The effects of different repetitions of skill training on performance in male soccer players aged 14-16 years

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of skill practice at different numbers of repetitions on accurate passing (AP), accurate shot (AS), dribbling (DR), vertical jump (VJ), balance, 10 m sprint, 30 m sprint, and agility performances is 14-16-year-old soccer players. A total of 37 male players participated voluntarily, divided into three groups: less repetitions (LR; n=13), more repetitions (MR; n=12), and control (CG; n=12). Experimental groups participated skill repetitions alongside routine football training for 6 weeks. The CG participated just their usual trainings. Players of LR and MR practiced predetermined repetitions of AP, AS, and DR exercises. Body weight, body height, leg length measurement, Y Balance Test (YBT), 10 m sprint, 30 m sprint, VJ, Little & Williams Zigzag Agility Test (LWZ), Mor & Christian General Soccer Ability Test measurements were applied over two test days. According to the results of the study AP and AS performances in LR (p<0,05) and MR (p<0,01), DR performance in LR (p<0,001), 10 m sprint performances in LR and MR (p<0,05), LWZ performances statistically significant increased in all groups (LR; p<0,01, MR; p<0,05, CG; p<0,01). DR in MR, AP, AS and DR performances in CG did not reveal any statistically significant differences (p>0.05). Significant differences were found between work groups and CG in AS, and LR and CG in DR (p<0.05). No statistical differences were observed in VJ, YBT, or 30m sprint in any group (p>0.05). This data may help trainers and athletes in planning the content of training.