The Effect of the Nordic Hamstring Curl Training Program on Athletic Performance in Young Football Players

Background: This study aimed to determine the effect of the Nordic hamstring curl training (NHCT) program on athletic performance elements such as linear speed, change of direction (COD), jump performance (CMJ), and eccentric muscle strength (Nordic Hamstring Curl Breaking Point Angle—NHCBP) in young football players. Methods: The study group consisted of 40 male football players who were actively trained and had no previous eccentric training experience or reported any injuries. The participants were randomly divided into a training group (TG = 20) and a control group (CG = 20). The TG performed the NHCT program twice a week for eight weeks, in addition to their standard football training. The CG continued with standard football training. Results: The study findings revealed no statistically significant differences in the interaction between group and time in 10, 20, and 30 m sprint performance. However, statistically significant differences were found in CMJ performance in terms of group–time interaction (F = 19.99, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.52), COD (F = 11.10, p < 0.004, η2 = 0.38), and NHCBP (F = 6.14; p < 0.02; η2 = 0.25). After the eight-week NHCT program, the experimental group showed improvements of 18% in CMJ performance, 8% in COD performance, and 25% in NHCBP performance. Conclusions: The NHCT program significantly increased hamstring muscle strength in football players, and this increase positively affected players’ linear speed and change of direction performance. NHCT has the potential to enhance athletic performance in football.