Purpose We compared short-term physical performance adaptations to traditional strength training (TST) or complex strength training (CST) in a youth football (soccer) team during the preparatory period. Methods A professional U19 male football team (n = 26; age = 17.3 ± 1.5 yrs) were divided in a TST (4 sets × 4 reps at 60-85% of one-repetition maximum [1RM] resistance training twice/week; n = 9), a CST (TST + plyometrics; n = 11) and a control (CON, only regular team` practice; n = 6) group. The 1RM bench press, 1RM back squat, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), Illinois agility test, 10-, 20- and 30-m sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [Yo-Yo IR1] performance were tested before and after a 4-week preparatory period. Training load was quantified using the session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE; RPE × duration) method. Results Both TST and CST groups improved 1RM-BP and 1RM-BS (d = 0.67-0.91). The CST group improved SJ, CMJ, 10-, 20- and 30-m sprint and Yo-Yo IR1 performance (d = 0.43-0.74). The CON group experienced moderate improvements in CMJ (d = 0.73). After adjustment for s-RPE, the TST improved Yo-Yo IR1 performance (d = 0.53), whereas all functional adaptations disappeared in the CST and CON group. No between-group differences were observed in s-RPE neither after gym nor field training. Conclusions Adding TST or CST twice/week to regular pre-season U19 football training induced similar effects on maximal strength, albeit that CST seems more effective to improve functional capacity without being perceived as more demanding. Strength and conditioning coaches could implement CST to simultaneously enhance strength, power and intermittent exercise capacity in U19 football players.
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