New study reveals best football drill for heart and ball control
NCT ID NCT07157150
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested how rule changes in 3v3 and 4v4 football games affect elite players' heart rate and ball touches. Twenty-four male professional players did both free-play and controlled-pass games. Researchers measured heart rate and counted ball touches to see which format boosts fitness and skill best.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could help coaches design small-sided games that improve both fitness and technical skills in elite football players.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 24 elite male players. Results may not apply to other groups or real match conditions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ondokuz Mayis University
Samsun, Atakum, 55200, Turkey (Türkiye)
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