Contemporary soccer is characterised by a succession of high-energy actions, ranging from high-speed running to physical confrontations, interrupted by short periods of recovery. Match-deciding passages may rely on the ability to accelerate, decelerate, reaccelerate, and sprint multiple times under increasing fatigue levels (Silva et al., 2023; Thoseby et al., 2023; Kyles et al., 2023) (Mohr et al., 2003; Bangsbo et al., 2006; Stolen et al., 2005). In this context, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) is a fundamental performance quality, whereas change-of-direction speed (CODS) reflects the capacity to brake, reorient, and accelerate effectively in response to play constraints. Although both qualities are pertinent to soccer, they are not interchangeable because COD tasks impose additional coordinative, eccentric braking, and multiplanar control demands that are not fully captured by straight-line sprint tests (Chaouachi et al., 2009; Little & Williams, 2005; Sheppard & Young, 2006). Accordingly, it is of direct practical interest to strength and conditioning practitioners to identify recovery strategies that help maintain both linear and multidirectional sprinting performances.

Modern soccer consists of continuous high-intensity activities, including rapid locomotion and physical contact, interspersed with brief recovery intervals. Critical moments in matches often depend upon players' capacity to repeatedly accelerate, decelerate, and execute sprints while experiencing progressive fatigue accumulation (Silva et al., 2023; Thoseby et al., 2023; Kyles et al., 2023) (Mohr et al., 2003; Bangsbo et al., 2006; Stolen et al., 2005). Within this framework, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) represents an essential performance attribute, while change-of-direction speed (CODS) demonstrates the capability to decelerate, redirect movement, and accelerate efficiently according to situational demands. Despite their relevance to soccer performance, these qualities remain distinct because change-of-direction tasks require additional coordination, eccentric deceleration, and multi-planar movement control that straight-line sprint assessments cannot adequately evaluate (Chaouachi et al., 2009; Little & Williams, 2005; Sheppard & Young, 2006). Therefore, strength and conditioning professionals have a direct practical need to determine recovery interventions that preserve both linear and multi-directional sprint capabilities.