Optimizing Muscle Performance in Young Soccer Players: Exploring the Impact of Resisted Sprint Training and Its Relationship with Distance Covered.

BACKGROUND

Speed training with resisted sprints has been shown to positively affect neuromuscular performance in soccer players. Various loads, ranging from 10% to 120% of body mass, have demonstrated performance improvements across the spectrum. However, the impact of sprint distance with optimal load on these adaptive responses has yet to be thoroughly described.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the influence of sprint distance in resisted sprints on muscle performance in young soccer players.

METHODS

This quantitative study utilized a pre-post experimental design. The sample consisted of 24 young soccer players (15.3 ± 0.68 years; 61.4 ± 7.08 kg; 1.60 ± 0.06 m) randomized into three groups (10, 20, and 30 m) and subjected to 12 sessions of resisted sprint training over six weeks. The volume was homogenized across groups, with a total distance of 120 m for each. The intervention's effect was analyzed through performance in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), modified 505 agility test (505 m), and linear sprint tests. Differences were analyzed using a mixed ANOVA, incorporating a between-subjects factor (training group) and a within-subjects factor (pre- and post-intervention).

RESULTS

Time-dependent differences were observed in all groups for peak force (PF) ( < 0.001; ηp = 0.62), time to PF (TPF) ( < 0.001; ηp = 0.53), impulse at 50 ( < 0.001; ηp = 0.57), 100 ( < 0.001; ηp = 0.60), and 200 ms ( < 0.001; ηp = 0.67) in IMTP; jump height by impulse-momentum ( < 0.001; ηp = 0.64), rate of force development ( = 0.04; ηp = 0.14), yielding impulse ( < 0.001; ηp = 0.49), and concentric impulse ( = 0.01; ηp = 0.19) in CMJ; time ( < 0.001; ηp = 0.46) in 505 m; and average speed in linear sprint ( = 0.003; ηp = 0.36), with moderate to large effect sizes, regardless of the distance covered. No differences were observed for the interaction between the time* and group or between groups.

CONCLUSION

Performance improvements were independent of the sprint distance, with no differences between training groups. Distances between 10 and 30 m may enhance muscle performance in young soccer players.