Effects of Different Endurance Training Models on Players' Fitness Levels during the National Break in the Football Season

Purpose: This pilot study aims to determine the effects of different endurance exercises, during the 14-day national break during the football season. Methods: Four groups were formed randomly from 44 male football players (age 17-19 years old, stature 179.0 +/- 6.16 cm, body mass 70.4 +/- 5.53 kg, and body fat ratio 10.6 +/- 2.18 %) who regularly train and compete in the youth category of a football team: Small-Sided Games (SSG, n=10), Large-Sided Games (LSG, n=18), Running Without the Ball (RWB, n=8), and Control group (CG, n=8). VO2max (30-15 IFT and Bruce Protocol), balance (Y test), 10-20-30 m sprint, and T-test before and after the 14-day national break during the football season were measured. Heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) followed during the training program. Results: Significant differences were found in SSG (P= .001) and LSG (P= .005) in 30-15 IFT test (P< .05). In the Y-balance test, a statistically significant difference was found in SSG (P= .001) and LSG (P= .001) only. Conclusions: As a result, coaches are recommended to apply one of the RWB, SSG, or LSG training in addition to their routine football periods.