Effects of Core Training Combined with Small-Sided Games on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players: An 8-Week Randomized Trial

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Aim: of this study is to compare the effects of 8 weeks of core training alone versus core training combined with small-sided games on sprint, change of direction (COD), vertical jump (CMJ), repeated anaerobic sprint (RAST), and intermittent aerobic endurance (30-15 V_FT) performance in young football players.. Twenty-four male athletes (17.17 ± 0.48 years) competing in the TFF Development League U17 were randomly assigned to either the core training group (CG; n = 12) or the combined core and small-sided games group (CCSSG; n = 12). Performance assessments included 10 m and 30 m sprint tests, the Illinois agility test, countermovement jump, the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test for anaerobic power, the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test for maximal running speed (V_IFT), estimated VO₂max, and ratings of perceived exertion. Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed ANOVA. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in sprint performance, countermovement jump height, and peak anaerobic power (p < 0.05). However, the combined training group showed significantly greater adaptations than the isolated core group in anaerobic power variables (peak, average, and minimum; η_p² = 0.38–0.51), V_IFT (p = 0.003), estimated VO₂max (p = 0.001), and perceived exertion (p = 0.033). Agility performance improved significantly only in the combined training group (p = 0.038). No significant time × group interactions were observed for sprint performance, countermovement jump, or fatigue index. Overall, although isolated core training elicited moderate performance gains, integrating core exercises with small-sided games resulted in superior improvements in anaerobic power, aerobic capacity, and perceived exertion, indicating that this combined approach is more effective for holistic physical development in elite youth soccer players.