Effects of 10% Versus 20% Velocity Decrement Resisted Sled Training on Jump and Sprint Performance in Collegiate Soccer Players

He, T, Shi, Y, Zhang, R, Li, D, Zhou, X, and Sun, J. Effects of 10% versus 20% velocity decrement resisted sled training on jump and sprint performance in collegiate soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 individualized resisted sled training (RST) protocols (10 vs. 20% velocity decrement [Vdec]) on the jump, sprint, and change-of-direction performance of collegiate soccer players. Twenty-eight male players (age: 19.4 ± 1.2 years; height: 172.2 ± 9.5 cm; body mass: 65.4 ± 10.5 kg) were randomized to either a 10% Vdec ( n = 14) or a 20% Vdec ( n = 14) group for an 8-week intervention (2 sessions·wk −1 ). Performance in jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], drop jump [DJ], and standing long jump [SLJ]), linear sprinting, and soccer-specific on-ball skills (20-m sprint with ball [20m-B]) was assessed pre- and postintervention. After the intervention, significant group × time interactions were observed for CMJ height ( p = 0.0005, = 0.378) and SJ height ( p = 0.001), where the 10% Vdec group achieved significantly greater improvements compared with the 20% Vdec group, with a medium effect size for CMJ ( d = 0.68). However, baseline-adjusted analysis (ANCOVA) revealed no significant between-group differences for linear sprinting or technical on-ball skills ( p > 0.05). Both groups demonstrated improvements in 20m-B performance, with the 20% Vdec group exhibiting a large effect size ( d = −0.87) compared with the medium effect in the 10% Vdec group, although the magnitude of change was statistically comparable. Neither protocol improved DJ performance. In conclusion, although an individualized 10% Vdec load is more effective than a 20% load for improving vertical jump height, both protocols appear similarly effective for enhancing acceleration and technical 20m-B in collegiate soccer players. Coaches should select RST loads based on the primary physical objective, using lighter loads for a vertical jump focus while acknowledging the utility of moderate loads for horizontal movement patterns.