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Effects of Sprint and Eccentric Hamstring Training in Elite Youth Soccer Players
Sponsor: Comenius University
Summary
This study will compare two different training methods used to improve sprint performance and hamstring strength in elite youth soccer players. Participants aged 16-17 years will be assigned to one of three groups: a sprint training group, an eccentric hamstring strength training group, or a control group. The two training programs will be performed for 6 weeks alongside the players' regular soccer and strength-conditioning training. The main purpose of the study is to determine whether sprint training or eccentric hamstring strength training is more effective for improving sprint speed and sprint mechanical performance. Sprint performance will be assessed over 5, 10, 20, and 30 meters, together with mechanical variables derived from sprint force-velocity profiling. Eccentric hamstring strength will also be measured before and after the intervention. The study will address whether a 6-week sprint training program can improve sprint performance and hamstring strength to a similar or greater extent than a targeted eccentric hamstring strength program. It is expected that sprint training will produce greater improvements in sprint-related performance, while eccentric hamstring training will produce greater improvements in eccentric hamstring strength.
Official title: Effects of Sprint and Eccentric Hamstring Training on Sprint Performance and Hamstring Strength in Elite Youth Soccer Players: Protocol for a Three-Arm Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
16 Years - 17 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
15
Start Date
2026-11-01
Completion Date
2027-01-30
Last Updated
2026-10-22
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Eccentric hamstring strength training
Participants will complete a 6-week eccentric hamstring strength training program in addition to regular soccer and strength-conditioning training. The intervention will include the Nordic hamstring curl and unilateral Roman chair hip extension, both performed with supramaximal eccentric overload. Training will be completed once in week 1 and twice per week during weeks 2-6. Nordic hamstring curl volume will be 2 × 4 repetitions, with external load added when participants can complete all repetitions through the full range of motion. For the unilateral Roman chair hip extension, participants will perform 2 × 6 repetitions per side with external resistance held on the chest. The lowering phase will be performed eccentrically with the trained limb, while return to the starting position will be assisted by the opposite limb. Loads will be increased when needed to maintain eccentric overload. Sessions will be performed before soccer training.
Sprint training
Participants will complete a 6-week structured sprint training program in addition to their regular soccer and strength-conditioning training. Two sprint-focused sessions will be performed per week, separated by at least 48 hours. The first session will include horizontal plyometric exercises, acceleration-oriented drills, and resisted 15-m sprints performed with an individualized sled load corresponding to approximately a 50% velocity decrement. The second session will include calf-strength and vertical plyometric exercises, resisted sprints at approximately 50% velocity decrement, and maximal-velocity fly sprints with a 20-m run-up. Resisted sprint volume will progress throughout the intervention. Individual sled loads will be determined using load-velocity profiling during familiarization. The same sleds and artificial-turf surface will be used throughout the intervention. All sessions will be performed before regular soccer training and supervised by a physical performance coach.
Locations (1)
Faculty of Physical education and sports, Comenius University
Bratislava, Bratislava Region, Slovakia