Effect of linear periodization training on selected physical and physiological variables in football players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a linear periodization training programme on selected physical and physiological variables in football players. Thirty male football players aged between 18 and 22 years were selected as subjects and randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The experimental group underwent a twelve-week linear periodization training programme, while the control group followed their regular physical activity without any specialized training. The selected physical variables were speed, agility, and muscular strength, and the physiological variables included VO₂ max and resting heart rate. Pre-test and post-test data were collected and statistically analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed significant improvements in all selected variables for the experimental group compared to the control group. Hence, it was concluded that linear periodization training is an effective method for enhancing physical and physiological performance in football players.