Effects of 10% Versus 20% Velocity Decrement Resisted Sled Training on Jump and Sprint Performance in Collegiate Soccer Players

Abstract He, T, Shi, Y, Zhang, R, Li, D, Zhou, X, and Sun, J. Effects of 10% versus 20% velocity decrement resisted sled training on jump and sprint performance in collegiate soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 individualized resisted sled training (RST) protocols (10 vs. 20% velocity decrement [Vdec]) on the jump, sprint, and change-of-direction performance of collegiate soccer players. Twenty-eight male players (age: 19.4 ± 1.2 years; height: 172.2 ± 9.5 cm; body mass: 65.4 ± 10.5 kg) were randomized to either a 10% Vdec ( n = 14) or a 20% Vdec ( n = 14) group for an 8-week intervention (2 sessions·wk −1 ). Performance in jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], drop jump [DJ], and standing long jump [SLJ]), linear sprinting, and soccer-specific on-ball skills (20-m sprint with ball [20m-B]) was assessed pre- and postintervention. After the intervention, significant group × time interactions were observed for CMJ height ( p = 0.0005, = 0.378) and SJ height ( p = 0.001), where the 10% Vdec group achieved significantly greater improvements compared with the 20% Vdec group, with a medium effect size for CMJ ( d = 0.68). However, baseline-adjusted analysis (ANCOVA) revealed no significant between-group differences for linear sprinting or technical on-ball skills ( p > 0.05). Both groups demonstrated improvements in 20m-B performance, with the 20% Vdec group exhibiting a large effect size ( d = −0.87) compared with the medium effect in the 10% Vdec group, although the magnitude of change was statistically comparable. Neither protocol improved DJ performance. In conclusion, although an individualized 10% Vdec load is more effective than a 20% load for improving vertical jump height, both protocols appear similarly effective for enhancing acceleration and technical 20m-B in collegiate soccer players. Coaches should select RST loads based on the primary physical objective, using lighter loads for a vertical jump focus while acknowledging the utility of moderate loads for horizontal movement patterns.