Syed Ibrahim, Syed Azhar Ahmed

Abstract

The key goal of the existing study was to compare the influence of functional and grid training on certain performance-related fitness and playing ability of young football players. 120 football players at the age range of 18 to 22 years were divided into four groups: Group I was functional training group (FTG, n=30), Group II was Grid Training Group (GTG, n=30), Group III was combination of Functional Training and Grid Training Group (CFTGTG, n- 30) and a control group (CG-n= 30). The training was for a period of 12 weeks, twice per week and 50 minutes per session. A pre and post-test was taken in agility (Shuttle run), speed (50 M Run), resting heart rate, food intake and overall playing ability measured objectively by 3 experts. ANCOVA was the statistical tool and 0.05 level was determined as the level of significance. The results indicated that there was significant improvement in the study variables, such as, agility, resting pulse rate, food intake and playing ability in football due to functional training, grid training and combined training compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was no significant improvement in the variable of speed since no changes were shown.

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