title: Influence of short vs. long repetition sprint training on selected fitness components in young soccer players.
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of short-sprint repetition and long-sprint repetition training (SST, LST), matched for total distance, on selected fitness components in young soccer players. Thirty young (14-15 years) soccer players were randomly assigned to either the short-sprint training group or long-sprint training group and completed 2 similar sets of fitness tests before and after 7 weeks of training. The 2 training programs consisted of SST (4-6 sets of 4 × 50-m all-out sprint) and LST (4-6 sets of 200-m run at 85% of maximum speed), each performed 3 times a week. Before training, there were no baseline between-group differences in predicted VO2max, standing long jump, 30-m sprint time, 4 × 10-m shuttle running time, and 250-m running time. Both training programs led to a significant improvement in VO2max (predicted from the 20-m shuttle run, p < 0.01), with no between-group difference (p = 0.14). Both training programs also led to a significant improvement in the anaerobic fitness variables of 30-m sprint time (p < 0.01), 4 × 10-m shuttle running time (p < 0.01), and 250-m running time (p < 0.01), with no between-group differences. Neither of the training programs had a significant effect on standing long jump (p = 0.21). The study showed that long, near-maximal sprints, and short, all-out sprint training, matched for total distance, are equally effective in enhancing both the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of young soccer players. Therefore, to maintain a player's training interest and enthusiasm, coaches may alternate between these methods during the busy soccer season.
authors.affiliation: Life Science Department, Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Israel.
authors.forename: Yoav
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Meckel
authors.forename: Yoni
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gefen
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nemet
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eliakim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors