The aim of this research was to compare the effects of two different neuromuscular training programs (vertical vs. horizontal orientation), conducted during 6 weeks, on the physical performance of soccer players in-season. Sixteen soccer players of 16.6 ± 0.3 years were randomly assigned to two equally large experimental groups, and both supplemented the soccer training with a specific neuromuscular training program 2 days/week. Vertical group´s training (n=8, VG) was composed by half-squat using a flywheel device and vertical jump to box and horizontal group´s training (n=8, HG) consisted on linear and non-linear resisted sprints. Before and after the training period jumping ability, linear and non-linear sprint and lower-limb power were measured. Substantial improvements (likely to very likely) were found in the VG in countermovement jump (CMJ) (ES: 0.49), Abalakov test (ABK) (ES: 0.38) and Mean Propulsive Velocity (all load measured), in addition to decrease the performance in linear and non-linear sprint (COD-L). The HG improved substantially in 10m sprint (Effect size [ES]: 0.63), COD-R (ES: 0.36), COD-L (ES: 0.34) and in Mean Propulsive Velocity in 15-30-50kg. Furthermore, a possible improvement in 20 and 30m sprint was also reported in HG. Between-groups analysis showed greater substantial improvements in VG in CMJ (ES: 0.39), and in HG in 10-20-30m sprint and COD-R. The results obtained suggest that horizontal group´s training program could be more effective in order to optimize the specific physical condition of the soccer players.
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