title: Does SAQ training improve the speed and flexibility of young soccer players? A randomized controlled trial.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) training program on speed and flexibility in young soccer players. One hundred and thirty-two soccer players were randomly assigned to experimental (EG; n=66, mean±SD: age: 18.5±0.4 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 71.30±5.93 kg; stature: 177.2±6.5 cm) and control groups (CG; n=66, mean±SD: age: 18.6±0.6 years (range 17-19 years); body mass: 70.63±4.87 kg; stature: 175.9±5.7 cm). The experimental group performed SAQ training whilst the control group undertook straight-line sprint training matched for volume and duration. Sprint performance was assessed using 5 and 10 m sprints and a further test including maximal speed, a 20 m sprint. Flexibility was assessed using sit and reach, V-sit and reach, leg lift from supine position and lateral leg lift while lying on the side tests. Sprints over 5, 10 and 20 m did not differ between groups at baseline, but by week 12, the 5m sprint had significantly improved (P<.05) in the SAQ training group compared to the control group (1.40±0.13 vs. 1.46±0.12s, respectively) although this improvement had a trivial effect size (ES=0.15). The 10 m sprint time had improved by 3.3% (P<.01) in the SAQ group with a moderate effect size (ES=0.66). No significant differences (P>.05) for all flexibility tests were found between experimental and control group at baseline and after the training programs. Consequently SAQ training was found to be an effective way of improving sprint time for short distances over 5 and 10 m but not over 20 m (where maximum speed was achieved) or flexibility. These results indicate that SAQ training may be more effective for improving sprint performance for some soccer players but more research is required to determine ideal training methods for improving acceleration and flexibility in young soccer players.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia. Electronic address: zoooro_85@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Zoran
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Milanović
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Goran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sporiš
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia.
authors.forename: Nebojsa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Trajković
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia.
authors.forename: Damir
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sekulić
authors.affiliation: London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, England, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Nic
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: James
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Goran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vučković
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time; D012916:Soccer; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Change of direction; Range of motion; Specific agility; Youth soccer player