THE EFFECT OF SQUAT JUMP EXERCISES ON LEG MUSCLE STRENGTH AND FOOTBALL SHOOTING ACCURACY AT CLUB TROPIC FC U-17

PENGARUH LATIHAN SQUAT JUMP TERHADAP POWER OTOT TUNGKAI DAN HASIL AKURASI SHOOTING SEPAKBOLA PADA CLUB TROPIC FC U-17

Abstract

Background: Shooting is one of the fundamental skills in football that plays a crucial role in determining a team's success in scoring goals. Preliminary observations of Tropic FC U-17 Sumenep Regency players indicated that their shooting ability, particularly shooting accuracy, was still below expectations, resulting in low efficiency in converting goal-scoring opportunities during matches. One training method that may improve shooting performance is the squat jump, which emphasizes the development of lower-limb muscle power. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of squat jump training on the shooting ability of Tropic FC U-17 football players in Sumenep Regency. Methods: This study employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design. A total of 24 players were recruited using a total sampling technique and assigned to either a treatment group or a control group. The treatment group completed a squat jump training program, whereas the control group continued their regular training without additional intervention. Shooting ability was assessed using a shooting test before (pretest) and after (posttest) the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, Levene's test for homogeneity, and the Independent Samples t-test with a significance level of 0.05.Results: The mean shooting score in the treatment group increased from 73 at pretest to 87 at posttest, whereas the control group showed only a slight improvement from 67 to 68. Hypothesis testing revealed a statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.032), indicating that squat jump training had a significant positive effect on the shooting ability of Tropic FC U-17 football players. Conclusion: Squat jump training is an effective training method for improving the shooting ability of U-17 football players. Therefore, this training method can be recommended as part of physical conditioning programs to enhance shooting performance in youth football athletes
Keywords: squat jump, shooting ability, lower-limb muscle power, football, youth athletes