## 4 Discussion  
In this network meta-analysis (NMA), we considered 11 RCTs and compared the relative effects of six kinds of interventions for soccer players' sprinting and COD abilities. The results of the study showed that, in terms of combined training, P+T+S+A had the best \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c c c c c} \hline \hline \multirow{2}{*}{**Exercise**} & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**10 m Sprint**} & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**20 m Sprint**} & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**COD**} \\ \cline{2-10}  & **SUCRA** & \(P\) (\%) & **Mean Rank** & **SUCRA** & \(P\) (\%) & **Mean Rank** & **SUCRA** & \(P\) (\%) & **Mean Rank** \\ \hline
1 & 13.7 & 0.7 & 3.6 & 9.1 & 0.0 & 4.6 & 17.6 & 0.6 & 3.5 \\ \hline
2 & 48.5 & 11.1 & 2.5 & 48.8 & 8.2 & 3.0 & 41.3 & 17.4 & 2.8 \\ \hline
3 & 67.5 & 42.8 & 2.0 & 54.0 & 23.2 & 2.8 & 66.0 & 28.1 & 2.0 \\ \hline
4 & 70.2 & 45.5 & 1.9 & 68.3 & 23.2 & 2.3 & 75.0 & 53.9 & 1.7 \\ \hline
5 & & & & 69.8 & 45.4 & 2.2 & & & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular} Note: higher SUCRA and lower mean ranks indicate better-performing treatments. \(P\) indicates the probability of it being the best treatment.  
\end{table} 
Table 3: Rankings for 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, and COD for different types of exercise. Figure 7: Funnel plot of publication bias. (**a**) 10 m sprint; (**b**) 20 m sprint; (**c**) COD. effect on soccer players' 10 m sprint and COD abilities. P+S+A had the best effect on soccer players' 20 m sprint abilities. For the single training mode, plyometrics had the best effect. First, for the single training mode, our findings supported the previous findings of [PERSON] et al., in that plyometric training had better effects than strength training [21]. Plyometrics take advantage of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC), the muscle-tendon eccentric stretch, concentric contraction, and the ability to transfer this energy to the concentric push-out phase [44; 45]. Simultaneously, it improves neuromuscular function (intermuscular coordination, size structure, and mechanical changes) and does not involve external resistance, providing excellent performance conversion [46; 47]. Squat jumping exercises can effectively enhance muscle power output, while reverse jumping improves muscle coordination and increases the ground reaction force [48]. Second, SSC exercises enhance single-fiber contractility through the force and contraction velocity of type I, IIa and IIa/IIx fibers, increased fiber strength, contraction velocity, increased Ca sensitivity, and fiber size [49]. Finally, [PERSON] et al. verified the sprint and force-velocity (F-V) correlation; some jumping exercises based on the F-V curve can provide positive adaptation, and imitating the action pattern can explain its enhanced sprinting ability [50; 51; 52; 53]. In terms of COD, the enhancement of neuromuscular function and eccentric strength can allow an athlete to better decelerate during a change of direction [54; 55]. The insufficiency of simple training intensity, the generation of residual fatigue effects, and concurrent training reduce strength training adaptability and thus affect athletes' sprinting performance [56]. Second, in the 20 m sprint, the combined training mode (plyometric training combined with resistance or sprint training) had better benefits than the single training mode. This is a training method recommended by many coaches and researchers [57; 58]. Also supporting the previous findings of [PERSON] et al. [59] and [PERSON] et al. [60], combining level 3 training (plyometric or strength training) with specific sprint training (free sprint, assisted sprint, etc.) is more effective for short sprints than simple training. Combined training provides sufficient stimulation to simultaneously develop the physical fitness and mechanical efficiency of the lower extremities, reducing cadence and increasing stride length [61]. It is worth noting that P+S+A in the combined training mode was better than P+T+S+A in terms of 20 m sprinting. This kind of concurrent training will reduce the adaptability of training and interfere with the training effect [56].