Fitness Adaptations to a Combined Strength and Aerobic Training Program During the Transition Period in Young Soccer Players

The annual soccer training cycle consists of preparatory, competitive, and transition periods. The transition phase is usually characterized by a decrease in training volume, which may lead to detraining and declines in physical fitness. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a structured transitional training program on anthropometric characteristics, aerobic capacity, and jumping performance in young soccer players. Twenty-three under-17 players participated in the study and, following a two-week period of training cessation, completed a three-week program that included aerobic training three times per week (continuous and interval running sessions) and strength progressive resistance training twice per week. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The results revealed significant reductions in body fat percentage (p = 0.016, d = 0.547), body fat mass (p = 0.018, d = 0.535), and resting systolic blood pressure (p = 0.024, d = 0.507). Additionally, time to reach the anaerobic threshold (p = 0.022, d = −0.515) and movement speed at the anaerobic threshold (p = 0.029, d = −0.487) significantly increased. No significant changes were observed in the remaining variables. These findings indicate that a three-week transition-period training program combining structured aerobic running drills with progressive resistance training can induce favorable adaptations in selected anthropometric and physiological parameters in youth soccer players. However, the lack of a control group should be considered when interpreting the magnitude of the program’s effects.