ABSTRACT
Although it has been extensively demonstrated that strength training improves performance and that strength characteristics are probably sport specific, there is little literature available concerning strength training of soccer players and its influence on their performance. Oberg et al. (1986) and Cabri et al. (1987) found significant differences in strength between soccer players and non-soccer players. Moreover, Oberg and co-workers (1986) could even demonstrate differences between high and lower level soccer players. Both studies agree that soccer players are generally stronger than non-soccer players and that soccer players have better fast-speed strength capabilities. It has also been confirmed that soccer players have a better kick performance than non-soccer players and that kick performance and concentric strength of the knee extensors and eccentric strength of the knee flexors are significantly correlated. In addition, concentric strength of the hip flexors and eccentric strength of the hip extensors are also significantly correlated with kick performance.
