Curved Sprint in Football: Reliable Evaluation and Relationship with Linear Sprint - FSI Lab

In modern football, speed is a key factor in player performance. However, unlike other sports where sprints are typically straight, football constantly involves changes of direction. In fact, studies show that 85% of maximum-speed sprints in professional matches follow a curvilinear trajectory. Despite its importance, until recently, there was no specific test to assess this ability.

Juan Gámez Casado · @juangamezc

February 6, 2025

8 minutes

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A recent study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences introduces a new curved sprint test, designed to reliably measure performance in these movements and its relationship with linear sprinting. This research was led by Fabio Nakamura, Director of FSI Lab; Alberto Fílter, Coordinator of FSI Lab; Alfredo Santalla, Professor at FSI Training; Jesús Olivares, Former Student of FSI Training; Irineu Loturco, Professor at FSI Training; and Bernardo Requena, Co-Founder of FSI Training.

What is Curved Sprinting and Why is it Relevant?

A curved sprint is defined as a sprint in which the player maintains progressive acceleration while following a trajectory with a smooth and continuous change of direction. This type of sprint is common in both offensive and defensive actions, such as off-the-ball movements, defensive coverage, and quick transitions.

Footballers must not only be fast in a straight line but also efficient in navigating curves without losing speed or stability. Evaluating this ability can help identify strengths and weaknesses in players, optimize training programs, and improve performance in real-game situations.

The New Curved Sprint Test: Design and Reliability

To measure curved sprint performance, the study evaluated 40 experienced players using a test based on the penalty area arc.

Test Procedure

Each player performed three curved sprints in both directions (right and left) following the curvature of the penalty area (9.15m radius, total distance of 17m).
Additionally, 17m linear sprints were performed to compare both types of sprinting.
Times were measured using photoelectric cells to ensure accuracy.

Reliability Results

The data demonstrated that the test is highly reliable:

Curved Sprint (Right): Correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.93
Curved Sprint (Left): ICC of 0.89
Intra-session variation: 0.87% (right) and 1.15% (left)

These values indicate that the test is highly repeatable and can be confidently used to evaluate curved sprint ability in football players.

Relationship Between Curved Sprint and Linear Sprint

One of the study’s most important findings was that the relationship between curved and linear sprint performance was moderate (~35%). This means that a fast player in a straight-line sprint is not necessarily equally fast in curvilinear trajectories.

This difference is due to the biomechanical adaptations that occur in a curved sprint, such as:

Reduced maximum speed compared to a linear sprint.
Increased trunk inclination and rotation to maintain balance.
Greater demand for stability and coordination between the legs.

These findings reinforce the need to train both types of sprint independently to maximize player performance in real-game situations.

Practical Applications for Coaches and Strength & Conditioning Trainers

Understanding the importance of curved sprinting and its independence from linear sprinting highlights the need to incorporate specific drills into training sessions. Recommended strategies include:

1. Incorporate Curved Sprint Drills in Speed Training

Perform curved sprint repetitions in both directions using the penalty area arc as a guide.
Measure sprint times regularly to track improvements.

2. Improve Stability and Body Control

Unilateral strength exercises (Bulgarian split squats, lateral lunges) to enhance balance.
Core training to optimize trunk rotation during curved sprints.

3. Simulate Game Situations

Design drills that incorporate natural direction changes in game-related scenarios.
Include curved sprints in small-sided games and offensive/defensive transition drills.

4. Assess and Adapt Training Individually

Identify whether a player has significant differences between their right and left curved sprint performance.
Personalize training to balance performance in both directions.

Study Conclusions

The new curved sprint test represents a significant advancement in evaluating footballers’ performance, providing a reliable tool to measure a key ability in the game. The study confirms that curved and linear sprints are distinct skills, emphasizing the importance of training them separately.

For coaches and strength & conditioning trainers, this study provides valuable insights to optimize training programs, helping players improve their speed and efficiency in real-game situations. Implementing specific curved sprint exercises can enhance a footballer’s competitiveness and overall performance at all levels.

FSI Lab and Its Scientific Commitment

This research is yet another step in FSI Lab’s commitment to applied sports science. Led by distinguished professionals such as the authors of this study, FSI Lab continues to generate knowledge that drives excellence in football performance.

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Post Author

Juan Gámez Casado

Community Manager at FSI Training

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