This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of two different sprint training approaches on physical performance in male amateur soccer players during the competitive season. The study aimed to determine whether once-weekly game-based sprint training or linear sprint training could improve sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, hamstring strength, and maximum running velocity achieved during official matches. Thirty-six male amateur soccer players were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: the Game-Based Sprint Group, the Linear Sprint Group, or the Control Group. Participants in both sprint training groups completed one additional sprint training session per week for 12 weeks while continuing their regular soccer training and competition schedule. The Linear Sprint Group performed maximal 40-meter linear sprints, whereas the Game-Based Sprint Group performed soccer-specific sprint activities that included running, ball involvement, and technical actions. The Control Group continued regular soccer training without an additional sprint-specific intervention. Sprint performance, change-of-direction performance, and right and left hamstring strength were assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Maximum running velocity was also monitored during official matches throughout the 12-week study period. The study was designed to compare how the two sprint training approaches affected performance over time and whether changes observed during standardized testing were also reflected in maximum running velocity during competitive matches.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
36
Participants performed maximal 40-m linear sprints once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions with the same recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The intervention was performed in addition to regular soccer training.
Participants performed soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of 8-10-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions using the same sprint duration and recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions of 10-12-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The drills incorporated ball involvement, perceptual demands, and soccer-specific technical actions.
Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
40-m Sprint Performance
The time required to complete a 40-m maximal linear sprint was measured using the SmartSpeed electronic timing system (VALD Performance, Australia). Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest time was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better sprint performance.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
T-Drill Change-of-Direction Performance
Change-of-direction performance was assessed using the T-drill test. Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest completion time was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better performance.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
Hamstring Strength
Bilateral hamstring strength was assessed using the NordBord system (VALD Performance). Right and left limbs were assessed separately, with force recorded in Newtons (N). Participants completed two maximal-effort trials for each limb, and the highest value was retained for analysis.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
Match Maximum Running Velocity
Maximum running velocity during official soccer matches was monitored using the Catapult S7 GPS system. The highest running velocity achieved by each participant during each official match was retained for analysis.
Time frame: During official matches throughout the 12-week intervention period
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