Effects of mini-band resistance training on linear speed and coordination ability in youth soccer players

This study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week mini-band resistance training program on linear speed and coordination ability in U13 youth soccer players. Twenty U13 youth soccer players participated in this study. They were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group (10 players in each group). The experimental group performed resistance band training, while the control group followed conventional training. The 30-meter sprint test and the Akramov coordination test were applied. Independent and paired t-tests, along with two-way ANOVA, were used for statistical analysis. The results of this study showed significant improvements in both linear speed and coordination ability for both groups (p < .05; ES ranging from 0.568 to 3.531). Main time effects were also significant for both linear speed and coordination ability (p < .05; η² ranging from 0.385 to 0.935). However, coordination ability improved significantly more in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .05; η² = 0.693).