The Effect of Speed Training on Sprint and Agility Performance in Female Youth Soccer Players

IntroductionSoccer is one of the most popular sports among youth worldwide, with an increasing number of young female players (Vescovi et al., 2012). Among the different physical qualities needed are the ability to perform straight-line sprint and positive and negative acceleration with rapid changes of directions, often referred to as agility (Muijka et al., 2009). Previous studies have shown a difference in running speed between high-level and the non-elite youth players in those qualities (Mujika et al., 2009; Malina et al., 2007; Gissis et al., 2006), and sprint performance has been reported to be among the most important variables in predicting player selection (Vescovi, 2012; Gil et al., 2007). It has been an increased focus on the trainability in the youth age, however, there is little empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of sprint training methods in youth females (Vescovi et al., 2011). Most experiments have been conducted on males, with programs combining strength and speed training (Rumpf et al., 2012; Maio Alves et al., 2010; Faigenbaum et al., 2007). Reports of male youth athletes aged 14 to 18 years, have showed an enhanced effect on sprint with high-intensity strength and speed training (Jovanovic et al. (2011; Mujika et al., 2009; Kotzaminidis et al., 2005). Buchheit et al. (2010) found that a 10-week training program, with one-hour per week shuttle sprint and explosive strength training, produced significant improvement in 30-m sprint, but no significant improvement in 10 meter sprint in adolescent male soccer players. Hughes et al. (2012) reported enhanced sprint performance in males aged 12 and 15 years, but not in 13 or 14 years, combining speed training and plyometric drills. A program consisting of high-speed and plyometric exercises in 13-year-old males, significantly improved both 20 m linear running speed, and agility performances (Mathisen, 2014). Polman et al. (2007) found positive effects of a speed and quickness program on 25 m linear sprint and agility performance in 21.2 (± 3.1) year-old female soccer players. However, to our knowledge, there is only one study among youth female soccer players, high-speed exercises produced significant improvement in speed and agility in 13-year-old females (Mathisen & Danielsen, 2014). Furthermore, it is unsolved whether traditional soccer training, consisting of small-sided games, can provide enough stimuli to sufficiently increase sprint performance in young players (Jullien et al., 2008). Previous research has proposed high intensity up to maximal effort during exercises as a key factor in these abilities (Pettersen & Mathisen, 2012). Given the limited body of knowledge, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of short burst speed exercises on straight-line sprint and agility in 15-year-old female soccer players.MethodSubjects. An initial sample of 14 regional female soccer players with a mean age of 15.5 (± 0.7) years was selected. However due to injury, and non-attendance at the testing sessions, the sample was reduced to 10 players. In addition to the intervention program, the participants in the training group (TG) undertook two one-hour organized regular soccer-training sessions consisting of technical drills and small-sided games. Nine female soccer players from the same league, and at similar performance level, mean age 15.1 (± 0.5) years, served as a control group (CG). The CG undertook three organized sessions of soccer training per week, consisting of technical drills and small-sided games. Written informed consent was obtained from both the participants and their superiors. The study was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki, and the study was given institutional ethical approval, and meets the ethical standards in sports and exercise science research (Harris & Atkinson, 2011). Experimental Approach to the Problem. To compare the effects of speed training versus traditional soccer training we tested 10-m (meter) and 20-m linear-sprint and agility performance, before and after an eight-week conditioning program. …