Modern soccer is characterized by repeated high-intensity actions separated by short recovery periods, and match-defining sequences often depend on the capacity to accelerate, decelerate, re-accelerate, and sprint repeatedly under accumulating fatigue (1-3). Within this context, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) is a core performance quality, whereas change-of-direction speed (CODS) reflects the ability to brake, reorient, and accelerate efficiently in response to task constraints. Although both qualities are relevant to soccer, their overlap is incomplete because COD tasks impose additional coordinative, eccentric-braking, and multiplanar-control demands that are not captured fully by straight-line sprint tests (4-6). Identifying recovery strategies that help preserve both linear and multidirectional sprint performance is therefore of direct practical interest to strength and conditioning practitioners.

Contemporary soccer involves recurring high-intensity movements interspersed with brief recovery intervals, where match-critical moments frequently rely on players' ability to accelerate, decelerate, re-accelerate, and execute repeated sprints while experiencing progressive fatigue (1-3). Given these demands, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) represents a fundamental performance attribute, while change-of-direction speed (CODS) encompasses the capacity to decelerate effectively, reorient position, and accelerate efficiently according to situational requirements. While both attributes hold significance for soccer performance, they demonstrate limited overlap due to the additional coordinative challenges, eccentric braking requirements, and multiplanar control demands inherent in COD tasks that straight-line sprint assessments cannot adequately evaluate (4-6). Consequently, determining recovery methods that effectively maintain both linear and multidirectional sprint capabilities presents considerable practical value for strength and conditioning professionals.