Author(s): Sunny K and Jayarajan David D

Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of plyometric training, circuit training and circuit breaker programme on the development of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) among youth soccer players. A total of 120 male school-level soccer players aged between 10 and 14 years were randomly selected from coastal area football academies of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, and randomly assigned into four equal groups of thirty each. Group A underwent plyometric training, Group B circuit training, Group C circuit breaker programme, and Group D served as control. The experimental groups trained three days per week for a period of 16 weeks, while the control group continued with their regular routine activities. VO₂ max was assessed using the 20-metre multistage shuttle run (Beep Test) before and after the training period. The data were analysed using paired t-test, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Scheffe’s post-hoc test at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that all three experimental training programmes significantly improved VO₂ max compared to the control group. Among the experimental groups, the circuit breaker programme produced the greatest improvement in VO₂ max, followed by circuit training and plyometric training. The findings indicate that circuit breaker training is a highly effective method for enhancing aerobic capacity in youth soccer players.

DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2026.v13.i1a.4177

Pages: 11-13  |  99 Views  65 Downloads

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