Abstract

The aim of the study. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of a four-week repeated sprint training program on body composition parameters, speed, strength, jumping ability, agility, and endurance in U-15 male football players.

Materials and methods. The study was designed using a pre-test post-test controlled experimental research model, one of the quantitative research methods. A total of 22 male football players participated in the study. The participants underwent four weeks of regular football training, and the experimental group also performed a repeated sprint training program three times per week. Before and after the training period, the participants underwent pre-test and post-test assessments, including the 30m sprint, back strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), Illinois agility, and Yo-Yo 1 tests. The normality of the data was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Independent sample         t-tests were used for the analysis of normally distributed data between independent groups, while paired sample t-tests were used for dependent groups.

Results. According to the findings of the study, significant differences in favor of the post-test were found in the experimental group for the 30m sprint (t = 2.747; p = 0.021), back strength (t = −3.560; p = 0.005), CMJ (t = −3.788; p = 0.004), Illinois agility (t = 8.173; p = 0.000), and Yo-Yo 1 (t = −3.370; p = 0.007) tests. However, no significant differences were found between pre-test and post-test values for body composition parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusion. In conclusion, the four-week repeated sprint training program positively affected speed, strength, jumping ability, agility, and endurance performance in U-15 male football players.

Key words

football, body composition, repeated sprint training, biomotor abilities