Effects of In-Season Contrast Strength Training on Jump Performance and Sprint Ability in Female Field Hockey Players

ABSTRACT: Chilingirian-Padrón, R, Álvarez-Yates, T, and García-García, O. Effects of in-season contrast strength training on jump performance and sprint ability in female field hockey players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week in-season contrast strength training program incorporating sport-specific tasks on neuromuscular performance in sub-elite female field hockey players. Twenty-five athletes completed a pre-post single-cohort intervention integrated into their regular team schedule. Each session consisted of 3 sequential blocks: (a) a high-load strength exercise targeting maximal strength or hypertrophy (70-85% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]); (b) a biomechanically related explosive action performed at low load (∼30% 1RM) and high execution velocity; and (c) a high-speed sport-specific task. Jump performance was assessed using bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJs) and free arm CMJ, whereas sprint ability was evaluated through 10- and 20-m sprints. A mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of the intervention, with Time (Pre, Post) as within-subject factor and Playing Position (defenders, midfielders, forwards) as between-subject factor, with the level of significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Significant improvements were observed in all jump and sprint assessments: jump performance increased by 5.7-29.6%, whereas sprint ability improved by 1.6-1.9%. These findings indicate that 6 weeks of contrast strength training incorporating high-speed sports-specific tasks performed during the competitive season elicited meaningful improvements in stretch-shortening cycle-related jump performance and sprint ability in sub-elite female field hockey players.