Effects of padel activity and proprioception training on soccer players in an off-season period

BACKGROUND: Off-season periods imply considerable changes in the fitness status of soccer players. So far, no studies evaluated the effects of proprioception-focused training during soccer off-season periods. In this work, we assessed how much some players' abilities (static and dynamic balance, reaction times, quickness, strength, and technical skills) were affected by proprioception training and padel activity during an off-season period of 12 weeks. METHODS: Twenty-eight non-professional adult male soccer players were organized into three groups: a group carried out regular padel activity, -2 h once a week. Another group underwent a regular proprioception training program, - 20 min, twice a week. The third group did not perform any specific activity (control). Static and dynamic balance, reaction times, quickness, strength, and technical skills were evaluated at three time -points: before starting, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Both padel activity and specific proprioception training carried out for 12 weeks significantly improved players' monopodalic static balance with eyes open and dynamic balance. No significant effects of these training regimens were found on monopodalic static balance with eyes closed, visual and acoustic reaction times, acyclic quickness, and strength. Furthermore, proprioception training considerably improved technical skills. CONCLUSIONS: Coaches may use padel activity and proprioception exercises for off-season programs featured by ease of execution, low training volume, and high compliance.