Participants assigned to this arm performed Yo-Yo-based intermittent shuttle running training. Each training bout consisted of repeated 15-second running efforts interspersed with 15 seconds of passive recovery, following a standardized Yo-Yo running format. Each set lasted four minutes. An audio signal with a fixed rhythm was used to regulate running and recovery intervals. Participants were instructed to synchronize their movements with the audio cues and to perform each running bout at maximal intensity.

Participants assigned to this arm performed Yo-Yo-based intermittent shuttle running training incorporating ball dribbling. Each training bout consisted of repeated 15-second running efforts with ball control, interspersed with 15 seconds of passive recovery, following a standardized Yo-Yo dribbling format. Each set lasted four minutes. An audio cue with a fixed rhythm was played throughout the session to regulate the timing of exercise and recovery. Participants were instructed to synchronize their movements with the audio cues and to maintain maximal intensity during each running bout.

Participants assigned to this arm performed small-sided games-based training. The games were conducted on a rectangular field measuring 25 × 35 meters, using a 4 versus 4 player format. The intervention involved game-based, intermittent high-intensity activities that combined physical, technical, and tactical demands. Participants were instructed to engage actively in the games and to maintain high effort throughout each bout.

Yo-Yo running training is a form of running-based high-intensity interval training characterized by repeated bouts of shuttle running with intermittent recovery periods. The training involves forward and backward running over a fixed distance at progressively increasing speeds, following standardized Yo-Yo test protocols.

Participants performed repeated 20-m shuttle runs between two lines at progressively increasing speeds dictated by standardized audio signals, interspersed with 10-s active recovery periods. The initial running speed was set at 10 km·h-¹ and increased stepwise according to the YYIR1 protocol.

Participants were required to reach the 20-m line in time with the audio cue. A first failure to meet the line in time resulted in a warning, and the test was terminated after a second failure. The total distance covered before test termination was recorded as the YYIR1 score.

YYIR1 distance is expressed in meters, with higher values indicating greater intermittent aerobic capacity and a superior ability to perform and recover from repeated high-intensity running efforts.

Anaerobic power was assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) performed on a cycle ergometer. After a standardized warm-up, participants completed a 30-s all-out sprint against a resistance equivalent to 7.5% of their body mass. Participants were instructed to pedal as fast as possible throughout the entire test, and strong verbal encouragement was provided.

Power output was recorded continuously. Peak power output (PPO) was defined as the highest mechanical power achieved over any 5-s interval, and mean power output (MPO) was calculated as the average power across the full 30-s test duration.

Anaerobic power outcomes are expressed in watts (W), with higher PPO and MPO values indicating greater maximal and sustained anaerobic power capacity.

Overall session enjoyment was assessed using the PACES-8. Participants rated how they felt about the activity on eight items using a 7-point Likert scale from 1 (unpleasurable) to 7 (pleasurable).Total scores ranged from 8 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater physical activity enjoyment.

Repeated sprint ability (RSA) was assessed using a 6 × 40 m shuttle sprint test (20 m + 20 m with a 180° change of direction), with 20 s of passive recovery between sprints. Sprint times were recorded using infrared timing gates positioned at the start and finish lines.

The primary RSA outcomes included best sprint time (RSA_best), mean sprint time (RSA_mean), and performance decrement (RSA_dec). RSA_best represents the fastest single sprint time and reflects maximal sprint capacity. RSA_mean is the average time across all six sprints and reflects repeated-sprint performance.