Work

The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Technical Soccer Skills in Youth Professional Soccer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of proprioceptive training and exercises on the physical-fitness and soccer-specific technical skills of young professional soccer players. Methods Twenty-eight male professional soccer players from the Türkiye Football Federation's 3rd League voluntarily participated, with an average age of 20.46 ± 1.60 years, average height of 182.89 ± 5.01 cm, and average body weight of 73.34 ± 3.10 kg. The participants' body compositions were assessed using the Inbody270 (California, USA) bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and their agility and maximal VO2 cardiorespiratory fitness were measured using the ChronoJump smartspeed mat (INEFC Barcelona-UB). Soccer-specific technical skill assessments were also conducted. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 22 statistical software. Paired sample t-tests were employed for pairwise comparisons. Effect size and percentage changes were provided to highlight the practical significance of the differences between pre-test and post-test results. Cohen's d test was used to determine the effect size, while repeated measures two-way ANOVA was applied to assess the interaction effects (group x time). Eta squared (η2) values were reported to express the magnitude of effect size. A 95% confidence level and a significance level of p = 0.05 were adopted for interpretation. Results The proprioceptive training was found to have statistically significant and favorable effects on the percentage of body fat (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.006) and soccer-specific technical skills, including free juggling (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.302), alternating foot juggling (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.271), right foot juggling (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.250), and shooting performance (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.513). Conclusion In conclusion, the 12-week proprioceptive training, when added to soccer practice, plays a significant role in improving soccer-specific technical skills. It also contributes to the reduction of body fat percentage.

Source: Medicina

DOI: 10.3390/medicina61020252