Research summary · Training and performance
Linear or change-of-direction repeated-sprint training?
A review compares straight-line and change-of-direction repeated-sprint training for speed, jumping and repeated-sprint outcomes in team-sport athletes.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Journal
- Sports Medicine
- Population / context
- Team-sport athletes · Football-dominant evidence
What the publication reports
Thirteen randomised trials included 253 athletes. Non-linear training showed a favourable estimate for single-sprint performance (standardised mean difference in change 0.48), while linear training showed a favourable estimate for countermovement jump (0.42); both overall confidence intervals crossed zero.
Limits and interpretation
Most evidence came from male football players, subgroup findings were exploratory and pooled estimates were imprecise. The results do not establish that one format is generally superior or define an individual training dose.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Comparison of the Linear versus Non-Linear Repeated Sprint Training on Lower Limb Sports Performance Tasks in Team Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42720840DOI: 10.1007/s40279-026-02468-7Full text at the sourceReader discussion
Discuss the evidence.
Ask a question, share a source or discuss the methods. Respectful disagreement is welcome. Every comment and reply is reviewed before publication.
Loading comments…