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Effects of a Novel Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Jump, Sprint, and Change of Direction in Adult Female Soccer Players
Published on: June 10, 2025
Seasonal Changes in Collegiate Division-I Soccer Athlete Countermovement Jump Performance
Casey J Metoyer1, Jonathon R Lever1, Derek Langman2
1Sports Performance, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; and.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Seasonal training affects soccer players' jump performance. While concentric strength remains stable, eccentric strength declines in-season, especially in women. The off-season allows for significant power improvements in both sexes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Collegiate athletes undergo intense training cycles.
- Understanding seasonal performance fluctuations is crucial for optimizing training and preventing injury.
- Countermovement jump (CMJ) is a key indicator of lower-body power and neuromuscular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal changes in CMJ performance in NCAA Division I soccer players.
- To differentiate between in-season and off-season adaptations.
- To examine sex-specific differences in performance responses to training phases.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three male and 16 female NCAA Division I soccer athletes participated.
- Countermovement jump (CMJ) testing was conducted using uniaxial force plates at 6 in-season and 6 off-season time points.
- Key performance variables including jump height, peak power, and eccentric metrics were analyzed using linear mixed models.
Main Results:
- Concentric performance metrics remained stable during the competitive season for both sexes.
- Significant declines in eccentric variables (e.g., force at zero velocity, eccentric rate of force development) were observed in-season.
- Female athletes showed more pronounced eccentric fatigue responses.
- Both sexes demonstrated significant improvements in power and impulse during the off-season, with females also improving jump height and eccentric metrics.
Conclusions:
- CMJ force plate metrics effectively detect neuromuscular fatigue and performance adaptations.
- Eccentric function appears more susceptible to fatigue during the season than concentric function, particularly in female athletes.
- Targeted eccentric training and monitoring are recommended during the competitive season.
- The off-season is a critical period for restoring and enhancing lower-body power.
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