training preseason (i.e., 5 weeks). Owing to the recognized efficacy of these respective exercise strategies (Wilson et al., 1993; Bachero-Mena and Gonzalez-Badillo, 2014; Loturco et al., 2015e), we expected that both training modes would ensue meaningful gains in both speed and power-related capacities.

All data presented normal distribution. On average, soccer players of both training groups achieved their maximum MPP values with a load corresponding to 60.1 ± 2.3% of their BM. Table 2 shows the comparisons of the vertical and horizontal jumps, MPV 40%, MPP REL, and COD speed pre- and post- the preseason period for both groups of power-oriented training.

Figure 3 depicts the comparisons of the unloaded sprint times in 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m pre- and post- the preseason period for both power-oriented training groups. Both training groups demonstrated a likely to almost certainly decrease in the sprint times comparing pre- and post-assessments.

Figure 4 depicts the comparisons of the resisted sprint times in 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m, using a load of 20% of the players' BM, pre- and post- the preseason period for both power-oriented training groups. Both training groups demonstrated an almost certainly decrease in the resisted sprint times at the end of the preseason training period. Finally, Figure 5 describes the comparisons of the delta changes in all variables tested between the two power-oriented training regimes (OPL + RS vs. OPL + PL).

To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the effects of two mixed training strategies, which combined OPL and different types of speed-specific exercises, on neuromechanical capacities of elite soccer players. From a general perspective, both training modes were effective in improving the speed-related performance indices during the short preseason. In contrast, vertical and horizontal jumping abilities increased meaningfully only in the athletes exposed to plyometric exercises, showing to be highly dependent on training specificity. Lastly, in both groups, the mechanical variables related to muscle power development (i.e., MPV 40% BM and MPP REL JS) did not change after the investigated training period.

The absence of worthwhile improvements in muscle power capacity seems to be commonplace in investigations performed throughout soccer preseasons (Faude et al., 2013; Loturco et al., 2015d). Importantly, it appears that this phenomenon is independent of training strategy, age-category or player's background (i.e., previous experience and training status) (Los Arcos et al., 2014). It is probable that the high volume of predominantly aerobic workouts (technical and tactical sessions) typically performed during these phases precludes the proper development of muscle power, due to the well-documented concurrent training effects between strength and endurance adaptations (Fyfe et al., 2014; Loturco et al., 2015d). Thus, when power capacity is the main objective of the training period, it is highly recommended that coaches consider the possibility of reducing the relative content of soccer-specific activities, while at the same time increasing the volume (and frequency) of neuromuscular training (Bird et al., 2005; Fyfe et al., 2014). For example, this “load-balancing strategy” has been shown to be quite effective in enhancing strength-power qualities of professional players during the inter-season intermission between two consecutive elite soccer championships (Loturco et al., 2016a), where the aerobic loading is naturally reduced in a progressive and gradual manner (when compared to the preseason phases) (Jeong et al., 2011).

Vertical and horizontal jump distances are regularly used as valid and reliable measures of leg explosiveness in team sport athletes (Maulder and Cronin, 2005; Loturco et al., 2015c,e). Besides this, the considerable number of jumps executed during training and official matches makes it essential to asses and develop this capacity in professional soccer player (Liu et al., 2016). That said, it is important to note that the jump performance increased only in the “plyometric group” (Table 2), confirming the theoretical conclusions of previous research which has already defined that top-level athletes may not record improvements in this ability without executing specific jump exercises (Baker, 1996). These positive results have also been observed in numerous studies involving elite soccer players, who similarly reported significant enhancements in unloaded jump performance after executing isolated or combined (e.g., complex training) plyometric training programs (Maio Alves et al., 2010; Loturco et al., 2015e). For many authors, the specificity of these neuromechanical responses reinforces the importance of combining traditional lifts with movements that make use of the stretch-shortening cycle, mainly when there is a clear intention to maximize the jumping potential (Baker, 1996; Maio Alves et al., 2010). Therefore, coaches and sport scientists interested in improving the unloaded jump capacities of professional soccer players are strongly encouraged to systematically include plyometric exercises in their strength-power training routines (Loturco et al., 2016b).

The most important finding reported here is that, independent of the training intervention, both groups reported substantial increases in maximal sprint and COD performances. Notably, the speed improvements occurred over a wide range of distances (from 5- to 30-m), without meaningful differences between-groups. To some extent, these outcomes may be explained by analyzing more closely the experimental training designs. Whereas the plyometric group combined vertical and horizontal jumps, the resisted sprint group used workloads ranging from 5 to 20% of BM. From a mechanical perspective, both horizontally oriented exercises and heavy sled resisted sprint tend to produce greater increases in the initial phase of sprinting, which is possibly related to the critical importance of horizontal force production during this phase (Bachero-Mena and Gonzalez-Badillo, 2014; Loturco et al., 2015e; Petrakos et al., 2016). Indeed, previous investigations have shown that horizontal plyometrics and resisted sprints with heavier loads (i.e., 20% BM) should be preferred to improve short-distance acceleration performance (up to10-m) (Bachero-Mena and Gonzalez-Badillo, 2014; Petrakos et al., 2016). In contrast, vertical jumps and resisted sprints with lighter loads (i.e., from 5 to 12.5% BM) might be more effective to maximize speed at longer distances (i.e., “top-speed phases”), usually characterized by shorter contact times with associated increases in vertical peak forces (also related to increases in vertical jump height) (Weyand et al., 2000; Bachero-Mena and Gonzalez-Badillo, 2014; Loturco et al., 2015c; Petrakos et al., 2016). Correspondingly, a recent systematic review suggests that sprint adaptations could be velocity specific-dependent, with heavier sled loads (> 20% BM) improving initial acceleration (characterized by slow velocities and high resistive forces) and light sled loads (<10%BM) improving the maximal velocity phase (characterized by high velocity and low resistive forces) (Petrakos et al., 2016). This “multifaceted nature” of both training programs could also have contributed to the worthwhile increases found in COD performance, widely recognized as a complex and heterogenous physical ability (Sheppard and Young, 2006). From these results, it is suggested that the combination of exercises and workloads able to induce positive responses over different phases of sprint running may be a very useful strategy in top-level sports. This is particularly true in modern soccer, where professional players are required to progressively develop their speed-related abilities to cope with the demands related to their involvement in high-intensity match (and training) activities (Barnes et al., 2014; Haugen et al., 2014).

It is worth emphasizing that maximal sprint running depends directly on relative mechanical power production (i.e., W. Kg⁻¹) (Morin et al., 2012). Yet, in this context, many studies involving elite athletes have already reported strong positive correlations between these variables (Cronin and Hansen, 2005; Loturco et al., 2015c, 2017a). However, interestingly, the meaningful improvements in speed reported above, occurred regardless of the absence of increases in muscle power capacity. Based on these results, it may be inferred that both training schemes could lead to better and more effective application of the resultant force vector onto the ground while sprinting, which has been previously described as a key determinant of sprint performance (Morin et al., 2012). As such, according to the training designs (Figure 1), it is possible that our subjects initially improved their ability to apply force with a forward orientation over the distinct acceleration phases and (Morin et al., 2012), latterly, their ability to apply force with a vertical orientation at higher speeds (Weyand et al., 2000; Loturco et al., 2015c). This holds true even for the resisted sprint group, since the very light loads (5% BM) adopted in the “top-speed phase” allowed soccer players to sprint near to their maximal velocities, which are directly related to relative average vertical force production (Weyand et al., 2000). Although the mechanisms underlying these phenomena are not fully understood, the prevalent view is that the force vector theory may play a crucial role in modulating the chronic training responses (Randell et al., 2010; Contreras et al., 2017). Therefore, this “enhanced capability” to orient the force vector while sprinting seems to be a positive and important technical change provided by both mixed training modes used herein, and it is independent of the possible adaptations in muscle power capacity.

As with many investigations performed with top-level athletes during their professional training routines, this study is limited by several factors, such as the absence of a control group, the small sample size (i.e., an elite soccer team), and the impossibility of controlling the total training content. Nevertheless, it is critical to emphasize that both mixed training modes used herein were effective in increasing the speed-related performance of professional soccer players during a short preseason, which has been considered a great challenge (and an obvious goal) for coaches and sport scientists (Barnes et al., 2014; Loturco et al., 2015d).

In summary, this study shows that a mixed training approach which comprises exercises and workloads able to produce positive adaptations in different phases of sprinting can be a very effective strategy in team-sports, especially in professional soccer, where maximal acceleration and speed capacities play determinant roles in optimizing performance (Barnes et al., 2014; Haugen et al., 2014). Moreover, the possibility of combining optimum power loads with these complementary workouts (i.e., resisted sprints or plyometrics) emerges as a novel and suitable option for coaches and sport scientists, due to the applicability, efficiency and time-saving characteristics of this strength-power training approach (Loturco et al., 2016a).

Coaches and sport scientists are constantly seeking practical and efficient alternatives to improve maximal running speed and acceleration capacities in team-sport athletes. This is especially true in modern soccer, where high-intensity activities can greatly influence the match outcome (Barnes et al., 2014; Haugen et al., 2014; Loturco et al., 2015e). Our data provide valuable information regarding the gradual development of sprint performance in soccer athletes, even during short pre-seasons, typically characterized by high volumes of concurrent endurance training (i.e., specific technical-tactical sessions) (Faude et al., 2013; Loturco et al., 2015d). Based on the findings reported here, strength and conditioning specialists are strongly encouraged to combine in the same training program workouts targeted at increasing speed qualities more related to initial phases of sprinting (i.e., heavy sled loads and horizontal jumps) or to “top-speed” phases (i.e., light sled loads or vertical plyometrics). Simultaneously, to reduce the interference effect of aerobic loads and maintain the muscle power ability during the preseason period, a strength-power training regimen based on optimum power loads could be implemented. As previously reported, this is a very effective and applied training strategy, which is an essential aspect in professional soccer, due to its congested training, traveling and playing schedules (Loturco et al., 2016a,c). Further studies should be designed to assess and compare the effectiveness of more mixed training combinations (e.g., plyometrics + resisted sprints + different strength-power exercises) in improving the plethora of all field-related physical capacities (e.g. jump, speed, and power abilities) demanded by professional soccer and other elite team-sports.

Designed the work: IL; data acquisition: IL, RK, KK, CC, BF, LA, LP; analysis and interpretation of data: IL, LP; drafting the work: IL, LP; revising critically the work: IL, RK, KK, CC, BF, LA, LP; final approval of the version to be published: IL, RK, KK, CC, BF, LA, LP; agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work were appropriately investigated and resolved: IL, RK, KK, CC, BF, LA, LP.