Mechanical Determinants of Faster Change of Direction Speed Performance in Male Athletes

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine differences in change of direction (COD) performance and asymmetries between team-sports while considering the effects of sex and sport; (2) to evaluate the relationship between linear speed, COD completion time, and COD deficit. A total of 115 (56 males, 59 females) athletes active in cricket, soccer, netball, and basketball performed the 505 for both left and right limbs and a 10-m sprint test. All team-sports displayed directional dominance (i.e., faster turning performance/shorter COD deficits towards a direction) (p ≤ 0.001, g = −0.62 to −0.96, −11.0% to −28.4%) with, male cricketers tending to demonstrate the greatest COD deficit asymmetries between directions compared to other team-sports (28.4 ± 26.5%, g = 0.19–0.85), while female netballers displayed the lowest asymmetries (11.0 ± 10.1%, g = 0.14–0.86). Differences in sprint and COD performance were observed between sexes and sports, with males demonstrating faster 10-m sprint times, and 505 times compared to females of the same sport. Male soccer and male cricketers displayed shorter COD deficits compared to females of the same sport; however, female court athletes demonstrated shorter COD deficits compared to male court athletes. Large significant associations (ρ = 0.631–0.643, p < 0.001) between 505 time and COD deficit were revealed, while trivial, non-significant associations (ρ ≤ −0.094, p ≥ 0.320) between COD deficit and 10-m sprint times were observed. In conclusion, male and female team-sport athletes display significant asymmetries and directional dominance during a high approach velocity 180° turning task. Coaches and practitioners are advised to apply the COD deficit for a more isolated measure of COD ability (i.e., not biased towards athletes with superior acceleration and linear speed) and perform COD speed assessments from both directions to establish directional dominance and create a COD symmetry profile.

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Influence of Physical and Technical Aspects on Change of Direction Performance of Rugby Players: An Exploratory Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182413390 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (24) ◽

pp. 13390

Author(s):

Tomás T. Freitas ◽

Pedro E. Alcaraz ◽

Julio Calleja-González ◽

Ademir F. S. Arruda ◽

Aristide Guerriero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Flexion ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Rugby Union ◽

Lower Body ◽

Kinematic Parameters ◽

Male Athletes ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

National Team ◽

Body Kinematic ◽

Rugby Players

We examined the relationships between change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, and a series of speed- and power-related measurements in national team rugby union players and analyzed the influence of movement patterns on COD ability. Eleven male athletes completed the following physical assessments on different days: day 1—anthropometric measurements, and lower-body kinematic parameters (assessed with eight inertial sensors) and completion time in COD tests (pro-agility, 45° cutting maneuver (CUT), and “L” (L-Drill)); day 2—bilateral and unilateral squat and countermovement jumps, 40 m linear sprint, and bar-power output in the jump squat and half-squat exercises. Pearson’s product–moment correlations were performed to determine the relationships between COD velocities, COD deficits, and the speed–power variables. Differences between players with higher and lower COD deficits were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Results showed that (1) greater sprint momentum was associated with higher COD deficits, particularly in drills with sharper angles and multiple directional changes (L-drill and pro-agility); (2) higher unilateral jump heights were associated with greater COD deficits in the pro-agility and L-drill but not in the CUT; (3) faster athletes were less efficient at changing direction and presented greater trunk and knee flexion angles during COD maneuvers, probably as a consequence of higher inertia.

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Effects of velocity based training vs. traditional 1RM percentage-based training on improving strength, jump, linear sprint and change of direction speed performance: A Systematic review with meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0259790 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0259790

Author(s):

Kai-Fang Liao ◽

Xin-Xin Wang ◽

Meng-Yuan Han ◽

Lin-Long Li ◽

George P. Nassis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Training Effects ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Significant Group ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Back Squat ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Speed Performance

Background There has been a surge of interest on velocity-based training (VBT) in recent years. However, it remains unclear whether VBT is more effective in improving strength, jump, linear sprint and change of direction speed (CODs) than the traditional 1RM percentage-based training (PBT). Objectives To compare the training effects in VBT vs. PBT upon strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs performance. Data sources Web of science, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Study eligibility criteria The qualified studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis must have included a resistance training intervention that compared the effects of VBT and PBT on at least one measure of strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs with participants aged ≥16 yrs. and be written in English or Chinese. Methods The modified Pedro Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Random-effects model was used to calculate the effects via the mean change and pre-SD (standard deviation). Mean difference (MD) or Standardized mean difference (SMD) was presented correspondently with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Six studies met the inclusion criteria including a total of 124 participants aged 16 to 30 yrs. The differences of training effects between VBT and PBT were not significant in back squat 1RM (MD = 3.03kg; 95%CI: -3.55, 9.61; I2 = 0%) and load velocity 60%1RM (MD = 0.02m/s; 95%CI: -0.01,0.06; I2 = 0%), jump (SMD = 0.27; 95%CI: -0.15,0.7; I2 = 0%), linear sprint (MD = 0.01s; 95%CI: -0.06, 0.07; I2 = 0%), and CODs (SMD = 0.49; 95%CI: -0.14, 1.07; I2 = 0%). Conclusion Both VBT and PBT can enhance strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs performance effectively without significant group difference.

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An introductory analysis as to the influence of lower-body power on multidirectional speed in collegiate female rugby players

Sport Science Review ◽

10.1515/ssr-2016-0007 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 25 (1-2) ◽

pp. 113-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Robert G. Lockie ◽

Ashley J. Orjalo ◽

Victoria L. Amran ◽

Deshaun L. Davis ◽

Fabrice G. Risso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vertical Jump ◽

Team Sport ◽

Rugby Player ◽

Lower Body ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Speed Test ◽

Speed Performance ◽

Left And Right ◽

Rugby Players ◽

Lower Body Power

AbstractThis study investigated relationships between lower-body power, measured by a vertical jump (VJ) and standing broad jump (SBJ), with multidirectional speed in collegiate female rugby players. The rugby player data was compared to that of general team sport athletes to ascertain whether there were characteristics specific to collegiate rugby players. Multi-directional speed was measured by a 20-meter (m) sprint (0-5, 0-10, 0-20 m intervals) and 505 change-of-direction speed test. Eight rugby players and eight team sport athletes completed all tests. Spearman’s correlations calculated relationships between the VJ and SBJ with the speed tests, and stepwise multiple regressions determined whether the jump tests predicted speed performance (p≤ 0.05). For the rugby players, the VJ correlated with the 0-20 m interval (r = −0.73). The SBJ correlated with the 0-5 and 0-10 m intervals, and the left-leg 505 (r = −0.71 to −0.88), and predicted 0-5 m and left-leg 505 time (r2= 0.50-0.58). For the team sport athletes, only the VJ correlated with left-leg 505 (r = −0.80), and predicted left- and right-leg 505 times (r2= 0.61-0.69). The results suggest that horizontal power measured by a SBJ has a greater contribution to multidirectional speed in collegiate female rugby players.

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Optimizing speed and agility in a volleyball game – Junior players

New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences ◽

10.18844/prosoc.v8i2.6157 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 09-20

Author(s):

Oprean Alexandru ◽

Puni Alexandru-Rares ◽

Ungurean Bogdan-Constantin ◽

Cojocariu Adrian

Keyword(s):

Motor Skills ◽

High Performance ◽

Training Programme ◽

Male Athletes ◽

Working Hypothesis ◽

Physical Exercises ◽

Speed Performance ◽

Training Activities ◽

Real Progress ◽

Experimental Group

The present study aims to identify if and how motor skills such as speed and agility can be improved by using training activities corresponding to performance in volleyball. The experiment included a total of 16 male athletes (17–18 years old), divided into two groups (control and experimental group). The tests applied in the research were the Illinois test and the Hexagon test, since speed, agility and quickness are essential to high performance in volleyball. After the initial tests, the experimental group became part of a 6-week training programme, designed to learn and master speed and agility drills. The results obtained at the final control tests demonstrated that the indicators of motor skills registered a real progress. This confirmed our working hypothesis stating that physical exercises, motor games and other means, specific to the game of volleyball, can influence the development of motor skills. Keywords: Agility, speed, performance sport, Illinois test, Hexagon test, volleyball training.

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The Acute Effects of Different Warm-up Protocols on Change of Direction and Reactive Speed Performance

Journal of Education and Training Studies ◽

10.11114/jets.v6i7.3176 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (7) ◽

pp. 44

Author(s):

Büşra Adıgüzel ◽

Ertuğrul Gelen ◽

Dilşad Mirzeoğlu ◽

Suat Yıldız ◽

Volkan Sert

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Acute Effects ◽

School Students ◽

Warm Up ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Speed Performance ◽

The Difference ◽

Control Application

The purpose of the study was to examine the acute effects of open and closed skill warmings on change of direction and reactive speed performance.113 high school students participated in the study voluntarily. The students were divided into three groups as general warming (GW), open skill warming (OSW) and closed skill warming (CSW). Reactive speed and change of direction test was performed after the general warming (GW), open skill warming (OSW), and closed skill warming (CSW) protocols were applied in our study. In this study, general warming protocol was designed as control application and other warming protocols were designed as experimental application.In terms of the change of direction performance, with general warming the difference between OSW (p> 0.01) and CSW (p> 0.01) was found significant. However, the difference between closed skill warming and open skill warming was not significant. The difference between general warming and open skill warming (p <0.01) was found to be significant in terms of the reactive speed. However, the difference between closed skill warming (p> 0,097) and open skill warming (p> 0.0212) was not significant.In our study, in which we examined the acute effects of on and off skill warmings on different speeds and reactive speeds of different warm-up protocols, it is thought that if warming includes open and closed skills, both change of direction performance and reactive speed performance can be increased.

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Effects of Plyometric Training and Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal-Intensity Exercise and Endurance in Female Soccer Players

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2017-0072 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 99-109 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Fabián Rosas ◽

Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo ◽

Cristian Martínez ◽

Alexis Caniuqueo ◽

Rodrigo Cañas-Jamet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Training Group ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Maximal Intensity ◽

Beta Alanine ◽

Speed Performance

AbstractPlyometric training and beta-alanine supplementation are common among soccer players, although its combined use had never been tested. Therefore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of a plyometric training program, with or without beta-alanine supplementation, on maximal-intensity and endurance performance in female soccer players during an in-season training period. Athletes (23.7 ± 2.4 years) were assigned to either a plyometric training group receiving a placebo (PLACEBO, n = 8), a plyometric training group receiving beta-alanine supplementation (BA, n = 8), or a control group receiving placebo without following a plyometric training program (CONTROL, n = 9). Athletes were evaluated for single and repeated jumps and sprints, endurance, and change-of-direction speed performance before and after the intervention. Both plyometric training groups improved in explosive jumping (ES = 0.27 to 1.0), sprinting (ES = 0.31 to 0.78), repeated sprinting (ES = 0.39 to 0.91), 60 s repeated jumping (ES = 0.32 to 0.45), endurance (ES = 0.35 to 0.37), and change-of-direction speed performance (ES = 0.36 to 0.58), whereas no significant changes were observed for the CONTROL group. Nevertheless, compared to the CONTROL group, only the BA group showed greater improvements in endurance, repeated sprinting and repeated jumping performances. It was concluded that beta-alanine supplementation during plyometric training may add further adaptive changes related to endurance, repeated sprinting and jumping ability.

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Effects of Strength vs. Plyometric Training Programs on Vertical Jumping, Linear Sprint and Change of Direction Speed Performance in Female Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020401 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 401

Author(s):

Elena Pardos-Mainer ◽

Demetrio Lozano ◽

Marcelino Torrontegui-Duarte ◽

Antonio Cartón-Llorente ◽

Alberto Roso-Moliner

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Inverse Variance ◽

Vertical Jumping ◽

Speed Performance ◽

Meta Analyses

The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of strength training (ST) and plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SportDiscus databases revealed 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Effect sizes (ES) were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). The magnitude of the main effect was small to moderate (vertical jump (ES 0.53 (95% CI—0.11, 0.95), Z = 2.47 (p = 0.01); linear sprint (ES −0.66 (95% CI—2.03, −0.21), Z = 2.20 (p = 0.03); COD (ES −0.36 (95% CI—0.68, −0.03), Z = 2.17 (p = 0.03)). Subgroup analyses were performed (i.e., ST and PT duration, frequency, session duration and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.12–0.88). In conclusion, PT provides better benefits than ST to improve vertical jump, linear sprint and COD performance in female soccer players. However, significant limitations in the current literature prevent assured PT and ST prescription recommendations being made.

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Drop Jump Asymmetry is Associated with Reduced Sprint and Change-of-Direction Speed Performance in Adult Female Soccer Players

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports7010029 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 29 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Chris Bishop ◽

Anthony Turner ◽

Sean Maloney ◽

Jason Lake ◽

Irineu Loturco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Adult Female ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Drop Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Significant Relationships ◽

Percentage Difference ◽

Speed Performance ◽

Limb Asymmetry ◽

The Individual

Studies that examine the effects of inter-limb asymmetry on measures of physical performance are scarce, especially in adult female populations. The aim of the present study was to establish the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry and speed and change-of-direction speed (CODS) in adult female soccer players. Sixteen adult players performed a preseason test battery consisting of unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), unilateral drop jump (DJ), 10 m, 30 m, and 505 CODS tests. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated using a standard percentage difference equation for jump and CODS tests, and Pearson’s r correlations were used to establish a relationship between asymmetry and physical performance as well as asymmetry scores themselves across tests. Jump-height asymmetry from the CMJ (8.65%) and DJ (9.16%) tests were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than asymmetry during the 505 test (2.39%). CMJ-height asymmetry showed no association with speed or CODS. However, DJ asymmetries were significantly associated with slower 10 m (r = 0.52; p < 0.05), 30 m (r = 0.58; p < 0.05), and 505 (r = 0.52–0.66; p < 0.05) performance. No significant relationships were present between asymmetry scores across tests. These findings suggest that the DJ is a useful test for detecting existent between-limb asymmetry that might in turn be detrimental to speed and CODS performance. Furthermore, the lack of relationships present between different asymmetry scores indicates the individual nature of asymmetry and precludes the use of a single test for the assessment of inter-limb differences.

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