Improving Repeated Sprint Ability in Young Elite Soccer Players: Repeated Shuttle Sprints Vs. Explosive Strength Training

Abstract

To compare the effects of explosive strength (ExpS) vs. repeated shuttle sprint (RS) training on repeated sprint ability (RSA) in young elite soccer players, 15 elite male adolescents (14.5 ± 0.5 years) performed, in addition to their soccer training program, RS (n = 7) or ExpS (n = 8) training once a week for a total of 10 weeks. RS training consisted of 2-3 sets of 5-6 × 15- to 20-m repeated shuttle sprints interspersed with 14 seconds of passive or 23 seconds of active recovery (≈2 m·s⁻¹); ExpS training consisted of 4-6 series of 4-6 exercises (e.g., maximal unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJs), calf and squat plyometric jumps, and short sprints). Before and after training, performance was assessed by 10 and 30 m (10 and 30 m) sprint times, best (RSAbest) and mean (RSAmean) times on a repeated shuttle sprint ability test, a CMJ, and a hopping (Hop) test. After training, except for 10 m (p = 0.22), all performances were significantly improved in both groups (all p's < 0.05). Relative changes in 30 m (-2.1 ± 2.0%) were similar for both groups (p = 0.45). RS training induced greater improvement in RSAbest (-2.90 ± 2.1 vs. -0.08 ± 3.3%, p = 0.04) and tended to enhance RSAmean more (-2.61 ± 2.8 vs. -0.75 ± 2.5%, p = 0.10, effect size [ES] = 0.70) than ExpS. In contrast, ExpS tended to induce greater improvements in CMJ (14.8 ± 7.7 vs. 6.8 ± 3.7%, p = 0.02) and Hop height (27.5 ± 19.2 vs. 13.5 ± 13.2%, p = 0.08, ES = 0.9) compared with RS. Improvements in the repeated shuttle sprint test were only observed after RS training, whereas CMJ height was only increased after ExpS. Because RS and ExpS were equally efficient at enhancing maximal sprinting speed, RS training-induced improvements in RSA were likely more related to progresses in the ability to change direction.

Effects of a high-intensity interval training protocol based on functional exercises on performance and body composition in handball female players

“…These results are consistent with those obtained by Rey et al (2017). Better results in RSA may probably draw on parallel improvements in aerobic capacity (Buchheit et al, 2010), thanks to less accumulation and better elimination of lactic acid between sprints (Jódar, 2003).…”

Modeling in Football Training: The Effect of Two Methods of Training Based on Small Sided Games and Repeated Sprints on Mood and Physical Performance among Footballers

“…A training program based on repeated sprints, improving aerobic fitness as one of the most important features in modern football (Hill-Haas et al, 2007;Bravo et al, 2008;Buchheit et al, 2010;Bishop et al, 2011). For example Bravo et al (2008) studied the effect of a training program based on repeated sprint on aerobic fitness; they found an increase of 26.31% of the distance covered and 5.4% of VO2max.…”

Medial Gastrocnemius Myotendinous Junction Displacement and Plantar-Flexion Strength in Patients Treated With Immediate Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Repair

“…37 Standardized differences or effect sizes for each variable were calculated using a pooled standard deviation. 38 Threshold values for the magnitude evaluation were described as small (.0.2), moderate (0.5), and extensive (.0.8). 38 Quantitative changes for a beneficial/better or negative/poor effect were qualitatively assessed as almost certainly not (,1%), very unlikely (1%-5%), unlikely (5%-25%), possible (25%-75%), likely (75%-95%), very likely (95%-99%), and almost certain (.99%).…”

“…38 Threshold values for the magnitude evaluation were described as small (.0.2), moderate (0.5), and extensive (.0.8). 38 Quantitative changes for a beneficial/better or negative/poor effect were qualitatively assessed as almost certainly not (,1%), very unlikely (1%-5%), unlikely (5%-25%), possible (25%-75%), likely (75%-95%), very likely (95%-99%), and almost certain (.99%). 39 If beneficial/ better or negative/poor effects were both greater than 10%, the true difference was assessed as unclear.…”