The effect of core training on speed, agility, strength and jumping performance in 10-12 year old female badminton players

Background and Study Aim. Core training has gained prominence as a crucial component in improving athletic performance, particularly in sports that demand high levels of coordination, balance, and explosive power. Badminton, which requires rapid directional changes, agility, and lower-body strength, may particularly benefit from such training methods. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of a four-week core training program on speed, agility, strength and jumping performance in 10 to 12 year old female badminton players. Material and Methods. This study was designed as a pre-test–post-test control group experimental research using quantitative methods. Twenty-two female badminton athletes who participated voluntarily were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 11) and a control group (n = 11). The experimental group performed a core training program twice a week for four weeks in addition to regular badminton training. The control group performed only regular badminton training during this period. Sprint tests (10 m and 20 m), T agility test, leg strength, hand grip strength, and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered to all participants before and after the training period. The normality of the data was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Data with normal distribution were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. According to the findings, there were no significant differences between the pre-test values of the groups (p > 0.05). Over time, significant improvements were observed in the T agility test (p = .047; ηp² = .18) and the CMJ test (p = .024; ηp² = .23). Both results indicated large effect sizes. No significant differences were observed in the 10 m and 20 m sprint, leg strength, or hand grip strength tests (p > 0.05). Regarding the interaction between time and group, significant differences were again found in the T agility test (p = .045; ηp² = .19) and the CMJ test (p = .014; ηp² = .26), both indicating large effect sizes. No significant time × group interactions were found for sprint, leg strength, or hand grip strength variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The four-week core training program applied to youth female badminton players had positive effects on agility and jumping performance. Based on these results, incorporating core training into the routine practice of youth athletes is recommended to enhance agility and explosive power in sports that require rapid directional changes.