Effect of Speed, Strength, Balance and Precision Training on the Overall Performance of Adolescent Amateur Football Players

Abstract

Background: Speed, strength and balance are the basic attributes for peak performance in Football. However, there is scarcity of research regarding the combined effect of these attributes with the technical precision in amateur adolescents. Effect of 8-week structured training was investigated focusing on speed, strength, balance and precision, evaluating their effect on overall performance of adolescent Football players in comparison to the conventional training method. Materials and Methods: A sample of 38 male adolescent Football players aged 17-20 years from Young Football Club, Lahore was recruited for this study. Participants were divided into experimental group (n=19) that received integrated training; 3 sessions/week. Whereas, participants of the control group (n=19) followed their previous routine of training. Assessments included physical tests (10m/30m sprints, countermovement jump, Y-Balance Test) and technical evaluations (dribbling time, shooting accuracy, passing precision). Statistical analysis used paired and independent t-tests (p<0.05). Results: Findings of the study confirmed that experimental group has shown significant improvement in all the physical attributes as well as overall performance in Football. Improvement recorded in Physical Attributes: 10m sprint (-0.18s, p<0.001), vertical jump (+4.5cm, p<0.001), Y-Balance (+8.2cm, p<0.001) Technical Precision: Shooting accuracy (+22.3%,

p<0.001), passing success rate (+19.1%, p<0.001), Composite Performance: 31.6% improvement vs 5.2% in Controls (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The study has concluded that besides speed, strength, and balance; inclusion of the precision training has produced significant performance gains compared to the conventional methods. These results reflect that a well-structured training program has the potential for the development of both physical as well as technical aspect required for the improvement of the overall performance. A well-organized training program, incorporating the precision drill with conventional training regimen can produce significant improvement in overall performance in Football.