Speed optimization strategies for U16 football players: methods and impact
Speed optimization strategies for U16 football players: methods and impact

Summary/Abstract: Knowledge and development of speed indices have always been important concerns in the field of elite sport. Understanding the effects of specific exercises for speed optimisation has a positive impact not only on athletic performance, but also on overall health. The purpose of the present research is to make a comparative analysis of the dynamics of speed parameters following the application of intervention programmes to the players of two football clubs and then check the effectiveness of the means used to achieve the proposed objectives. The experimental research tested 36 members of two football clubs registered in the National Championship, namely Concordia Chiajna Football Academy (18 players) and FC Voluntari (18 players). The effects produced by the application of speed optimisation programmes were checked using the Witty System Speed Test (5 m, 20 m, 30 m) and the Illinois Agility Test. The data were collected at both the beginning and end of the training period (pretest-test). The research results highlight the dynamics of speed indices in the football game for U16 juniors. Thus, the independent variable used in the research produced significant improvements in the physical training of junior players for the 5 m sprint event and the Illinois Agility Test. For the 20 m and 30 m running events, there were no significant increases, but between the two testing sessions, the experimental group recorded some improvements. The data obtained from the research can be of practical use in the training of both elite and school teams.

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