INTRODUCTION: Sprint speed is considered an essential performance attribute for field-based invasion team sport (FITS) athletes, and is associated with the successful completion of key attacking and defensive performance indicators [1]. A large volume of short distance sprints (10-20m) within FITS`s [2] highlights the importance of developing acceleration performance. While a number of methods are used to improve this phase, resisted sprint training (RST) applies an external resistance to the sprinting movement and is frequently utilised to develop acceleration specific speed due to its ability to influence key acceleration determinants such as horizontal force production [3]. Alternatively, research indicates a moderate to strong relationship between an athlete`s maximum velocity (MV) and their ability to accelerate [4], thus suggesting that players with a higher MV may hold an advantage over players with a lower MV when performing shorter sprints. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and compare the impact of RST and maximum velocity sprint training (MVST) on the acceleration performance of FITS athletes. METHODS: Elite level, male Gaelic football players were randomly assigned to RST (n=8) or MVST (n=7). Both groups underwent force-velocity profiling, with the RST group utilising sled sprints at 50% velocity decrement and the MVST group performing flying sprints (12-20m) with a preceding 25m submaximal build-up phase. Participants completed 7 training sessions across 4 weeks. Sprint, vertical and horizontal jump performance were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: Significant increases in 0-5m, 0-10m, 0-15m and 0-20m were found following RST only. However, results showed significant differences in baseline speed parameters between the RST and MVST groups. When controlling for baseline sprint performance, there were no significant differences between RST and MVST groups post intervention over 0-5m, 0-10m, 0-15m and 0-20m distances or at maximum velocity (Vmax). Finally, vertical and horizontal jump performance did not significantly change after 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: Marked increases in acceleration performance can be attained by FITS athletes with just 7 RST sessions over a 4-week period. Failure to detect significant change following MVST may be due to the length of the intervention, number of sessions or baseline values of the training group, as those with the lowest initial values of a physiological system have the greatest capacity for improvement in response to training. Further work is required to determine the effectiveness of RST and MVST in FITS athletes under controlled conditions.
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