Effect of intermittent training with and without direction changes on the physical performance of young players

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a linear repeated sprint training and repeated sprints including changes of direction (2-COD-90) on the performance of young soccer players competing in provincial category. Sixteen players (mean +/- SD: 16.7 +/- .8 years old; 175.3 +/- 5.2 cm, 64.4 +/- 9.4 kg) were randomly assigned to a linear repeated sprints training group (n = 8, RSAL) or change of direction group (n = 8, RSACOD). The RSAL performed 3 sets of 10 sprints over 22-m, with 27-m active recovery between workouts and 4-min rest between sets; the RSACOD performed 3 sets of 10 sprints over 18-m 2-COD-90 degrees, with 18-m active recovery and 4-min rest between sets. No changes were observed in the RSA test (8x30-m, 25-s recovery) in either group. The RSAL training improved (p <. 05) VO2max (50.99 +/- 1.56 vs. 53.63 +/- 2.86 ml / kg / min); while RSACOD improved (p <. 05) in the ability to change direction (13.62 +/-.31 vs. 13.42 +/- .32 s) and horizontal triple jump with dominant leg (5.87 +/- .31 vs. 6.10 +/- .61 m) and nondominant (5.72 +/- .71vs. 6.01 +/- .8 m). The training must incorporate linear and COD efforts for an overall improvement in the physical condition of the player.