The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Technical Soccer Skills in Youth Professional Soccer
<i>Background and Objectives:</i> This study analyzes the effects of proprioceptive training on the physical fitness and soccer-specific technical skills of young professional soccer players. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> Twenty-eight male professional soccer players from the...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Medicina |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/2/252 |
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| Summary: | <i>Background and Objectives:</i> This study analyzes the effects of proprioceptive training on the physical fitness and soccer-specific technical skills of young professional soccer players. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> Twenty-eight male professional soccer players from the Türkiye Football Federation’s Third League, aged 20.46 ± 1.60 years (average), participated voluntarily. Body composition was assessed with the Inbody270 bioelectrical impedance analyzer, while agility and maximal VO<sub>2</sub> cardiorespiratory fitness were measured using the ChronoJump smartspeed mat. Soccer-specific technical skill assessments were also conducted. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with paired sample <i>t</i>-tests for comparisons, Cohen’s d test for effect size, and repeated measures two-way ANOVA for interaction effects (group × time). Eta squared (η<sup>2</sup>) values were reported for effect size. A 95% confidence level and <i>p</i> = 0.05 were used. <i>Results:</i> Proprioceptive training significantly improved body fat percentage (<i>p</i> < 0.05; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.006) and soccer-specific technical skills, including free juggling (<i>p</i> < 0.05; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.302), alternating foot juggling (<i>p</i> < 0.05; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.271), right foot juggling (<i>p</i> < 0.05; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.250), and shooting performance (<i>p</i> < 0.05; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.513). <i>Conclusions:</i> A 12-week proprioceptive training program, when incorporated into soccer practice, significantly enhances soccer-specific technical skills and reduces body fat percentage. |
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| ISSN: | 1010-660X 1648-9144 |