Research Article
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Effects of Eight-Week Sprint and Agility Training on Speed and Change-of-Direction Speed (COD) in Amateur Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Study

Year 2026, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 39 - 46, 27.02.2026
https://izlik.org/JA65ZB67SN

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an 8-week sprint and agility training program on speed, agility, and explosive power in amateur male soccer players aged 20–25 years in Ankara. Thirty players were randomly assigned to a training group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). The training group performed sprint and agility exercises three times per week for 8 weeks in addition to their regular football training, whereas the control group continued only their usual training. All participants completed the 20-m Sprint Test, T-Test agility test, and Standing Long Jump Test before and after the intervention. In the training group, significant improvements were observed in sprint and agility performance (p<0.05), and the standing long jump showed a statistically significant but small improvement (p=0.043, d=0.16). No significant changes were detected in the control group (p>0.05). When change scores were compared between groups, improvements in sprint and agility performance in the training group were significantly greater than in the control group (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), whereas changes in explosive power did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.152). In conclusion, 8 weeks of sprint and agility training effectively improve speed and agility in amateur soccer players, while producing only limited, small-magnitude gains in explosive power, suggesting that additional plyometric and strength training is required to achieve larger improvements in this parameter.

References

  • Aslan, T. V., & Kahraman, M. Z. (2023). The effect of core exercise program on vertical jump, speed, agility and strength parameters in junior male soccer players. Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns, 4(2), 610–627. https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v4i2.192
  • Bangsbo, J., Mohr, M., & Krustrup, P. (2006). Physical and metabolic demands of training and match-play in the elite football player. Journal of Sports Sciences, 24(7), 665–674. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410500482529
  • Beato, M., Bianchi, M., Coratella, G., Merlini, M., & Drust, B. (2018). Effects of plyometric and directional training on speed and jump performance in elite youth soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(2), 289–296. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002371
  • Beato, M., Drust, B., & Iacono, A. D. (2021). Implementing high-speed running and sprinting training in professional soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(4), 295–299. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1302-7968
  • Chaalali, A., Rouissi, M., Chtara, M., Owen, A., Bragazzi, N. L., Moalla, W., Chaouachi, A., Amri, M., & Chamari, K. (2016). Agility training in young elite soccer players: Promising results compared to change of direction drills. Biology of Sport, 33(4), 345–351. https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1217924
  • Doğanay, M., Bingül, B. M., & Álvarez-García, C. (2020). Effect of core training on speed, quickness and agility in young male football players. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 60(9), 1240–1246. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10999-X
  • Faude, O., Koch, T., & Meyer, T. (2012). Straight sprinting is the most frequent action in goal situations in professional football. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(7), 625–631. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.665940
  • Hammami, A., Zois, J., Slimani, M., Russell, M., & Bouhlel, E. (2018). The efficacy and characteristics of warm-up and re-warm-up practices in soccer players: A systematic review. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 58(1–2), 135–149. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06806-7
  • Hrysomallis, C. (2011). Balance ability and athletic performance. Sports Medicine, 41(3), 221–232. https://doi.org/10.2165/11538560-000000000-00000
  • Little, T., & Williams, A. G. (2005). Specificity of acceleration, maximum speed, and agility in professional soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(1), 76–78.
  • Mainer-Pardos, E., Kamiş, O., Oliveira, R., & Nobari, H. (2024). Effect of additional short sprint training on physical performance in adolescent male soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Kinesiologica, 18(3), 41-52. https://doi.org/10.51371/issn.1840-2976.2024.18.3.07
  • Nicholson, B., Dinsdale, A., Jones, B., & Till, K. (2021). The training of short distance sprint performance in football code athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(6), 1179–1207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01372-y
  • Oliver, J. L., Ramachandran, A. K., Singh, U., Ramirez-Campillo, R., & Lloyd, R. S. (2024). The effects of strength, plyometric and combined training on strength, power and speed characteristics in high-level, highly trained male youth soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 54(3), 623–643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01944-8
  • Prieske, O., Muehlbauer, T., Borde, R., Gube, M., Bruhn, S., Behm, D. G., & Granacher, U. (2016). Neuromuscular and athletic performance following core strength training in elite youth soccer: Role of instability. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(1), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12403
  • Ramirez-Campillo, R., Castillo, D., Raya-González, J., Moran, J., Sáez de Villarreal, E., & Lloyd, R. S. (2020). Effects of plyometric jump training on jump and sprint performance in young male soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 50(12), 2125–2143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01337-1
  • Ramirez-Campillo, R., Garcia-Hermoso, A., Moran, J., Chaabene, H., Negra, Y., & Scanlan, A. T. (2021). The effects of plyometric jump training on physical fitness attributes in basketball players: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 11(6), 656–670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.12.005
  • Sáez de Villarreal, E., Suarez-Arrones, L., Requena, B., & Haff, G. G. (2015). Effects of plyometric and sprint training on physical and technical skill performance in adolescent soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(7), 1894–1903. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000838
  • Serpell, B. G., Ford, M., & Young, W. B. (2010). The development of a new test of agility for rugby league. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(12), 3270–3277. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b60430
  • Sheppard, J. M., & Young, W. B. (2006). Agility literature review: Classifications, training and testing. Journal of Sports Sciences, 24(9), 919–932. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410500457109
  • Sofuoğlu, C., Güçhan Topçu, Z., & Bayrakcı Tunay, V. (2024). The effect of core stability training on ball-kicking velocity, sprint speed, and agility in adolescent male football players. PLOS ONE, 19(6), Article e0305245. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305245
  • Stølen, T., Chamari, K., Castagna, C., & Wisløff, U. (2005). Physiology of soccer: An update. Sports Medicine, 35(6), 501–536. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535060-00004

Amatör Futbolcularda Sekiz Haftalık Sprint ve Çeviklik Antrenmanlarının Hız ve Yön Değiştirme Hızı (COD) Üzerindeki Etkisi: Randomize Kontrollü Bir Çalışma

Year 2026, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 39 - 46, 27.02.2026
https://izlik.org/JA65ZB67SN

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Ankara’da 20–25 yaş aralığındaki amatör erkek futbolcularda 8 haftalık sprint ve çeviklik antrenman programının hız, çeviklik ve patlayıcı güç performansı üzerindeki etkilerini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışmaya 30 gönüllü futbolcu katılmış, katılımcılar rastgele olarak antrenman (n=15) ve kontrol (n=15) gruplarına ayrılmıştır. Antrenman grubu, düzenli futbol antrenmanlarına ek olarak 8 hafta boyunca haftada üç kez sprint ve çeviklik egzersizleri uygulamış, kontrol grubu ise yalnızca rutin antrenmanlarına devam etmiştir. Tüm katılımcılara 20 Metre Sprint Testi, T-Testi ve Durarak Uzun Atlama Testi uygulanmıştır. Antrenman grubunda sprint ve çeviklik testlerinde anlamlı iyileşmeler gözlenirken (p<0.05), durarak uzun atlama performansında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ancak etki büyüklüğü düşük bir artış saptanmıştır (p=0.043, d=0.16). Kontrol grubunda hiçbir parametrede anlamlı bir değişiklik görülmemiştir (p>0.05). Gruplar arası değişim skorları karşılaştırıldığında, antrenman grubundaki sprint ve çeviklik performansındaki iyileşmenin kontrol grubuna kıyasla anlamlı derecede daha fazla olduğu belirlenmiştir (sprint için p=0.001, çeviklik için p<0.001), patlayıcı güçteki değişim ise gruplar arasında anlamlı düzeyde farklılık göstermemiştir (p=0.152). Sonuç olarak, 8 haftalık sprint ve çeviklik antrenmanlarının amatör futbolcularda hız ve çeviklik performansını anlamlı ölçüde geliştirdiği, patlayıcı güçte ise sınırlı fakat mevcut bir gelişim sağladığı söylenebilir; bu nedenle patlayıcı gücün daha belirgin düzeyde artırılması için programa plyometrik ve kuvvet egzersizlerinin eklenmesi önerilmektedir.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma, Sağlık Bilimleri Etik Kurulu tarafından onaylanmıştır (Karar No: 2025/65; Tarih: 27/03/2025; Belge No: E.981332). Çalışma, ilgili etik ilkelere uygun olarak yürütülmüş ve tüm katılımcılardan bilgilendirilmiş gönüllü olur alınmıştır.

Supporting Institution

Bu araştırma için herhangi bir dış finansman alınmamıştır.

Thanks

Yazarlar herhangi bir kişi veya kuruma teşekkür etmek istememektedir.

References

  • Aslan, T. V., & Kahraman, M. Z. (2023). The effect of core exercise program on vertical jump, speed, agility and strength parameters in junior male soccer players. Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns, 4(2), 610–627. https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v4i2.192
  • Bangsbo, J., Mohr, M., & Krustrup, P. (2006). Physical and metabolic demands of training and match-play in the elite football player. Journal of Sports Sciences, 24(7), 665–674. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410500482529
  • Beato, M., Bianchi, M., Coratella, G., Merlini, M., & Drust, B. (2018). Effects of plyometric and directional training on speed and jump performance in elite youth soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(2), 289–296. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002371
  • Beato, M., Drust, B., & Iacono, A. D. (2021). Implementing high-speed running and sprinting training in professional soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(4), 295–299. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1302-7968
  • Chaalali, A., Rouissi, M., Chtara, M., Owen, A., Bragazzi, N. L., Moalla, W., Chaouachi, A., Amri, M., & Chamari, K. (2016). Agility training in young elite soccer players: Promising results compared to change of direction drills. Biology of Sport, 33(4), 345–351. https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1217924
  • Doğanay, M., Bingül, B. M., & Álvarez-García, C. (2020). Effect of core training on speed, quickness and agility in young male football players. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 60(9), 1240–1246. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10999-X
  • Faude, O., Koch, T., & Meyer, T. (2012). Straight sprinting is the most frequent action in goal situations in professional football. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(7), 625–631. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.665940
  • Hammami, A., Zois, J., Slimani, M., Russell, M., & Bouhlel, E. (2018). The efficacy and characteristics of warm-up and re-warm-up practices in soccer players: A systematic review. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 58(1–2), 135–149. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06806-7
  • Hrysomallis, C. (2011). Balance ability and athletic performance. Sports Medicine, 41(3), 221–232. https://doi.org/10.2165/11538560-000000000-00000
  • Little, T., & Williams, A. G. (2005). Specificity of acceleration, maximum speed, and agility in professional soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(1), 76–78.
  • Mainer-Pardos, E., Kamiş, O., Oliveira, R., & Nobari, H. (2024). Effect of additional short sprint training on physical performance in adolescent male soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Kinesiologica, 18(3), 41-52. https://doi.org/10.51371/issn.1840-2976.2024.18.3.07
  • Nicholson, B., Dinsdale, A., Jones, B., & Till, K. (2021). The training of short distance sprint performance in football code athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(6), 1179–1207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01372-y
  • Oliver, J. L., Ramachandran, A. K., Singh, U., Ramirez-Campillo, R., & Lloyd, R. S. (2024). The effects of strength, plyometric and combined training on strength, power and speed characteristics in high-level, highly trained male youth soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 54(3), 623–643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01944-8
  • Prieske, O., Muehlbauer, T., Borde, R., Gube, M., Bruhn, S., Behm, D. G., & Granacher, U. (2016). Neuromuscular and athletic performance following core strength training in elite youth soccer: Role of instability. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(1), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12403
  • Ramirez-Campillo, R., Castillo, D., Raya-González, J., Moran, J., Sáez de Villarreal, E., & Lloyd, R. S. (2020). Effects of plyometric jump training on jump and sprint performance in young male soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 50(12), 2125–2143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01337-1
  • Ramirez-Campillo, R., Garcia-Hermoso, A., Moran, J., Chaabene, H., Negra, Y., & Scanlan, A. T. (2021). The effects of plyometric jump training on physical fitness attributes in basketball players: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 11(6), 656–670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.12.005
  • Sáez de Villarreal, E., Suarez-Arrones, L., Requena, B., & Haff, G. G. (2015). Effects of plyometric and sprint training on physical and technical skill performance in adolescent soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(7), 1894–1903. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000838
  • Serpell, B. G., Ford, M., & Young, W. B. (2010). The development of a new test of agility for rugby league. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(12), 3270–3277. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b60430
  • Sheppard, J. M., & Young, W. B. (2006). Agility literature review: Classifications, training and testing. Journal of Sports Sciences, 24(9), 919–932. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410500457109
  • Sofuoğlu, C., Güçhan Topçu, Z., & Bayrakcı Tunay, V. (2024). The effect of core stability training on ball-kicking velocity, sprint speed, and agility in adolescent male football players. PLOS ONE, 19(6), Article e0305245. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305245
  • Stølen, T., Chamari, K., Castagna, C., & Wisløff, U. (2005). Physiology of soccer: An update. Sports Medicine, 35(6), 501–536. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535060-00004
There are 21 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Subjects Sports Training, Sports Science and Exercise (Other)
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Sezer Taştan 0000-0002-8944-9036

Aydın Karabulak 0000-0001-7741-3899

Submission Date November 30, 2025
Acceptance Date January 19, 2026
Publication Date February 27, 2026
IZ https://izlik.org/JA65ZB67SN
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 6 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Taştan, S., & Karabulak, A. (2026). Amatör Futbolcularda Sekiz Haftalık Sprint ve Çeviklik Antrenmanlarının Hız ve Yön Değiştirme Hızı (COD) Üzerindeki Etkisi: Randomize Kontrollü Bir Çalışma. Düzce Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 6(1), 39-46. https://izlik.org/JA65ZB67SN