Background This study aimed to assess the effects of 8 weeks of plyometric training (PT) conducted on sand or a rigid court surface on physical-performance responsesand testosterone concentration in football players. Methods Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either the sand (n = 10) or rigid (n = 10)surface groups. Both groups engaged in identical indoor-football training regimens. Assessments included 20 m sprint times, change-of-direction tests (modified Illinois test and modified change-of-direction T-test), jumping ability, a repeated sprint T-test (countermovement, squat, and five jump tests), and static and dynamic balance. Plasma testosterone concentrations were measured concurrently with fitness assessments at the onset of the training period, following an 8-weekinterval, and at the conclusion of the training. Results After the intervention, PTshowed significantlyincreasedsprint speed relative to PT. Change-of-direction scoresalso improved for PTrelative to PT. Sand and rigid surfacesincreased vertical jump performance (counter movement jump p < 0.001; ES = 0.247; squat jump, p = 0.005; ES = 0.170). Repeated sprint T-test scores improved in PTand sand surface compared with the rigid surface, with best times of PT> sand surface (p < 0.05). Both plyometric groups improved their dynamic balance (p < 0.05), with three parameters of PTand only one of sand surface being significantly greaterthan the rigid surface. Static balance was also enhanced in both experimental groups (sand surface> rigid surface). Conclusions For reasons that remain to be clarified, physical-performance responsesmeasures in football players increased more by 8 weeks of sand surface than by rigid surface, whereas at the end of the training, its concentration decreased in testosterone concentrations (33.5 ± 2.8µg/dL). In conclusion, a significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was observed between testosterone concentration and maximal oxygen consumption. In the preliminary examination, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the concentration of testosterone and the results of the physical-performance responsestest (p<0.001). Players' endocrine alterations maintained bodily homeostasis during training. Coaches and sports scientists must continually monitor players' endocrine changes to maximise player performance and prevent overtraining.
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