Can Sled-Resisted Priming Training Enhance Performance in Amateur Football Players?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Examining the impact of sled-resisted training on key performance metrics in amateur football.
• Investigating both immediate (acute) and long-term (chronic) training effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess how sled training influences power, strength, jump height (Countermovement Jump - CMJ), and sprint kinematics.
• To provide insights for coaches on optimizing training for amateur football players.

Main Methods:

• 19 amateur football players underwent 10 sled-resisted training sessions (80% body mass load) before matches.
• Performance evaluated using validated sensor-based technologies (My Jump Lab app, 1080 Sprint system).
• Countermovement Jump (CMJ) assessed pre-training and on match day; sprint kinematics measured pre- and post-training intervention.

Main Results:

• No significant acute effects on CMJ observed 24 hours post-training.
• Chronic improvements noted in CMJ relative force after 10 weeks.
• Significant changes in sprint kinematics were observed post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Heavy sled training with low volume may not yield immediate CMJ enhancements.
• Sustained sled training demonstrates chronic benefits for explosive power and sprinting.
• This training method, with minimal weekly volume, can enhance performance in amateur football players.