Effects of Combined Training on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players

Effects of Lower-body Strength Training Combined With Small-sided Games on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players

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.

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