Differential effects of plyometric jump training on sprint and jump performance across sprint distances and jump types in young football players: a meta-analysis

Background The efficacy of plyometric jump training (PJT) across different sprint phases and jump types in youth football remains unclear. Understanding phase-specific adaptations to PJT could support precision conditioning design for young athletes. Methods This meta-analysis synthesised data from 22 randomised controlled trials. The study included participants from trials identified through systematic searches of five databases up to December 2024. Standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated using random-effects models to assess PJT effects on sprint performance across acceleration (5–10m), maximal velocity (20m), and speed-maintenance (30–40m) phases, as well as on jump performance (CMJ, SJ, SLJ). Subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and Cochrane RoB2 guidelines. Results PJT significantly improved sprint and jump performance across all tests. The largest benefits were observed in maximal-velocity sprinting (20m; SMD = − 1.10; 95% CI: −1.56 to − 0.64) and CMJ height (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.99). Elite players showed greater gains than amateurs (between-group difference in SMD = 1.36, p = 0.04), and interventions longer than eight weeks resulted in larger improvements in 30–40m sprint performance compared to shorter programmes (p = 0.02). Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness for most outcomes, except SJ, while publication bias was detected for CMJ and 30–40m sprint. Conclusions PJT effectively enhances sprint and jump performance in young footballers, particularly when training exceeds eight weeks and is tailored to athlete maturity and competitive level. This study is among the first to apply a phase-specific analytical framework, offering novel biomechanical insights into neuromuscular adaptation across sprinting stages.