Effectiveness of repeated sprint ability (RSA) development in youth soccer players

Abstract

This research aimed at finding out the effectiveness of a 6-week training program aimed at developing repeated sprint ability (RSA) of U19 soccer players. The experimental group consisted of elite youth soccer players (n = 14) in the club of the Slovak First league U19. Three different tests were used to obtain data: Bangsbo sprint test, 10-m sprint and 20-m sprint test. Players completed a 6-week control period, with a predominance of specific stimuli without targeted RSA development through repeated sprints. Subsequently, they completed a 6week experimental period which was complemented by an experimental factor focused on developing of RSA using repeated 20 m sprints. After the control period, players worsened in RSA parameters: RSAmean (p = 0.02, r = 0.61) RSAbest (p = 0.03, r = 0.59) RSAworst (p = 0.07, r = 0.21) RSAFI (p = 0.29, r = 0.07). After the experimental period, the players improved their performance in the parameters of RSA: RSAmean (p = 0.001, r = 0.80) RSAbest (p = 0.001, r = 0.82) RSAworst (p = 0.001, r = 0.78) RSAFI (p = 0.12, r = 0.31). There was an improvement in the acceleration speed in the 10-m sprint test (p = 0.02, r = 0.60) and in the 20-m sprint test (p = 0.002, r = 0.63). According to the results, the effectiveness of the speed-endurance training program was determined. We proved the necessity of using non-specific stimuli in developing repeated sprint ability in soccer players.