Training in the matrix: introducing a combined program for youth soccer players development

INTRODUCTION High-intensity technical actions heavily influence the outcome of soccer matches. While performance factors are traditionally trained separately, we proposed a program combining technique and agility (combination of strength, speed, balance and coordination, (Sheppard and Young (2006)) for youth players’ development. We assessed the effect of this program on motor and technical skills. METHODS The program was structured on a 14x12-m matrix of elastic tapes (lifted at 25 cm) that provides a constraints-driven reference for movement timing and techniques. Practices were aimed to develop game-like high-intensity technical actions with the ball. Twenty U12 sub-elite male soccer players (41.8±7.1 kg, 1.55±0.08 m) from to the same club were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG) and a control group (CG). A repeated-measures design was used: the EG was exposed to 20-40 min/session of differentiated training (22 weeks, 38 sessions) while the CG continued the traditional training. Shuttle Dribbling Test (SDT, Huijgen et al. (2010)) and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT, Ali (2011)) were performed before and after the differentiated training. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) of percentage change between measurements, correlation coefficients (r) with individuals’ stature increments and Cohen’s d effect size were computed. RESULTS The stature increment between measurements was 3.5 (IQR 0.1) cm for the CG and 3.8 (0.2) cm for the EG (d=0.11). In the SDT, the EG improved by 4.1%, while the CG performance decreased by 0.6% (d=0.97); in the LSPT, EG improved by 6.8% while the CG by 0.3% (d=0.78). Performance and stature changes were moderately-to-low correlated (CG vs. EG): r=0.35 vs. -0.17 (SDT); r=0.41 vs. 0.18 (LSPT). DISCUSSION The matrix was designed to stress dynamic balance, quick changes-of-direction, and specific agility/coordination skills: the program produced higher performance improvements, compared to traditional training, in 180°-changesof-direction and in a controlling and passing dynamic task. It seemed to balance the losses in coordination caused by the adolescent motor awkwardness (Quatman-Yates et al., 2012). The program acts simultaneously on the physical, technical and perceptual corners of soccer performance, thus optimizing the training process. Despite more age/proficiency levels have to been considered, the methodological implications of this study could be beneficial for youth training effectiveness. REFERENCES Ali A (2011). Scand J Med Sci Sports, 21, 170–183 Huijgen BCH, et al. (2010). J Sports Sci, 28, 689–698. Quatman-Yates CC, et al. (2012), Br J Sports Med, 46, 649-655. Sheppard and Young (2006), J Sports Sci, 24, 919-932. CONTACT matteo.zago@unimi.it