Effects of Combined Training on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players

Aydin Adnan Menderes University20 enrolled

Overview

Small-sided games (SSGs) are an effective training method for improving aerobic fitness. However, their effects on physical performance attributes such as, sprinting, jumping, agility, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of lower-body strength training combined with SSGs training (CT) versus SSGs training alone on sprinting, agility, RSA, countermovement jump (CMJ), and aerobic fitness in young soccer players. Twenty young soccer players were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CT (n = 10; age: 14.0 ± 0.0) and SSGs (n = 10; age: 14.0 ± 0.0). The CT group performed lower-body strength training twice a week, in addition to SSGs training twice a week. The SSGs group performed SSGs training only twice a week, without any strength training. Before and after the 6-week training intervention, the 20-m sprint test, Illinois agility test (IAT), RSA, CMJ, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 were conducted.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Young Soccer Players

Interventions

During the 6-week intervention period, the combined training group performed 2 sessions per week of lower-body strength training and 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training in different formats. The strength training was performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This training was finished at least one hour before the team's technical and tactical soccer training. The strength training program is designed to include movements for bilateral hip dominant, bilateral knee dominant, unilateral hip dominant, unilateral knee dominant and calf muscles. The exercises were selected to allow players to perform them on the field with minimal equipment, without the need for machines. In addition, small field games training was practiced two days a week. Repetitions in reserve and resistance training-specific ratings of the perceived exertion scale were used to determine training intensity and load.

Small-sided games aloneOTHER

The small-sided games group performed 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training program in different formats, without participating in any strength training. The small-sided games training was conducted twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays (8:00-10:00 p.m.) for 6 weeks. These training sessions started before the team's technical and tactical training. Extra balls are placed at the goals and along the field boundary lines, allowing play to restart immediately after the ball leaves the field. During the games, the offside rule was not applied. The game started with the foot when the ball left edge of the field. Other rules in the games were kept similar to those of official soccer. During the games, the coaches encouraged the players to exert maximum effort. The number of defenders, midfielders, and attackers in the teams was kept as equal as possible.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 14 YearsMax age: 14 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * have no injuries, illnesses, or physical limitations that would prevent participation in the study * have been training and playing official soccer for a minimum of 2 years * have participated in all testing protocols * have participated in a minimum of 80% of the training sessions * have not participated in any structured strength training program for the last six months, except for bodyweight exercises; and * have not been a goalkeeper

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Height

Height (in cm) was measured using a stadiometer (SECA, Hamburg, Germany). These measurement was taken in the morning, before breakfast, while the players wore light clothing and no shoes. Measurement was performed twice to reduce the margin of error.