The Comparative Effects of Velocity-Based and Percentage-Based Strength Training on Physical Performance in Young Football Players
The Comparative Effects of Velocity-Based and Percentage-Based Strength Training on Physical Performance in Young Football Players
The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of six weeks of velocity-based training (VBT) and traditional percentage-based strength training (TRD) on 20 m sprint performance, vertical jump, and aerobic capacity in elite young football players.
The main research question was: Does VBT produce greater improvements than TRD in these performance markers? Researchers compared VBT with TRD to determine whether VBT leads to superior enhancements in sprint speed, jump performance, and aerobic capacity among elite young football players.
Participants:
Performed either VBT squat training, VBT squat plus bench press training, or TRD squat training. Completed VBT or TRD sessions three times per week for six weeks. Attended the laboratory for measurements and tests before and after the six-week training program.
All participants had been following the same training program for the previous two months: five weekly training sessions (each lasting 60-90 minutes) and one match, with intensity ranging from 50-90% of maximum heart rate calculated using the Karvonen method, monitored with Polar V800 devices. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups, with equal distribution across age categories: 1) Traditional Strength Training (TRD), 2) Velocity Based Squat Training (Sq_V), and 3) Velocity Based Squat + Bench Press Training (SqBp_V). Study protocols were performed on three consecutive days per week, immediately after regular soccer practice. In the TRD group, only the 1-RM was calculated in the first week, while in the SqBp_V and Sq_V groups, 1-RM values were calculated weekly, and the 6-week training program was updated weekly based on these 1-RM values. The last weight lifted was recorded as the 1-RM in kilograms. The number of sets and repetitions was matched between the TRD and Sq_V groups. However, the SqBp_V group performed the same program as Sq_V plus bench press, using the same procedure. Therefore, total weekly volume (sets × repetitions × exercises) was matched between the VBT and TRD groups. Pre tests were conducted one week prior to the intervention, and post tests one week after completion (Figures 1 and 2). The 20 m Sprint, CMJ, and Yo-Yo IR2 were performed as both pre tests and post tests. All workouts and tests were familiarized two days before the pre test. The study was conducted on natural grass and in a fitness facility between 16:00-18:00 at 20-24°C and 60-70% humidity.
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria