The Training of Short Distance Sprint Performance in Football Code Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background Short-sprint (≤ 20 m) performance is an important quality for success in the football codes. Therefore, developing an evidence base for understanding training methods to enhance short-sprint performance is key for practitioners. However, current systematic reviews are limited by (1) a lack of focus on football code athletes, (2) a lack of consideration of all training modalities and (3) a failure to account for the normal training practices undertaken by intervention groups within their analysis. Therefore, this review aimed to (1) conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature evaluating training interventions upon short-sprint performance within football code athletes, (2) undertake a meta-analysis to assess the magnitude of change of sport-sprint performance following training interventions and (3) identify how moderator variables affect the training response. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to establish standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. This identified the magnitude and direction of the individual training effects of intervention subgroups (primary, secondary, combined-specific, tertiary and combined training methods) on short-sprint performance while considering moderator variables (i.e., football code, sex, age, playing standard, phase of season). Results 121 studies met the inclusion criteria, totalling 3419 athletes. Significant improvements (small-large) were found between pre- and post-training in short-sprint performance for the combined, secondary, tertiary and combined-specific training methods. No significant effect was found for primary or sport only training. No individual mode was found to be the most effective. Between-subgroup analysis identified that football code, age, playing standard and phase of season all moderated the overall magnitude of training effects. Conclusions This review provides the largest systematic review and meta-analysis of short-sprint performance development methods and the only one to assess football code athletes exclusively. Practitioners can apply combined, secondary and tertiary training methods to improve short-sprint performance within football code athletes. The application of sport only and primary methods does not appear to improve short-sprint performance. Regardless of the population characteristics, short-sprint performance can be enhanced by increasing either or both the magnitude and the orientation of force an athlete can generate in the sprinting action. Trial Registration OSF registration https://osf.io/kshqn/.

Sprint development practices in elite football code athletes

“…[16][17][18][19] The underpinning factors to sprint performance are consistent across sports. 9,[20][21][22] Practitioners can target the determinants of performance, including (i) optimising the sequencing of stride length and frequency, (ii) enhancing the athlete's physical capacities relative to body mass (e.g., lower limb force-velocity-power and stiffness (ability to absorb the displacement of the leg and return high ground reaction forces 23 )) and (iii) increasing the mechanical effectiveness of force application. 20,22,[24][25][26] However, it is the content (e.g., exercise selection, training load prescription), the individual and the context (e.g., training and competition demands, sport and club infrastructure) that varies across and within sports.…”

“…9,[20][21][22] Practitioners can target the determinants of performance, including (i) optimising the sequencing of stride length and frequency, (ii) enhancing the athlete's physical capacities relative to body mass (e.g., lower limb force-velocity-power and stiffness (ability to absorb the displacement of the leg and return high ground reaction forces 23 )) and (iii) increasing the mechanical effectiveness of force application. 20,22,[24][25][26] However, it is the content (e.g., exercise selection, training load prescription), the individual and the context (e.g., training and competition demands, sport and club infrastructure) that varies across and within sports. [16][17][18]27,28 Sprint development is commonly approached to stimulate favourable neural and morphological adaptations using either or both non-specific (i.e., strength, power, and plyometric training) and specific training methods which simulate the sprinting action (i.e., technical drills and sprints with various formats of overload).…”

“…[16][17][18]27,28 Sprint development is commonly approached to stimulate favourable neural and morphological adaptations using either or both non-specific (i.e., strength, power, and plyometric training) and specific training methods which simulate the sprinting action (i.e., technical drills and sprints with various formats of overload). 20,22,[24][25][26] This provides practitioners with multiple methods of developing sprint performance. 20,22,[24][25][26] Hence, reviews of training studies have reported enhancing sprint performance concurrently alongside football code specific training.…”

“…20,22,[24][25][26] This provides practitioners with multiple methods of developing sprint performance. 20,22,[24][25][26] Hence, reviews of training studies have reported enhancing sprint performance concurrently alongside football code specific training. 20,22 However, such research often fails to reflect the contextual factors (e.g., timescales required to deliver outcomes, specific expertise, experience and resources) common in applied practice.…”

“…20,22,[24][25][26] Hence, reviews of training studies have reported enhancing sprint performance concurrently alongside football code specific training. 20,22 However, such research often fails to reflect the contextual factors (e.g., timescales required to deliver outcomes, specific expertise, experience and resources) common in applied practice. Therefore, although all programmes should be based on current best evidence, professional reasoning is necessary to fill in the gaps and drive applied practice forward.…”