The Effect of Individualized Lead Leg Strength Training on Drag-Flick Performance in Youth Elite Field Hockey Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Guitink, E, Ladru, B-J, Langhout, R, Hoozemans, M, Kerkhoffs, G, and Tak, I. The effect of individualized lead leg strength training on drag-flick performance in youth elite field hockey players: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—Improving braking capacity during forward motion is crucial for drag-flick performance. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of an 11-week individualized lead-leg strength program on drag-flick ball speed in elite youth field hockey players, and monitored exercise progression. Twenty-nine players (age 14–18 years; 16 intervention, 13 control) completed pre- and postintervention assessments. The intervention group performed 6 lead-leg targeted exercises twice weekly in addition to regular training; controls continued regular training only. Exercises were adapted based on individual progression, monitored through video and training logs. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA ( p < 0.05). A significant time × group interaction was observed ( F (1,27) = 2.89, p = 0.046, η 2 = 0.14) indicating different changes in ball speed over time between the intervention and control groups. At baseline, both groups had similar ball speeds (intervention: 82.9 km·h −1 , control: 82.7 km·h −1 , p = 0.943). Postintervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in ball speed (2.8 km·h −1 , p = 0.009) to 85.7 km·h −1 , while the control group showed no significant change (82.4 km·h −1 , p = 0.809). Individualized training of the lead-leg led to improvement in drag-flick ball speed within youth elite field hockey players.