Investigation of the acute effect of different warm-up protocols on test performance in young soccer players

Background and Study Aim. Effective warm-up strategies are crucial for optimizing performance in team sports. However, identifying the most effective protocols requires consideration of the specific conditions and age of young athletes. The purpose of this study is to examine the acute effects of three different warm-up programs on specific test performance responses in young soccer players. Material and Methods. Twenty-three amateur soccer players (age = 15.13 ± 0.81 years) participated in the study. The athletes performed a dynamic warm-up along with two different neuromuscular warm-up programs: the FIFA 11+ and the Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement Program. Performance responses in sprint, jump, and agility tests were measured. Data normality was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. The effects of the warm-up protocols were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results. The research findings revealed a statistically significant difference in the 10m sprint, 20m sprint, vertical jump, and zig-zag agility tests, both with and without the ball, when using the FIFA 11+ warm-up program (p < 0.05). The study demonstrated that the FIFA 11+ warm-up program improved performance responses more effectively than the other warm-up programs. This warm-up protocol enhances neuromuscular control by increasing the activation of the core, hip, and leg muscles. Conclusions. The study demonstrates that the FIFA 11+ warm-up program significantly enhances performance in specific tests, such as sprinting, jumping, and agility. Coaches are encouraged to implement the FIFA 11+ protocol in both training sessions and pre-match routines to optimize athletic performance in young soccer players.