Young Soccer PlayersNCT06921564
Effects of Combined Training on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players
A study testing Combined training and Small-sided games alone in people with Young Soccer Players, run by Aydin Adnan Menderes University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Small-sided games (SSGs) are an effective training method for improving aerobic fitness. However, their effects on physical performance attributes such as, sprinting, jumping, agility, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) remain unclear. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 14 to 14 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Young Soccer Players
- What is being tested?
- Combined training and Small-sided games alone
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 2 Dec 2024to 24 Jan 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 14 to 14 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- have no injuries, illnesses, or physical limitations that would prevent participation in the study
- have been training and playing official soccer for a minimum of 2 years
- have participated in all testing protocols
- have participated in a minimum of 80% of the training sessions
- have not participated in any structured strength training program for the last six months, except for bodyweight exercises; and
- have not been a goalkeeper
Who cannot join
None listed.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Lower-body Strength Training Combined With Small-sided Games on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players
Small-sided games (SSGs) are an effective training method for improving aerobic fitness. However, their effects on physical performance attributes such as, sprinting, jumping, agility, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of lower-body strength training combined with SSGs training (CT) versus SSGs training alone on sprinting, agility, RSA, countermovement jump (CMJ), and aerobic fitness in young soccer players. Twenty young soccer players were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CT (n = 10; age: 14.0 ± 0.0) and SSGs (n = 10; age: 14.0 ± 0.0). The CT group performed lower-body strength training twice a week, in addition to SSGs training twice a week. The SSGs group performed SSGs training only twice a week, without any strength training. Before and after the 6-week training intervention, the 20-m sprint test, Illinois agility test (IAT), RSA, CMJ, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 were conducted.
- Conditions
- Young Soccer Players
- Being tested
- Combined training, Small-sided games alone
- Keywords
- Small-sided games, strength training, combined training, physical performance, soccer
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Combined trainingOther
During the 6-week intervention period, the combined training group performed 2 sessions per week of lower-body strength training and 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training in different formats. The strength training was performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This training was finished at least one hour before the team's technical and tactical soccer training. The strength training program is designed to include movements for bilateral hip dominant, bilateral knee dominant, unilateral hip dominant, unilateral knee dominant and calf muscles. The exercises were selected to allow players to perform them on the field with minimal equipment, without the need for machines. In addition, small field games training was practiced two days a week. Repetitions in reserve and resistance training-specific ratings of the perceived exertion scale were used to determine training intensity and load.
Small-sided games aloneOther
The small-sided games group performed 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training program in different formats, without participating in any strength training. The small-sided games training was conducted twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays (8:00-10:00 p.m.) for 6 weeks. These training sessions started before the team's technical and tactical training. Extra balls are placed at the goals and along the field boundary lines, allowing play to restart immediately after the ball leaves the field. During the games, the offside rule was not applied. The game started with the foot when the ball left edge of the field. Other rules in the games were kept similar to those of official soccer. During the games, the coaches encouraged the players to exert maximum effort. The number of defenders, midfielders, and attackers in the teams was kept as equal as possible.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Training | Experimental | During the 6-week intervention period, the combined training group performed 2 sessions per week of lower-body strength training and 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training in different formats. The combined training group also participated in their team's regular soccer training, which focused on technical and tactical skills, with 5 sessions per week (60-90 minutes each). Receives: Other: Combined training |
| Small-sided games alone | Experimental | The small-sided games group performed 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training program in different formats, without participating in any strength training. The combined training group also participated in their team's regular soccer training, which focused on technical and tactical skills, with 5 sessions per week (60-90 minutes each). Receives: Other: Small-sided games alone |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Height
Height (in cm) was measured using a stadiometer (SECA, Hamburg, Germany). These measurement was taken in the morning, before breakfast, while the players wore light clothing and no shoes. Measurement was performed twice to reduce the margin of error.
Measured: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Body weights
Body weights (in kg) were measured using a body mass measuring device (Fakir, Germany). These measurement was taken in the morning, before breakfast, while the players wore light clothing and no shoes. Measurement was performed twice to reduce the margin of error.
Measured: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Body mass index
Body mass index (BMI) (kilograms/m2) was calculated from height and body weight values.
Measured: After 6 weeks of training intervention
20-m sprint
The sprinting performance was assessed using the 20-m linear sprint test. The test was conducted using two pairs of photocells (Smartspeed, Fusion Sport Pty Queensland, Australia). The starting point was placed 70 cm behind the first pair of photocells. First, a familiarization trial was conducted at low intensity. The test was then performed twice, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The best result was used for analysis.
Measured: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Agility
To assess agility performance, the Illinois Agility Test (IAT), a valid and reliable test for male team athletes, was used. Prior to starting the test, the player lies in a prone position, with the chin touching the surface of the starting line. After the researcher's command started, the player quickly stood up and ran in the indicated direction, avoiding contact with the placed cones. First, a familiarization trial was conducted at low intensity. Two trials were then performed, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The best time was used for analysis.
Measured: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Repeated sprint ability (RSA)
RSA was assessed using the 6x20-m RSA test. A 20-second rest interval was provided between sprints. A photocell system (Smartspeed, Fusion Sport Pty, Queensland, Australia) was placed at the start and at the 20-m line to measure sprint time. The players started the test from the line marked 70 cm behind the first pair of photocells. The mean sprint time (mean sprint time over the six sprints) (RSAmean) and the total sprint time (total time over the six sprints) (RSAtotal) were used for the analysis.
Measured: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Vertical jump
Vertical jump performance was evaluated using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. The test was performed using the My Jump Lab smartphone application (Spain, Madrid, version 1.2.2), which has proven validity and reliability for vertical jump measurement. Players were instructed to begin the jump with their feet shoulder-width apart, in a 90° knee flexion position, with their hands on their hips. During the test, players were instructed to jump as high as possible while keeping their hands on their hips. The mobile phone was positioned 3 meters away from the player, and the camera height was set to 0.90 meters using a tripod. The players first performed a familiarization trial at low intensity. Each player then performed three jumps, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The highest jump was used for analysis
Measured: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Aerobic fitness
Aerobic fitness was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRTL-1). The test was conducted following previously described instructions (Bangsbo et al., 2008). The players' estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) after the test was calculated using the formula ''VO2max = 36.4 + (0.0084 x covered distance in YYIRTL-1)''.
Measured: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Apr 2025
- Study start2 Dec 2024
- Primary completion24 Jan 2025
- Study completion24 Jan 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Young Soccer PlayersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Aydin Adnan Menderes UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study used a randomized matched-pairs design. The players were ranked according to their Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 results and then paired on the basis of these rankings. On the basis of these data, they were then randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) CT (strength training + small-sided games) and (2) Small-sided games alone.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muhammet Taha İlhan, Aydin Adnan Menderes University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06921564
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AdnanMU-FSS-MTI-577954-280325-
- Status last verified
- Apr 2025
- First submitted
- 28 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 10 Apr 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: I don't want to make any statement.
Publications
Querido SM, Clemente FM. Analyzing the effects of combined small-sided games and strength and power training on the fitness status of under-19 elite football players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2020 Jan;60(1):1-10. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09818-9.
PubMed 32008309Arslan E, Soylu Y, Clemente FM, Hazir T, Kin Isler A, Kilit B. Short-term effects of on-field combined core strength and small-sided games training on physical performance in young soccer players. Biol Sport. 2021 Oct;38(4):609-616. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2021.102865. Epub 2021 Feb 11.
PubMed 34937971
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Apr 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Lower-body Strength Training Combined With Small-sided Games on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06921564
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AdnanMU-FSS-MTI-577954-280325-
- Conditions
- Young Soccer Players
- Keywords
- Small-sided games, strength training, combined training, physical performance, soccer
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Aydin Adnan Menderes UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 24 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 24 Jan 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Small-sided games (SSGs) are an effective training method for improving aerobic fitness. However, their effects on physical performance attributes such as, sprinting, jumping, agility, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of lower-body strength training combined with SSGs training (CT) versus SSGs training alone on sprinting, agility, RSA, countermovement jump (CMJ), and aerobic fitness in young soccer players. Twenty young soccer players were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CT (n = 10; age: 14.0 ± 0.0) and SSGs (n = 10; age: 14.0 ± 0.0). The CT group performed lower-body strength training twice a week, in addition to SSGs training twice a week. The SSGs group performed SSGs training only twice a week, without any strength training. Before and after the 6-week training intervention, the 20-m sprint test, Illinois agility test (IAT), RSA, CMJ, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 were conducted.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study used a randomized matched-pairs design. The players were ranked according to their Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 results and then paired on the basis of these rankings. On the basis of these data, they were then randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) CT (strength training + small-sided games) and (2) Small-sided games alone.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Training | Experimental | Other: Combined trainingDuring the 6-week intervention period, the combined training group performed 2 sessions per week of lower-body strength training and 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training in different formats. The combined training group also participated in their team's regular soccer training, which focused on technical and tactical skills, with 5 sessions per week (60-90 minutes each). |
| Small-sided games alone | Experimental | Other: Small-sided games aloneThe small-sided games group performed 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training program in different formats, without participating in any strength training. The combined training group also participated in their team's regular soccer training, which focused on technical and tactical skills, with 5 sessions per week (60-90 minutes each). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 14 to 14 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- have no injuries, illnesses, or physical limitations that would prevent participation in the study
- have been training and playing official soccer for a minimum of 2 years
- have participated in all testing protocols
- have participated in a minimum of 80% of the training sessions
- have not participated in any structured strength training program for the last six months, except for bodyweight exercises; and
Key exclusion criteria (0 listed)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Combined trainingDuring the 6-week intervention period, the combined training group performed 2 sessions per week of lower-body strength training and 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training in different formats. The strength training was performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This training was finished at least one hour before the team's technical and tactical soccer training. The strength training program is designed to include movements for bilateral hip dominant, bilateral knee dominant, unilateral hip dominant, unilateral knee dominant and calf muscles. The exercises were selected to allow players to perform them on the field with minimal equipment, without the need for machines. In addition, small field games training was practiced two days a week. Repetitions in reserve and resistance training-specific ratings of the perceived exertion scale were used to determine training intensity and load. | Other | Combined Training |
| Small-sided games aloneThe small-sided games group performed 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training program in different formats, without participating in any strength training. The small-sided games training was conducted twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays (8:00-10:00 p.m.) for 6 weeks. These training sessions started before the team's technical and tactical training. Extra balls are placed at the goals and along the field boundary lines, allowing play to restart immediately after the ball leaves the field. During the games, the offside rule was not applied. The game started with the foot when the ball left edge of the field. Other rules in the games were kept similar to those of official soccer. During the games, the coaches encouraged the players to exert maximum effort. The number of defenders, midfielders, and attackers in the teams was kept as equal as possible. | Other | Small-sided games alone |
Primary outcome
Height
Time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Height (in cm) was measured using a stadiometer (SECA, Hamburg, Germany). These measurement was taken in the morning, before breakfast, while the players wore light clothing and no shoes. Measurement was performed twice to reduce the margin of error.
Body weights
Time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Body weights (in kg) were measured using a body mass measuring device (Fakir, Germany). These measurement was taken in the morning, before breakfast, while the players wore light clothing and no shoes. Measurement was performed twice to reduce the margin of error.
Body mass index
Time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Body mass index (BMI) (kilograms/m2) was calculated from height and body weight values.
20-m sprint
Time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
The sprinting performance was assessed using the 20-m linear sprint test. The test was conducted using two pairs of photocells (Smartspeed, Fusion Sport Pty Queensland, Australia). The starting point was placed 70 cm behind the first pair of photocells. First, a familiarization trial was conducted at low intensity. The test was then performed twice, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The best result was used for analysis.
Agility
Time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
To assess agility performance, the Illinois Agility Test (IAT), a valid and reliable test for male team athletes, was used. Prior to starting the test, the player lies in a prone position, with the chin touching the surface of the starting line. After the researcher's command started, the player quickly stood up and ran in the indicated direction, avoiding contact with the placed cones. First, a familiarization trial was conducted at low intensity. Two trials were then performed, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The best time was used for analysis.
Repeated sprint ability (RSA)
Time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
RSA was assessed using the 6x20-m RSA test. A 20-second rest interval was provided between sprints. A photocell system (Smartspeed, Fusion Sport Pty, Queensland, Australia) was placed at the start and at the 20-m line to measure sprint time. The players started the test from the line marked 70 cm behind the first pair of photocells. The mean sprint time (mean sprint time over the six sprints) (RSAmean) and the total sprint time (total time over the six sprints) (RSAtotal) were used for the analysis.
Vertical jump
Time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Vertical jump performance was evaluated using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. The test was performed using the My Jump Lab smartphone application (Spain, Madrid, version 1.2.2), which has proven validity and reliability for vertical jump measurement. Players were instructed to begin the jump with their feet shoulder-width apart, in a 90° knee flexion position, with their hands on their hips. During the test, players were instructed to jump as high as possible while keeping their hands on their hips. The mobile phone was positioned 3 meters away from the player, and the camera height was set to 0.90 meters using a tripod. The players first performed a familiarization trial at low intensity. Each player then performed three jumps, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The highest jump was used for analysis
Aerobic fitness
Time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Aerobic fitness was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRTL-1). The test was conducted following previously described instructions (Bangsbo et al., 2008). The players' estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) after the test was calculated using the formula ''VO2max = 36.4 + (0.0084 x covered distance in YYIRTL-1)''.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Apr 2025.
- Background: PubMed 32008309Querido SM, Clemente FM. Analyzing the effects of combined small-sided games and strength and power training on the fitness status of under-19 elite football players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2020 Jan;60(1):1-10. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09818-9.
- Background: PubMed 34937971Arslan E, Soylu Y, Clemente FM, Hazir T, Kin Isler A, Kilit B. Short-term effects of on-field combined core strength and small-sided games training on physical performance in young soccer players. Biol Sport. 2021 Oct;38(4):609-616. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2021.102865. Epub 2021 Feb 11.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. I don't want to make any statement.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Combined training and Small-sided games alone in people with Young Soccer Players, run by Aydin Adnan Menderes University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 0 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Height (time frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06921564, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Apr 2025.