Effects of Core Training Combined with Small-Sided Games on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players: An 8-Week Randomized Trial
TL;DR
Overall, although isolated core training elicited moderate performance gains, integrating core exercises with small-sided games resulted in superior improvements in anaerobic power and aerobic capacity, accompanied by higher perceived exertion responses, indicating that this combined approach may be more effective for holistic physical development in elite youth soccer players.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8-week core training alone versus core training combined with small-sided games on sprint, change of direction (COD), vertical jump (CMJ), repeated anaerobic sprint test(RAST), and intermittent aerobic endurance (30-15 VIFT) performance in young soccer players. Twenty-four male athletes (17.17 ± 0.48 years) competing in the TFF Development League U17 were randomly assigned to either the Core Training Group (CG; n = 12) or the Combined Core and Small-Sided Games Group (CCSSG; n = 12). Performance assessments included 10 m and 30 m sprint tests, the Illinois agility test, countermovement jump, the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test for anaerobic power, the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test for maximal running speed (VIFT), estimated VO₂max, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed ANOVA. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in sprint performance, countermovement jump height, and peak anaerobic power (p < 0.05). However, the combined training group showed significantly greater adaptations than the isolated core group in anaerobic power variables (peak, average, and minimum; ηp² = 0.38–0.51), VIFT (p = 0.003), estimated VO₂max (p = 0.001), and RPE responses (p = 0.033). Agility performance improved significantly only in the combined training group (p = 0.038). No significant time × group interactions were observed for sprint performance, countermovement jump, or fatigue index. Overall, although isolated core training elicited moderate performance gains, integrating core exercises with small-sided games resulted in superior improvements in anaerobic power and aerobic capacity, accompanied by higher perceived exertion responses, indicating that this combined approach may be more effective for holistic physical development in elite youth soccer players.