Effects of Attentional Focus during Short-Term Drop-Jump Training on Strength, Jump and Sprint Performances in Hurling Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term effects of “composite” training to sprint training on strength, jump, and sprint acceleration performance in hurling players. A randomized counterbalanced group design with baseline test, pretest and post-test measures was used. Twenty-five hurling players volunteered to participate and 21 completed the study. Subjects were divided into a “composite” (COMP group, n5 10) or a sprint training (SPRINT group, n 5 11) group. Both groups trained twice per week for 7 weeks with the SPRINT group performing 6 repetitions of 20m sprints and the COMP group completing 6 repetitions (1 repetition 5 3 bounce drop jumps [BDJs] with a 20msprint after 15 seconds recovery). Significant differences existed pretraining to post-training for theCOMPgroup for BDJ contact time (27.25%; p 5 0.05) and countermovement jump (CMJ) variables (height: 7.43%, p 5 0.006; force: 5.24%, p 5 0.05; power: 15.11%, p 5 0.001). No significant differences were found between groups at baseline and for group by time interactions. Significant improvements were observed pretraining to post-training in both groups for the following: absolute 3 repetition maxi- mum (3RM) back squat strength (12.73–17.62%, p 5 0.01), 5 m (5.74–9.49%, p 5 0.006–0.04), 10 m (4.27–5.59%, p 5 0.007–0.02), and 20 m (3.35–3.98%, p 5 0.003–0.01). In conclusion, “composite” training is effective in enhancing fast stretch- shortening cycle efficiency inducing CMJ force and power augmentation. However, “composite” and sprint training are effective training approaches for enhancing maximal strength and sprint performance in a time efficient manner in hurling players.