Authors
Okba Selmi, Hamza Marzouki, Anissa Bouassida, Achraf Ammar, Yusuf Soylu, Omar Boukhris, Waqar Husain, Haitham Jahrami, Khaled Trabelsi
Published in
Journal of sports sciences. Pages 1-15. Sep 22, 2026. Epub Sep 22, 2026.
Abstract
This systematic review synthesized evidence on coaches' verbal encouragement (VE) effects on internal training load, physical and time-motion performance, and technical skills in soccer. PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycInfo were searched up to 1 June 2025, for randomized and quasi-experimental VE interventions in male or female players of any age or competitive level. Outcomes included internal training load (heart rate [HR], blood lactate, perceived exertion [RPE]), physical and time-motion performance (e.g. distance covered, high-intensity running, sprint performance), and technical skills (e.g. passing, dribbling). Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI checklist. Eighteen studies (n = 518) met the inclusion criteria. VE increased internal training load in 11/13 studies, most often showing small-to-moderate increases in RPE and HR responses. Physical and time-motion outcomes improved in 6/8 studies, typically through greater total distance and high-intensity running, and technical performance improved in 8/9 studies (higher success rates and/or increased frequency of technical actions). Effects were most consistent in youth and amateur players; findings in elite youth and professionals were mixed. VE represents a feasible, low-cost strategy that may increase internal training load and enhance selected physical, time-motion, and technical outcomes. Future studies should standardize VE protocols and test dose-response and long-term effects.
PMID:
42768963
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 22 Sep 2026.
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