Considering the importance of an optimal warm-up to enhance performance in key soccer-related variables such as jump height, sprint speed, and ball kicking velocity, most available evidence to date has focused on youth and adult players, with limited studies conducted in children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and compare the effects of a conventional warm-up and warm-ups including static stretching condition (SSC), dynamic stretching condition (DSC), and ball-specific condition (BSC) on jump performance countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ) as well as on curve sprint speed, the Illinois change of direction test (ICODT), and ball kicking speed in male child soccer players. We hypothesized that the dynamic stretching warm-up would produce superior performance across most variables compared with the other conditions, due to its potential benefits for neuromuscular activation and optimization of the stretch shortening cycle.
Male children aged 8 - 13 years, enrolled in a soccer school affiliated with amateur clubs in Chile.
Regular participation in organized soccer training (≥2 sessions per week) for at least six months prior to the study.
Absence of musculoskeletal or neurological injuries that could limit the ability to perform the warm-up or physical performance assessments.
Availability of appropriate sports clothing and footwear for testing sessions.
Sustain an injury or illness during the study period that prevents participation in testing.
Fail to complete all four experimental conditions or physical assessments.
Demonstrate non-compliance with the warm-up instructions or assessment procedures.