scholarly journals Internal, external and repeated-sprint demands in small-sided games: A comparison between bouts and age groups in elite youth soccer players

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249906
Author(s):  
Richard Hauer ◽  
Paul Störchle ◽  
Bettina Karsten ◽  
Harald Tschan ◽  
Arnold Baca
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Internal Load ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Repeated Sprint ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Image Position

This study investigated the activity profile during small-sided games (SSG) in elite youth soccer players. Internal load (IL) including heart rate (HR) and external load (EL) such as distance covered in different speed-zones (SZ) were collected from forty-eight players of three different teams (U15, U16, U18). The investigation included a total of eighteen 5vs.5 SSGs, each consisting of four 2-minute bouts on a 40x32m pitch during spring season. Total group results (n = 48) showed a reduction in total-distance (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.12), high-intensity-running (p = 0.009; ηp2 = 0.09), and low-intensity-running distance (p = 0.028; ηp2 = 0.07) between bouts. Similarly, a reduction in the number of both acceleration-low (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.12) and deceleration-high (p = 0.003; ηp2 = 0.11) values was observed. Additionally, time spent in HR-zones 3 and 4 (p≤0.007; ηp2 ≥ 0.10), increased, with a reduction in HR-zone 1 (p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.25). Age group comparison showed less distance covered in SZ 1 (p≤0.000; ηp2 = 0.56) and greater deceleration-high values (p≤0.038; ηp2 = 0.32) in U15 players compared to other age groups. Further, U15 showed lower values in low-intensity-running compared to U18 (p = 0.038; ηp2 = 0.22). No age-related differences were found for IL and repeated sprint ability (RSA) values. The higher EL in younger age groups should be taken into account when implementing soccer specific SSGs. In addition, HRmean values between 80–85% of HRmax and RSA numbers, which are similar to match-play data, indicate SSGs as an effective training tool to prepare youth soccer athletes for the demands of competition.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Load Profile between Small-Sided Games and Official Matches in Youth Soccer Players

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Gómez-Carmona ◽  
José Gamonales ◽  
José Pino-Ortega ◽  
Sergio Ibáñez
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
National Level ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Maximum Heart Rate ◽  
Internal Load ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Competition Period

The purposes of the present study are: (a) to characterize the external (eTL) and internal load (iTL) of official matches and small-sided games (SSGs) in relation to their objective, (b) to compare demands between SSG, and (c) to analyze the SSG requirements in relation to official matches during a one-month competition period. Twenty under-18 national-level soccer players were recorded using WIMUTM inertial devices (RealTrack Systems, Almeria, Spain) during four official matches and 12 training sessions where four SSGs with different objectives were performed: (SSG1) keeping the ball; (SSG2) keeping the ball and progressing; (SSG3) keeping the ball, progressing and ending in mini-goals; and (SSG4) keeping the ball, progressing and ending in an official goal with a goalkeeper. Statistical analysis included Kruskall-Wallis’ H and Mann-Whitney’s U with Cohen’s d effect size. The SSGs presented walking and jogging intensity movements (0.7–7 to 7–14 km/h), with a 5-to-8 %HIA (high intensity activity, >16 km/h), where low intensity accelerations, decelerations and impacts were predominant (1–2.5 m/s2; 5–7 G), and %HRMAX (maximum heart rate percentage) was between 70–90%. Only SSG4 presented similar demands to competition, finding differences between SSGs (p < 0.05; d = 1.40 − 0.36). In conclusion, the objective of the SSGs directly influenced the demands on the players in training sessions. For this reason, it is important to monitor demands for designing specific training sessions.

scholarly journals Body Physique, Body Composition, Physical Performance, Technical and Tactical Skills, Psychological Development, and Club Characteristics of Young Male Portuguese Soccer Players: The INEX Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3560
Author(s):  
Maryam Abarghoueinejad ◽  
Daniel Barreira ◽  
Cláudia Dias ◽  
Eduardo Guimarães ◽  
Adam D. G. Baxter-Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Physical Growth ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Biological Maturation ◽  
Age Related

Youth soccer performance is multifaceted, includes physical growth, biological maturation, and physical fitness, and is linked to the sporting environment to which the players are exposed. We aim to describe age-related associations in body physique, body composition, physical performance technical and tactical skills, psychological and club characteristics of male soccer players aged 12 to 14 years. A total of 157 male soccer players clustered into three age-cohorts (12, 13 and 14 years) were recruited from six soccer clubs. Anthropometric, body composition and body physique, biological maturation, physical performance, skill/game proficiency data, psychological characteristics, and clubs’ characteristics were collected. Group means were compared using analysis of variance and covariance. Fourteen years old players were significantly taller, heavier, leaner, faster, stronger, and technically more skilled than their younger peers (p < 0.05). Differences in physical performance and technical skills (p < 0.05) were found between age groups when adjusting for confounders of soccer training and biological maturation. No significant differences (p > 0.05) between age groups were found in psychological domains. Our findings suggest that age, biological maturation, and training volume are key factors influencing young soccer players’ performance and development. Further, clubs’ conditions provide players with ample resources for their success in training and competition.

scholarly journals Five reasons COVID-19 is less severe in younger age groups

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W Turke
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Life History Theory ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
System Function ◽  
The Third ◽  
Immune System Function ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Younger Age

Abstract The severity of COVID-19 is age-related, with the advantage going to younger age groups. Five reasons are presented. The first two are well-known, are being actively researched by the broader medical community, and therefore are discussed only briefly here. The third, fourth, and fifth reasons derive from evolutionary life history theory, and potentially fill gaps in current understanding of why and how young and old age groups respond differently to infection with SARS-CoV-2. Age of onset of generalized somatic aging, and the timing of its progression, are identified as important causes of these disparities, as are specific antagonistic pleiotropic tradeoffs in immune system function.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Creatine Kinase Response in Youth National Team Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812199938
Author(s):  
Gabor Schuth ◽  
Gyorgy Szigeti ◽  
Gergely Dobreff ◽  
Peter Revisnyei ◽  
Alija Pasic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Creatine Kinase ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Internal Load ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
National Team ◽  
Weekly Training ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Previous studies have examined the relationship between external training load and creatine kinase (CK) response after soccer matches in adults. This study aimed to build training- and match-specific CK prediction models for elite youth national team soccer players. Hypothesis: Training and match load will have different effects on the CK response of elite youth soccer players, and there will be position-specific differences in the most influential external and internal load parameters on the CK response. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Forty-one U16-U17 youth national team soccer players were measured over an 18-month period. Training and match load were monitored with global positioning system devices. Individual CK values were measured from whole blood every morning in training camps. The dataset consisted of 1563 data points. Clustered prediction models were used to examine the relationship between external/internal load and consecutive CK changes. Clusters were built based on the playing position and activity type. The performance of the linear regression models was described by the R2 and the root-mean-square error (RMSE, U/L for CK values). Results: The prediction models fitted similarly during games and training sessions ( R2 = 0.38-0.88 vs 0.6-0.77), but there were large differences based on playing positions. In contrast, the accuracy of the models was better during training sessions (RMSE = 81-135 vs 79-209 U/L). Position-specific differences were also found in the external and internal load parameters, which best explained the CK changes. Conclusion: The relationship between external/internal load parameters and CK changes are position specific and might depend on the type of session (training or match). Morning CK values also contributed to the next day’s CK values. Clinical Relevance: The relationship between position-specific external/internal load and CK changes can be used to individualize postmatch recovery strategies and weekly training periodization with a view to optimize match performance.

scholarly journals Fundamental Tactical Principles of Soccer: a Comparison of Different Age Groups

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 207-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Henrique Borges ◽  
José Guilherme ◽  
Leandro Rechenchosky ◽  
Luciane Cristina Arantes da Costa ◽  
Wilson Rinadi
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Cohen’S Kappa ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Cohen's Kappa

AbstractThe fundamental tactical principles of the game of soccer represent a set of action rules that guide behaviours related to the management of game space. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of fundamental offensive and defensive tactical principles among youth soccer players from 12 to 17 years old. The sample consisted of 3689 tactical actions performed by 48 soccer players in three age categories: under 13 (U-13), under 15 (U-15), and under 17 (U-17). Tactical performance was measured using the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). The Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Cohen’s Kappa tests were used in the study analysis. The results showed that the principles of “offensive coverage” (p = 0.01) and “concentration” (p = 0.04) were performed more frequently by the U-17 players than the U-13 players. The tactical principles “width and length” (p < 0.05) and “defensive unit” (p < 0.05) were executed more frequently by younger soccer players. It can be concluded that the frequency with which fundamental tactical principles are performed varies between the gaming categories, which implies that there is valuation of defensive security and a progressive increase in “offensive coverage” caused by increased confidence and security in offensive actions.

scholarly journals Coaches’ Evaluations of Match Performance in Academy Soccer Players in Relation to the Adolescent Growth Spurt

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Hill ◽  
Sam Scott ◽  
Darragh McGee ◽  
Sean Cumming
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Growth Spurt ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Impact Performance ◽  
Rate Of Growth ◽  
Talent Selection ◽  
Selection Decisions ◽  
Player Performance

AbstractIndividual differences in biological maturation present challenges for coaches involved with youth soccer players. Youth in the same chronological age group vary in terms of stage of maturity (pre, circum- and post-pubescent) and rate of growth, but how this affects coaches’ evaluations of player performance is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare youth soccer coaches’ evaluations of players match performances before, during and post growth spurt in a professional English soccer academy across four seasons. Two hundred and seventy-eight male soccer players in the under-9 to under-16 age-groups had their performances evaluated by their coach on a 4-point Likert scale. For each game, players were categorised by their maturity status estimated using percentage of predicted adult height at the time of observation. A one-way ANCOVA controlling for the level of opposition and game outcome revealed that coaches’ evaluations declined from the pre- to during growth spurt stages, however, this was only significant in the under 12 age-group. Further, coaches’ evaluations increased again in the post-growth spurt stage, although only significant in the under 15 age-group. Coaches evaluations of player performance appear to vary in accordance with stage of maturity and rate of growth. Practitioners in youth soccer should understand the extent to which maturity status may adversely impact performance and consider this when making talent selection decisions.

scholarly journals Landing Error Scoring System for Screening Risk Scores among Elite-Youth Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 351
Author(s):  
Yasar Salci
Keyword(s):  
Scoring System ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Ligament Injury ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Identifying the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury is very important for the careers of elite players. When identifying risk factors, effective, easy, valid, reliable methods applicable to a large number of participants should be used. The purpose of this study was to compare the landing pattern of elite-youth soccer players using the landing error scoring system (LESS) which is a valid and reliable qualitative screening method. 95 volunteer elite-youth soccer players (U19, U17, U16 & U15) between the ages of 14 and 18 participated in this study. Jump-landings were recorded by two camcorders from sagittal and frontal planes. These records were replayed and scored by a trained rater on LESS score sheets. There were statistically significant differences in LESS scores among the soccer age groups (p = 0.00). Post-hoc analysis demonstrated significant differences between U19 and U17 (p = 0.00), U17 and U15 (p = 0.00) and U16 and U15 (p = 0.01) soccer players. The best LESS score was found in U17 players and U15 players had the weakest score. The higher LESS score of the U15 players may be related to the neuromuscular control ability however, more evidence is needed to confirm the potential influence of age categories on LESS scores.

Playing Position: Anthropometric and Fitness Demands in Youth Soccer

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 151-168
Author(s):  
Aristotelis Gioldasis ◽  
Evangelos Bekris ◽  
Ioannis Gissis
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Other ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Running Speed ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Individualized Training ◽  
Almost All

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the anthropometric and fitness characteristics of soccer players with different positional role. Although, players’ skills are not equally distributed in each position, at elite soccer they have to perform each skill at a sufficient level. However, coaches expertise those from an early age in specific positions without giving them an holistic individualized training. In the study participated 312 Greek players aged 6 to 17 (M= 11.89; SD= 2.33) of 5 age groups (group U7-U8; group U9-U10; group U11-U12; group U13-U14; group U15-U16; group U17). Anthropometric (height, weight, body mass index and body fat) and fitness characteristics (flexibility, vertical jump, running speed, agility and VO2max) of participants were measured. The study showed that goalkeepers and central defenders tend to perform worse than players of the other positional groups in most of their fitness characteristics for almost all the age groups. Furthermore, many tendencies were observed in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between players with different positional roles. This study provides suggestions to coaches regarding their practice of positioning players according to their anthropometric and fitness characteristics for a short term success.

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