The MTG group received an intervention based on anterior-posterior mobilizations of the talus and fibula and taping, both based on Mulligan® techniques.

The EG group underwent a therapeutic exercise protocol lasting approximately 5-10 minutes, performed before regular training sessions.

The CG group received no specific treatment; they only participated in the current training sessions.

The MTG group received an intervention based on anterior-posterior mobilizations of the talus and fibula and taping, both based on Mulligan® techniques Individually, participants received Grade IV passive mobilizations lasting approximately 30 seconds, totalling 12 active mobilizations performed by the participant. Furthermore, a tape was applied, placed on the anterior part of the talus with a posterior and caudal direction, with its ends anchored near the heel. Due to its placement, this taping maintained a sustained posterior force on the talus throughout the training session. This intervention was conducted on the affected limb(s) with DF deficits.

ALT: ankle DF was measured in cm. The player stands with the foot to be assessed placed behind a black line on the device, while the other foot remains on the floor behind the tested foot. The player attempts to touch a metal rod with the knee without lifting the heel off the floor. The rod's position is adjusted to the maximum distance reached with difficulty. 3 repetitions were carried out and an average of the 3 repetitions was calculated to obtain the maximum ankle DF measurement. Both feet were measured.

SLS: The participant, barefoot on a firm, flat surface, first performed 2 practice SLS repetitions unmeasured., then 2 consecutive sets of 5 repetitions were evaluated and the worst set was chosen for analysis., allowing for speed and compensation adjustments as fatigue developed. Each limb was tested. The examiner, positioned directly in front of the participant, recorded the activity with a mobile device. Movement execution was analysed using the Kinovea© software, with analysis focused on measuring the Q angle for each repetition, selecting the largest angle from the 5 executions for analysis.