Comparative Effects of SMR Rolling and Dynamic Stretching on Forward Flexion and Jump Height in U14–U15 Football Players

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of SMR (self-myofascial release) rolling and dynamic stretching on lower limb flexibility and vertical jump height among U14–U15 football players. Two youth teams from Király SE participated in the research (U14: n=17; U15: n=19). The athletes followed three different warm-up protocols: SMR only, dynamic stretching only, and a combination of both. Performance indicators were measured by using the Finger Floor Test and the Vertical Jump Test, both before and after the warm-up. Non-parametric statistical analysis (Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis tests) revealed a significant improvement in the forward flexion test in both age groups: in the U14 group the first measurement was 16.96 ± 10.45 cm and the second measurement was 15.21 ± 9.77 cm (p < 0.001), while in the U15 group the first measurement was 11.92 ± 11.06 cm and the second measurement was 10.52 ± 10.06 cm (p < 0.001). No statistically significant change was observed in jump height. The study confirmed that even a short warm-up intervention can improve flexibility, but using SMR or dynamic stretching alone is not sufficient for performance enhancement.