Game-Based Versus Linear Sprint Training in Male Soccer Players

NCT07799324 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: SPRINT-RCT-2025-397267
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of two different sprint training approaches on physical performance in male amateur soccer players during the competitive season. The study aimed to determine whether once-weekly game-based sprint training or linear sprint training could improve sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, hamstring strength, and maximum running velocity achieved during official matches. Thirty-six male amateur soccer players were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: the Game-Based Sprint Group, the Linear Sprint Group, or the Control Group. Participants in both sprint training groups completed one additional sprint training session per week for 12 weeks while continuing their regular soccer training and competition schedule. The Linear Sprint Group performed maximal 40-meter linear sprints, whereas the Game-Based Sprint Group performed soccer-specific sprint activities that included running, ball involvement, and technical actions. The Control Group continued regular soccer training without an additional sprint-specific intervention. Sprint performance, change-of-direction performance, and right and left hamstring strength were assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Maximum running velocity was also monitored during official matches throughout the 12-week study period. The study was designed to compare how the two sprint training approaches affected performance over time and whether changes observed during standardized testing were also reflected in maximum running velocity during competitive matches.

Conditions

Soccer Performance; Sprint Performance; Hamstring Strength; Maximum Running Velocity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• 40-m Sprint Performance

  The time required to complete a 40-m maximal linear sprint was measured using the SmartSpeed electronic timing system (VALD Performance, Australia). Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest time was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better sprint performance.

  Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• T-Drill Change-of-Direction Performance

  Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12

• Hamstring Strength

  Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12

• Match Maximum Running Velocity

  During official matches throughout the 12-week intervention period

Study Arms (3)

Linear Sprint Group (LSG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed maximal 40-m linear sprint training once weekly on M-3 (Wednesday), approximately 72 hours before the official match, in addition to their regular soccer training. The 12-week intervention was progressively structured across three four-week phases.

Behavioral: Linear Sprint Training

Game-Based Sprint Group (GBSG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed game-based sprint training once weekly on M-3 (Wednesday), approximately 72 hours before the official match, in addition to their regular soccer training. Training consisted of soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill incorporating ball involvement, perceptual demands, and technical actions. The 12-week intervention was progressively structured across three four-week phases.

Behavioral: Game-Based Sprint Training

Control Group (CG)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants continued their regular competitive-season soccer training and match schedule throughout the 12-week study period without receiving any additional sprint-specific intervention.

Interventions

Linear Sprint Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants performed maximal 40-m linear sprints once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions with the same recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The intervention was performed in addition to regular soccer training.

Linear Sprint Group (LSG)

Game-Based Sprint Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants performed soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of 8-10-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions using the same sprint duration and recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions of 10-12-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The drills incorporated ball involvement, perceptual demands, and soccer-specific technical actions.

Game-Based Sprint Group (GBSG)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male amateur-licensed soccer players.
• A minimum of 5 years of regular soccer training experience.
• Participation in organized soccer training at least 5 days per week.

You may not qualify if:

• A serious musculoskeletal injury within the previous 6 months that could interfere with participation in the training intervention or performance assessments.
• Musculoskeletal surgery within the previous 6 months that could interfere with the study outcomes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Gelisim University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34310, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Director

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 28, 2026
• First Posted: September 2, 2026
• Study Start: November 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 24, 2026
• Study Completion: January 24, 2026
• Last Updated: September 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Locations

TU (1)