Plyometric Training
Plyometric training involves the quick movements of muscles being stretched and the contracted, in turn this movement is commonly known as the SSC (stretch-shortening cycle). Plyometric training is currently being used by many coachers and trainers in different ways. Due to this type of training improving the speed of contractions leading to a muscle completing a movement, its most popular use would be training an athlete to optimise peak performance. It is also sometimes used as a type of warm-up or as a rehabilitation technique.
Plyometrics in Football
Plyometric training amongst footballers provide many advantages, some of these including providing the athlete with increased jump height, providing the athlete with increased amounts of power, which could also convert into increased kicking distance and faster sprint speed. This type of training could also provide the athlete with conditioning of the muscles ready for matches, which in turn means a decreased risk of injury.
The link below gives an example of a drill that could be used with progressions following on. The link also has key coaching points and an analysis of the athlete competing the drill.