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Effects of speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training on soccer player performance—a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Listed:
  • Min Sun
  • Kim Geok Soh
  • Shuzhen Ma
  • Xinzhi Wang
  • Junlong Zhang
  • Azhar Bin Yaacob

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have reported on the impact of Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training on the performance of soccer players. However, there is still controversy regarding the results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to accurately assess the effects of SAQ training on the performance of soccer players. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search on March 15, 2024, using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies were established based on the PICOS framework: (i) Population—healthy soccer players; (ii) Intervention—SAQ training; (iii) Comparison condition (conventional training or traditional training); (iv) Outcome—physical performance (speed, agility, strength, etc.); (v) Study design—randomized controlled trials. The PEDro scale was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of each study, and a random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic literature review. One study with low PEDro score was excluded, and one was excluded based on Cochrane bias risk assessment. Finally, 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 498 soccer players. Overall, the results indicated a significant impact of SAQ training on physical qualities and dribbling speed among soccer players. Specifically, there was a moderate effect size for sprint performance (5m, 10m, 20m) (ES = 0.75; p 0.05). Moreover, change-of-direction dribbling demonstrated a significant effect (ES = 0.58; p

Suggested Citation

  • Min Sun & Kim Geok Soh & Shuzhen Ma & Xinzhi Wang & Junlong Zhang & Azhar Bin Yaacob, 2025. "Effects of speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training on soccer player performance—a systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(2), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0316846
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316846
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