Effect of complex training on speed, change of direction and explosive power in U-15 and U-18 soccer players

Modern soccer is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport involving frequent sprints, jumps, changes of direction (COD), and explosive movements. Players perform over 1,200 activity variations per match, emphasizing the importance of speed, agility, and power. Growth and biological maturation, particularly during adolescence, play a key role in athletic development, with changes in muscle-tendon structure and elevated androgen levels influencing performance. Maturation was not assessed; age-group comparisons were by U-15/U-18. The puberty period is critical for skill acquisition, making appropriate training essential for maximizing performance and minimizing injury. This study examines the impact of age and complex training (CT) on speed, COD, and power in youth soccer players. Secondary school players were categorized into under-15 (U-15) and under-18 (U-18) groups across three studies. Study 1 found significant differences in explosive power between age groups (p=0.04), with speed approaching significance (p=0.05), while COD showed no significant differences. Study 2 assessed an 8-week CT program, revealing significant improvements across all measures, though no significant differences between groups. Study 3 compared a CT group to a control group, showing significant within-group improvements, but no significant differences between groups except in COD (Right). These findings highlight the benefits of CT in enhancing soccer-specific physical attributes and provide insights for optimizing performance training in youth athletes.