Acute Effects of a Brief Low-Load Core Activation Warm-Up on Football-Specific Technical Performance in Male Youth Players

This study examined whether a brief, low-load core activation warm-up would acutely improve football-specific technical performance compared with a conventional dynamic warm-up in male youth football players. Twenty-four players (aged 15-16 years) completed both warm-up conditions in a single-session, counterbalanced crossover design separated by a 10-minute passive recovery period. Following each warm-up, players performed standardised tests of dribbling speed, passing accuracy, shooting accuracy, and ball control. The study was designed as an exploratory pilot to estimate effect sizes and inform the design of a future definitive trial.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male youth football players registered in an organised football academy * Minimum of 2 years of football training history * Regular participation in training (≥3 sessions per week) * Free from acute musculoskeletal injury at the time of testing Exclusion Criteria: * History of lower limb, trunk, or spinal injury within 6 months prior to testing * Participation in a competitive match or high-intensity training within 48 hours prior to testing