Game-Based Versus Linear Sprint Training in Male Soccer Players

Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of two different sprint training approaches on physical performance in male amateur soccer players during the competitive season. The study aimed to determine whether once-weekly game-based sprint training or linear sprint training could improve sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, hamstring strength, and maximum running velocity achieved during official matches.

Thirty-six male amateur soccer players were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: the Game-Based Sprint Group, the Linear Sprint Group, or the Control Group. Participants in both sprint training groups completed one additional sprint training session per week for 12 weeks while continuing their regular soccer training and competition schedule. The Linear Sprint Group performed maximal 40-meter linear sprints, whereas the Game-Based Sprint Group performed soccer-specific sprint activities that included running, ball involvement, and technical actions. The Control Group continued regular soccer training without an additional sprint-specific intervention.

Sprint performance, change-of-direction performance, and right and left hamstring strength were assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Maximum running velocity was also monitored during official matches throughout the 12-week study period. The study was designed to compare how the two sprint training approaches affected performance over time and whether changes observed during standardized testing were also reflected in maximum running velocity during competitive matches.

Conditions

• Soccer Performance
• Sprint Performance
• Hamstring Strength
• Maximum Running Velocity

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Linear Sprint Training

Participants performed maximal 40-m linear sprints once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions with the same recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The intervention was performed in addition to regular soccer training.

BEHAVIORAL

Game-Based Sprint Training

Participants performed soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of 8-10-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions using the same sprint duration and recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions of 10-12-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The drills incorporated ball involvement, perceptual demands, and soccer-specific technical actions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Gelisim University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-11-01

Primary Completion

2026-01-24

Completion

2026-01-24

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations