Relationship between curvilinear sprint performance, hip strength, jump performance and reactive strength in elite youth soccer players

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between hip strength, vertical jump performance, reactive strength index, and curvilinear sprint (CS) performance and to compare these variables between different playing positions in youth soccer players. Thirty-four players completed two test sessions. Hip adduction and abduction strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. A force plate was used to measure the height of the countermovement jump and the drop jump as well as the contact time, from which the modified reactive strength index and the reactive strength index (RSI) were calculated. The CS was tested on the penalty arch of a soccer pitch. One way ANOVA was used to test the effects of playing position whereas the Pearson's r was used to test the relationship between variables. There were no significant differences in the measured variables between defenders, midfielders and attackers (p ≥ .140). Along with RSI, which showed significant moderate to large correlations (r = -0.39 to -0.59), hip abduction strength was also significantly associated with CS split times (r = -0.36 to -0.38). Results emphasize the relevance of ankle reactive strength and hip strength for CS performance and supports the inclusion of ankle and hip-specific strength exercises in the training of youth soccer players.