Effects of a Hale-Based Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) Training Program on Agility Performance in Male High School Futsal Players

Futsal is characterized by frequent high-intensity accelerations, decelerations, multidirectional changes of direction, short sprints, and rapid perceptual–motor responses. Consequently, speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) are essential physical qualities underpinning successful performance, particularly during adolescence when neuromuscular adaptations are highly responsive to training. Purpose: This study examined the effects of an eight-week Hale-based speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training programme on agility performance in adolescent male futsal players. Methods: Forty male futsal players aged 14–18 years from Matthayom Puranawas School participated in this study. Participants were allocated to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20) using a matched-pair procedure based on baseline Illinois Agility Test performance. The experimental group completed a structured Hale-based SAQ programme in addition to regular futsal training, whereas the control group continued regular futsal training only. Agility performance was assessed before and after the eight-week intervention using the Illinois Agility Test. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired- and independent-samples t-tests, percentage change, and standardized effect size estimates, with statistical significance set at p < .05. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in agility following the intervention (p < .05); however, the experimental group achieved significantly greater gains. Illinois Agility Test performance improved from 18.09 ± 0.50 s to 16.93 ± 0.40 s (6.41%) in the experimental group, compared with 18.06 ± 0.47 s to 17.21 ± 0.46 s (4.71%) in the control group. Between-group comparisons at post-test indicated superior agility performance in the experimental group, accompanied by a moderate standardized effect size, suggesting meaningful practical benefits beyond conventional futsal training alone. Conclusion: An eight-week Hale-based SAQ training programme is an effective supplementary conditioning strategy for improving agility in adolescent male futsal players. The observed performance enhancements are likely associated with improved neuromuscular coordination, greater eccentric braking capacity, faster transitions from deceleration to acceleration, enhanced intermuscular coordination, and more efficient multidirectional movement mechanics.