Coach-led preventive training program in youth soccer players improves movement technique

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Sports Science
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Long-term implementation of preventive training programs (PTP) in youth sports necessitates coach involvement.
• Optimal coach training strategies and the impact of prior PTP exposure on long-term benefits remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate how previous PTP exposure influences movement technique in youth soccer players following a coach-led PTP.
• To assess the effectiveness of coach-led PTP implementation after a training workshop.

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 12 youth soccer teams (n=89, ages 8-14) was conducted.
• Teams were divided into groups with (Experience) and without (Novice) prior professional-led PTP exposure.
• Movement technique was assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS).

Main Results:

• Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in LESS scores post-PTP (p=0.0001).
• A greater proportion of players with prior PTP experience transitioned from high to low injury risk classification (p=0.03).
• Coaches effectively implemented the PTP regardless of their prior experience.

Conclusions:

• The PTP enhanced movement technique in all participants, irrespective of prior experience.
• Previous PTP exposure proportionally amplified the benefits, supporting sustained implementation.
• Coaches successfully delivered the exercise-based PTP after workshop training.