Work

Effect of two training modalities on sprint performance in young American football players

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background Time to perform 40-yard dash (40-yd) is a performance criterion in American football. Sprinting ability is strongly correlated with maximal values of horizontal power (PHmax), Force (FH0) and Velocity (VH0). While numerous methods for developing sprint speed exist, few studies have focused on the effects of periodizations on the sprinting mechanical variables in young talented American football players. Objective this study aimed to compare the effects of block (BP) and undulating (UP) training periodization modalities on 40-yard dash performance. Method 27 players from the Young French League of American football (17.1 ± 0.9 y, 179.9 ± 5.5 cm, 81.1 ± 14.9 kg) were randomly assigned in either the BP (n = 15) or UP (n = 12) group. Anthropometric characteristics, 40-yd performance, maximal velocity (Vmax), PHmax, FH0 and VH0 were assessed before and after 10-wk intervention period. Results Training resulted in the 40-yd performance increase of 3.72% (p < 0.001) and significant changes in Vmax (+ = 6.13 ± 5.62%, p < 0.001) and VH0 values (+2.68 ± 4.14%, p = 0.004). BP intervention leaded higher improvements in time to perform 40-yd (4.45 ± 2.06 vs. 3.02 ± 1.93%, p < 0.001) and Vmax (7.30 ± 6.63% vs. 4.54 ± 4.10%, p = 0.002,) compared to UP. No periodization effect was found in changes of VH0 (BP: 3.42 ± 4.31% vs. UP: 1.48 ± 3.88, p = 0.214). Conclusion Our results showed that BP and UP were effective to increase sprint performance. Despite a similar training load, the block periodization of training had better effects on 40-yd performance compared to undulating training periodization in this population of talented young American football players.

Source: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1554055

Authors: Valentin Prioul, Jean Slawinski, Steeve Guersent, Philippe Lopes, Pierre-Marie Leprêtre

Institutions: Centre d’études des transformations des activités physiques et sportives, Université de Rouen Normandie, Institut National du Sport, de l'Expertise et de la Performance, Laboratoire de Biologie de l'Exercice pour la Performance et la Santé

Language: English

Topic: Sports Performance and Training

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353