The Short-Term Effects of Complex Training on Dribbling Agility and Shooting Efficiency of U9 Football Players

This study examined the effects of an 8-week complex training program on dribbling agility and shooting efficiency of U9 male football players. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to a complex training group, a traditional resistance training group, or a control group. The complex training group performed combined high-resistance strength and low-resistance plyometric exercises, the traditional group followed conventional strength training, and the control group received no additional training. Vertical jump height and T-test performance were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 10. Results showed that the complex training group significantly improved both vertical jump and T-test performance (P < 0.01), with a strong correlation observed between explosive power and change-of-direction ability (P < 0.01). Although the traditional training group showed some improvement (P < 0.05), the gains were less pronounced than in the complex training group. The control group exhibited no significant changes. These findings suggest that complex training is more effective than traditional resistance training in enhancing lower limb power, agility, and directional movement in young football players, supporting its application in youth football development programs.