Research Information System
ATENA JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES, vol.9, no.1, pp.13-26, 2026 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to investigate which training method was more effective in U14 level football players. Method: The study sample consisted of 21 U14-level football players. Participants were divided into two groups: the plyometric group (P) and the plyometric+change-of-direction running group (PYK). Over an 8-week period, the P group performed plyometric training in addition to their club training, while the PYK group performed plyometric+change-of direction running in addition to their club training. The obtained data were analyzed, and differences between pre-test and post-test measurements were analyzed using a paired sample t-test, and pairwise comparisons of independent variables were analyzed using an independent sample t-test. Results: Based on the pre-test and post-test values, no statistically significant differences were found in the parameters of balance, speed, agility, flexibility, shooting accuracy, dribbling, or jumping. A significant difference was found in the shooting speed and passing accuracy parameters in favor of the PYK group, while a statistically significant difference was found in the leg strength parameter in favor of the P group. Conclusion: The study concluded that PYK training improved the fundamentals of football, such as shooting speed, dribbling, and passing accuracy. Keywords: Football, Plyometric, Change-of-Direction Running, Training