The Effect of Lower Limb Muscular Power Exercises on the Phases of Sprint Speed among Soccer Players Aged 14–16 Years

Abstract

Comprehensive athletic preparation—including physical, technical, tactical, cognitive, and psychological components—is essential for achieving high levels of sports performance. In football, muscular strength, particularly power and speed, is a key determinant of performance quality. Lower limb muscular strength plays a critical role in enhancing transitional speed and improving movement efficiency, thereby contributing to more economical motor performance.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of lower limb muscular strength exercises on the transitional speed of football players. A single-group experimental design was employed, involving 15 football players from the Zanko Football Academy selected purposively based on their suitability for the study requirements. Field performance tests were administered before and after the training intervention. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between lower limb muscular strength training and improvements in transitional speed among football players. These findings indicate that strength-focused exercises positively influence speed-related performance variables.

The study concludes that incorporating lower limb strength training into football training programs is essential, as it effectively enhances transitional speed and improves sport-specific physical performance.