Game-Based Versus Linear Sprint Training in Male Soccer Players (GBS-LST)
A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Time-Course Effects of Once-Weekly Game-Based Versus Linear Sprint Training on Soccer Performance and Hamstring Strength in Amateur Players During the Competitive Season
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.
Study Overview
Status
Intervention / Treatment
Study Type
Enrollment (Actual)
Phase
- Not Applicable
Contacts and Locations
Study Locations
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Istanbul
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Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34310
- İstanbul Gelisim University
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Participation Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Ages Eligible for Study
- Adult
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Description
Inclusion Criteria:
- 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.
Exclusion Criteria:
- 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.
Study Plan
How is the study designed?
Design Details
- Primary Purpose: Other
- Allocation: Randomized
- Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
- Masking: None (Open Label)
Arms and Interventions
Participant Group / Arm |
Intervention / Treatment |
|---|---|
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Experimental: Linear Sprint Group (LSG)
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.
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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.
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Experimental: Game-Based Sprint Group (GBSG)
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.
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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.
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No Intervention: Control Group (CG)
Participants continued their regular competitive-season soccer training and match schedule throughout the 12-week study period without receiving any additional sprint-specific intervention.
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What is the study measuring?
Primary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Measure Description |
Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
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40-m Sprint Performance
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
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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.
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Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
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Secondary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Measure Description |
Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
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T-Drill Change-of-Direction Performance
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
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Change-of-direction performance was assessed using the T-drill test.
Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest completion time was retained for analysis.
Lower values indicate better performance.
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Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
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Hamstring Strength
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
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Bilateral hamstring strength was assessed using the NordBord system (VALD Performance).
Right and left limbs were assessed separately, with force recorded in Newtons (N).
Participants completed two maximal-effort trials for each limb, and the highest value was retained for analysis.
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Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
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Match Maximum Running Velocity
Time Frame: During official matches throughout the 12-week intervention period
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Maximum running velocity during official soccer matches was monitored using the Catapult S7 GPS system.
The highest running velocity achieved by each participant during each official match was retained for analysis.
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During official matches throughout the 12-week intervention period
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Collaborators and Investigators
Sponsor
Study record dates
Study Major Dates
Study Start (Actual)
Primary Completion (Actual)
Study Completion (Actual)
Study Registration Dates
First Submitted
First Submitted That Met QC Criteria
First Posted (Actual)
Study Record Updates
Last Update Posted (Actual)
Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria
Last Verified
More Information
Terms related to this study
Other Study ID Numbers
- SPRINT-RCT-2025-397267
Drug and device information, study documents
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product
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