Soccer Agility:A Systematic Review of Training Methods and Effect Evaluation

Objective: To summarize and evaluate the advanced training methods of soccer agility, in order to provide reference and guidance for improving the training level of soccer agility in China. Methods: The research literatures published from January 1,2010 to September 1, 2019 were searched in the Web of Science, PubMed and EBSCO databases by using the key words of“soccer”, “agility” and “training”, and then the quality of the included literatures was evaluated by the modified PEDro qualityassessment screening scoring system. Results: A total of 32 articles were included and the average score of quality evaluation was 14 points(range 9~19). Among them, the average training duration of reaction ability(5 articles) was 5 weeks(rang 1 time to 7 weeks), and soccer agility was improved by 3.8%~12.6%; the average training duration of sprint(10 articles) was 7.9 weeks(range6~12 weeks), and soccer agility was improved by-1.0%~11.4%; the average training duration of plyometric(7 articles) was 8.3 weeks(range 6 to 12 weeks), and soccer agility was improved by 0.9%~10.7%; the average training duration of strength and balance(5 articles) was 7 weeks(range 6~9 weeks), and soccer agility was improved by 1.0%~9.9%; the stretching training(5 articles) was one-time training, and soccer agility was improved by 2.3% to 8.5%. Conclusions: 1) The combination of diversified reaction ability training, speed training and strength training will maximize the training effect; 2) The stimulation intensity of plyometric training was high, it can effectively improve the joint stability, neuromuscular adaptability and coordination, so as to improve the soccer agility. However, it is necessary to carefully consider the exercise pattern and intensity when carrying out plyometric training for children athletes; 3) A certain proportion of dynamic, static balance and stretch training shoud be arranged before and after the soccer training and match.