Background: Football demands explosive speed and agility for offensive and defensive manoeuvres, yet the comparative effects of reactive agility training (RAT) versus core training remain underexplored in elite young players. Methods: This randomized controlled trial involved 30 male football players (18-25 years, >3 years of competitive experience at the state/national level) from Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute. Participants were randomized 1:1 to 8-week RAT (Group A, n=15) or core training (Group B, n=15) interventions (4 sessions/week, 30 min each). Primary outcomes were speed (30-metre sprint test, 30MST) and agility (Illinois Agility Test, IAT), assessed pre- and post-intervention using stopwatches and photocell timing. Data analysis used SPSS v24 with Shapiro-Wilk normality testing, paired t-tests (within-group), and independent t-tests (between-group; p<0.05). Results: Baseline equivalence confirmed (30MST p=0.952; IAT p=0.392). Both groups improved significantly (all p<0.001), but RAT demonstrated superior gains: 30MST reduced from 4.53±0.28s to 4.08±0.24s (vs core: 4.53±0.16s to 4.34±0.21s, p<0.001 between-groups); IAT reduced from 17.94±0.91s to 15.12±0.34s (vs core: 17.65±1.15s to 16.47±0.50s, p<0.001). Effect sizes favoured RAT (Cohen's d=1.2-1.8). Conclusion: RAT produces greater improvements in speed and agility than core training in experienced football players. Coaches should prioritise RAT within training programs to optimize on-field performance while maintaining core training for injury prevention.