Flywheel squats versus free weight high load squats for improving high velocity movements in football. A randomized controlled trial.

Background: High load (HL: > 85% of one repetition maximum (1RM)) squats with maximal intended velocity contractions (MIVC) combined with football sessions can be considered a relevant and time-efficient practice for maintaining and improving high velocity movements in football. Flywheel (FW) resistance exercise (RE) have recently emerged with promising results on physical parameters associated with football performance.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial over 6 weeks, 38 recreationally active male football players randomly performed RE with MIVCs two times per week as either 1) FW squats ( = 13) or 2) barbell free weight (BFW) HL squats ( = 13), where a third group served as controls ( = 12).