Effect of Interval Training on Selected Motor Abilities of Youth Football Players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Improving youth football players' performance requires developing fundamental motor skills, including speed, agility, and explosive strength. Interval training alternating high and low-intensity activities has shown to be an effective strategy for enhancing these abilities, helping young athletes improve their overall conditioning and reach higher performance levels on the field. This study aimed to examine the effects of a six-week interval training program on targeted motor skills, including speed, agility, and explosive strength, in young male football players. Material and Methods: The research comprised 30 male juvenile football players, aged 12 to 16 years, from ROOTS FA in Langthabal, Imphal West, Manipur, India. Researchers randomly allocated individuals into two groups: the experimental group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). The researchers assessed speed using the 40-yard sprint test, agility using the shuttle run test (10 x 4 m), and explosive strength using the standing broad jump test. The interval training program lasted six weeks, consisting of sessions conducted five days a week (Monday to Friday) for 60 minutes each. The experimental group participated in the interval training program, but the control group did not undertake any targeted training sessions. Researchers evaluated pre-and post-test scores employing descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and ANCOVA, establishing a significant threshold of 0.05. Results. The results indicate a notable enhancement in motor skills among youth football players in the experimental group relative to the control group. The proper implementation of the interval training program significantly improved the athletes' speed, agility, and explosive strength. Conclusions. This study finds that a six-week interval training program markedly improves the motor skills of juvenile football players and is an excellent approach for enhancing overall performance. The results underscore the significance of organized interval training for enhancing athletic performance on the field.