Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of two 8-week sprint training programs on the speed and sport-specific skills of young soccer players and to determine additional effects of 8 weeks’ whole body rotation. Material/Methods: Twenty-two Under-18 soccer players were divided into two groups: a running group (RG) and a ball group (BG). The RG completed sprint training without the ball, whereas the BG members trained with the ball. The 5-, 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-m sprint times and the level of soccer-specific skills were measured before and after completing the training programs. Results: A significant (p < 0.05) time interaction was found in sprint times at all distances. The players from both groups achieved significantly better sprint times on the distances of 15 m and 30 m; additionally, an improvement in the 20 m sprint time was noted in the BG. No significant changes in the level of soccer-specific skills were found. Conclusions: Sprint training performed with a ball might be equally efficient as a traditional non-ball method for developing players’ speed. Moreover, soccer-specific sprint training may improve certain technical skills in young players.
Recommended Citation
Jastrzebski Z, Radziminski L, Dargiewicz R et al. Generic versus specific sprint training in young soccer players. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2013; 5(3): 191-198. doi: 10.2478/bjha-2013-0018
DOI
10.2478/bjha-2013-0018
Author ORCID Identifier
Zbigniew Jastrzebski https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2006-125X
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
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Health and Physical Education Commons, Sports Medicine Commons, Sports Sciences Commons, Sports Studies Commons
