Combined Technical and Balance Training in U12 Soccer Players

NCT07853638 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: UManouba-U12-NDL-RCT
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study was designed as a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a combined technical and balance training program on dynamic postural control, inter-limb asymmetry, and soccer-specific performance in young soccer players. Thirty male U12 soccer players were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with two training sessions per week. The experimental group performed additional exercises specifically targeting the non-dominant leg, including three technical exercises focused on non-dominant-leg skills and one dynamic bipodal balance exercise performed on unstable balance cushions. The control group continued their conventional soccer training program without additional targeted exercises. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention period. Dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Soccer-specific performance was assessed using technical skill tests, including shooting, juggling, and dribbling performance. Inter-limb asymmetry was evaluated by comparing dominant and non-dominant limb performance. The primary objective was to determine whether a combined training approach emphasizing non-dominant-leg technical practice and dynamic balance stimulation could improve limb-specific performance and reduce inter-limb differences in young soccer players. The study was conducted under ethical approval from the Deanship of Scientific Research at Palestine Technical University-Kadoorie. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of all participants before participation.

Conditions

Soccer Performance

Keywords

Soccer; Youth soccer players; U12 soccer players; Technical training; Balance training; Dynamic postural control; Inter-limb asymmetry; Limb dominance; Non-dominant leg; Soccer-specific performance; Randomized controlled trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Dynamic postural control assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)

  Change in dynamic postural control assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) following the 8-week intervention. The SEBT evaluates functional postural control in multiple directions and measures changes in lower-limb dynamic stability.

  Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Dynamic balance asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant limbs

  Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)

• Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test

  Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)

• Juggling Test

  Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)

• Slalom running performance

  Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)

• Slalom dribbling performance

  Baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks)

Study Arms (2)

Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to this arm received an 8-week combined training program consisting of three technical exercises focused on the non-dominant foot and one bipodal unstable-surface balance exercise using unstable cushions. Training sessions were performed twice per week in addition to their regular soccer training.

Behavioral: Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training

Conventional soccer training

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants assigned to this arm continued their regular soccer training program without receiving the additional technical exercises or unstable-surface balance training.

Behavioral: Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training

Interventions

Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training BEHAVIORAL

An 8-week soccer training program including three technical exercises focused on the non-dominant foot and one bipodal unstable-surface balance exercise using unstable cushions. Training sessions were performed twice weekly in addition to regular soccer practice.

Combined technical and unstable-surface balance training; Conventional soccer training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 11 Years - 12 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Only participants identifying as male were eligible for inclusion in this study. The eligibility criterion was based on biological sex, as the study included male under-12 soccer players.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Male soccer players aged 10-12 years.
• Registered members of a soccer club.
• Regular participation in soccer training.
• Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.

You may not qualify if:

• Current musculoskeletal injury affecting participation in training or testing.
• History of surgery or chronic medical condition affecting physical performance.
• Inability to complete the testing procedures or intervention program.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Manouba: lead

Study Sites (1)

Université Manouba

Manouba, 2010, Tunisia

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Model Details: This is a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either a combined non-dominant-limb-focused technical and unstable-surface balance training program or conventional soccer training. Both groups continue their regular soccer activities during the 8-week intervention period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 26, 2026
• First Posted: October 2, 2026
• Study Start: September 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: November 7, 2024
• Study Completion: November 15, 2024
• Last Updated: October 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)