# Effect of two training modalities on sprint performance in young American football players

## TL;DR

This study compared two training methods to improve sprint performance in young American football players and found one method to be more effective.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the effectiveness of block versus undulating periodization for sprint performance in young athletes.

## Key findings

- Both block and undulating periodization improved sprint performance in young football players.
- Block periodization led to greater improvements in 40-yard dash time and maximal velocity compared to undulating periodization.
- No significant difference was found in velocity at horizontal force application between the two methods.

## Abstract

Time to perform 40-yard dash (40-yd) is a performance criterion in American football. Sprinting ability is strongly correlated with maximal values of horizontal power (PHmax), Force (FH0) and Velocity (VH0). While numerous methods for developing sprint speed exist, few studies have focused on the effects of periodizations on the sprinting mechanical variables in young talented American football players.

this study aimed to compare the effects of block (BP) and undulating (UP) training periodization modalities on 40-yard dash performance.

27 players from the Young French League of American football (17.1 ± 0.9 y, 179.9 ± 5.5 cm, 81.1 ± 14.9 kg) were randomly assigned in either the BP (n = 15) or UP (n = 12) group. Anthropometric characteristics, 40-yd performance, maximal velocity (Vmax), PHmax, FH0 and VH0 were assessed before and after 10-wk intervention period.

Training resulted in the 40-yd performance increase of 3.72% (p < 0.001) and significant changes in Vmax (+ = 6.13 ± 5.62%, p < 0.001) and VH0 values (+2.68 ± 4.14%, p = 0.004). BP intervention leaded higher improvements in time to perform 40-yd (4.45 ± 2.06 vs. 3.02 ± 1.93%, p < 0.001) and Vmax (7.30 ± 6.63% vs. 4.54 ± 4.10%, p = 0.002,) compared to UP. No periodization effect was found in changes of VH0 (BP: 3.42 ± 4.31% vs. UP: 1.48 ± 3.88, p = 0.214).

Our results showed that BP and UP were effective to increase sprint performance. Despite a similar training load, the block periodization of training had better effects on 40-yd performance compared to undulating training periodization in this population of talented young American football players.