Table 1. Training content of the 4-week intervention performed by the SAQ group and by the SSG group.

Week	SAQ training programme (SAQ group)	SSG training programme (SSG group)
1	Basic footwork exercises (split-steps, line drills, lateral line and multiple hops) with no equipment followed by brief linear sprints over 5 m also combined with cognitive stimuli (e.g., auditory signals as for stop and go running drills).	Passing drills
		1 versus 1, 10 x 5 m
		2 versus 1, 12 x 8 m
		Rules: free play without goalkeepers and no coach’s encouragement
2	Basic footwork exercises (skipping, hopscotch and in&out drills) over the speed-ladder followed by brief sprints with 1–3 change of directions at 30° and 45° over 10 m also combined with cognitive stimuli (visual stimuli on fixed targets as for coloured cone running drills).	Shooting drills
		2 versus 1, 12 x 8 m
		2 versus 2, 15 x 10 m
		Rules: free play without goalkeepers and no coach’s encouragement
3	Advanced footwork exercises (foot exchange, icky shuffle and hip twist) over the speed-ladder followed by brief sprints with 3–5 change of directions at 30°, 45° and 90° over 10 m also combined with cognitive stimuli (combination of auditory signals and visual stimuli on fixed targets).	Dribbling drills
		2 versus 2, 15 x 10 m
		3 versus 2, 18 x 12 m
		Rules: few numbers of touches (i.e., 3) with goalkeepers and with coach’s encouragement
4	Combination of basic and advanced footwork exercises with basic and advanced agility drills in response to multiple cognitive stimuli (visual stimuli on moving targets as for chasing runs and mirror drills) over 15 m.	Combination of technical skills
		3 versus 2, 18 x 12 m
		3 versus 3, 20 x 15 m
		Rules: few numbers of touches (i.e., 2 and 3) with goalkeepers and with coach’s encouragement