Effects of Skill-Based Training on Physical Performance in Team Sports: A Narrative Review

Paper ID : 1312-SPORTCONGRESS

Authors

mohammad khosravi * دانشگاه

Abstract

Introduction: Skill-based training (SBT) integrates technical skill execution with high-intensity conditioning, offering a time-efficient method for developing multiple athletic qualities simultaneously in team sports. However, comprehensive evidence comparing SBT effects across sports remains limited. Methods: This narrative review synthesized findings from four high-quality randomized controlled trials published between 2006 and 2023, involving 88 youth athletes (aged 15-16 years) from soccer (n=37) and volleyball (n=51). Studies compared SBT interventions (3-12 weeks, 2-3 sessions/week) against small-sided games, instructional training, or control conditions. Outcome measures included anaerobic power, explosive strength, speed, agility, vertical jump, technical skill accuracy, and aerobic capacity. Results: In soccer, maximal-intensity SBT demonstrated superior improvements compared to small-sided games in anaerobic power (10.9% vs. 6.2%), explosive strength (8.4% vs. 5.6%), and vertical jump (5.3% vs. 2.9%) over 8 weeks (p<0.05). Position-specific conditioning achieved high-intensity stimuli (89.0±2.1% HRmax, CV=2.4%) and improved Yo-Yo test performance (+176.0±225.7m, p<0.05) in elite youth players within 3 weeks. In volleyball, skill-based conditioning games enhanced vertical jump, spike jump, speed (5-10m), agility, upper-body power, and VO₂max over 12 weeks, outperforming instructional training (all p<0.05). An 8-week volleyball SBT improved spiking accuracy (+76%), setting accuracy (+335%), passing accuracy (+40%), sprint times, and agility (all p<0.05). However, instructional training yielded greater technical skill improvements than conditioning games. Conclusion: Skill-based training effectively enhances anaerobic capacity, explosive strength, speed, and agility in youth team sport athletes when performed at high intensities (≥85-90% HRmax). SBT offers advantages by simultaneously developing physical and technical capacities, making it valuable for in-season conditioning. However, optimal development requires integrating SBT with dedicated technical instruction. Practitioners should implement 2-3 SBT sessions weekly for 8-12 weeks to optimize adaptations while balancing technical development..

Keywords

Skill-based training, Physical conditioning, Team sports, Soccer, Volleyball, Youth athletes

Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation)