The Influence of Maximum Strength Performance in Squats and Standing Calf Raises on Squat Jumps, Drop Jumps, and Linear and Change of Direction Sprint Performance in Youth Soccer Players

AbstractChange of direction (COD) performance has an essential role in soccer. In the literature, there is a wide range of explained variance in correlation analyses between linear-sprint performance, concentric power and maximum strength and COD performance. Therefore this study has (1) analyzed the influence of linear-sprint performance, concentric power and maximum strength on COD performance in elite youth soccer players and (2) compared the calculated influence on the different COD tests. To answer the research questions, 67 elite youth soccer players were tested. The linear-sprint (10 m, [LS]) performance, concentric power (squat jump [SJ]) and maximum strength (1 repetition maximum [1 RM]) and COD (measured via the Illinois agility test [IAT], the 505 agility test [505], the agility test of the German Soccer Association [GewT], and the triangle test [TriT]) were assessed. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship. Benjamini and Hochberg’s method, which was used to control the study-wise false discovery rate, was 0.05. The LS performance had the greatest impact on COD performance with a wide range of explained variance between the different COD tests (r2 = 0.18 to 0.39). However, SJ compared to LS performance had lower influence, but also a wide range of explained variance (r2 = −0.02 to −0.29). Correlations for 1 RM and COD test were calculated with r2 = −0.01 to −0.09. Thus, (1) the greater the similarity between the performance tests (i.e., LS, SJ, 1 RM) and the COD tests, the higher the explained variance between the variables in question. Furthermore, (2) as the different COD tests are affected to different degrees by linear-sprint, concentric power and maximum strength performance, it might be concluded that the tests have a different physiological requirement profile. Therefore, coaches and sport scientists must review and select different tests with logical validity, based on the requirement profiles of soccer.

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Change of direction asymmetry across different age categories in youth soccer

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.9486 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. e9486

Author(s):

Athos Trecroci ◽

Alessio Rossi ◽

Thomas Dos’Santos ◽

Damiano Formenti ◽

Luca Cavaggioni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Entry And Exit ◽

Sprint Time ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Directional Asymmetries

Background In youth, the development of change of direction (COD) and sprint performance is a key component for successfully competing in soccer across age. During a COD, the presence of directional asymmetries may be detrimental due to the unpredictable nature of the sport. Therefore, the aims of the study were to investigate asymmetries in COD ability and to examine the differences in COD and sprint performance across age in young soccer players. Methods Sixty-eight sub-elite soccer players of different age categories (U18, U17, U16, U15) were tested on a 10-m linear sprint test and 90°COD (5-m entry and exit) test in both directions. Asymmetric index (AI) of COD deficit was obtained for dominant (fastest) and non-dominant directions (slowest). Results The results showed that U16 were more asymmetrical than U18, U17, and U15 from large to moderate effects. The sprint time improved linearly across age with U18 and U15 displaying the fastest and slowest 10-m sprint performance (p < 0.01), respectively. Moreover, COD ability measured by COD deficit did not change across age (p > 0.05). Conclusion Given the results of this study, practitioners are encouraged to assess asymmetries between dominant and non-dominant directions rather than solely players’ COD ability in young soccer players.

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Improvement of Physical Performance Following a 6 Week Change-of-Direction Training Program in Elite Youth Soccer Players of Different Maturity Levels

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.668437 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Dorsaf Sariati ◽

Raouf Hammami ◽

Hassane Zouhal ◽

Cain C. T. Clark ◽

Ammar Nebigh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Effect Size ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Height Velocity ◽

Adherence Rate ◽

Peak Height Velocity ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Significant Group ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Change Of Direction

Background: Change-of-direction (CoD) is a necessary physical ability of a field sport and may vary in youth players according to their maturation status.Objectives: The aim of this study is: to compare the effectiveness of a 6-week CoD training intervention on dynamic balance (CS-YBT), horizontal jump (5JT), speed (10 and 30-m linear sprint times), CoD with (15 m-CoD + B) and without (15 m-CoD) the ball, in youth male soccer players at different levels of maturity [pre- and post-peak height velocity (PHV)].Materials and Methods: Thirty elite male youth soccer players aged 10–17 years from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were divided into pre- (G1, n = 15) and post-PHV (G2, n = 15) groups. Both groups completed a similar 6-week training program with two sessions per week of four CoD exercises. All players completed the following tests before and after intervention: CS-YBT; 5 JT; 10, 30, and 15 m-CoD; and 15 m-CoD + B, and data were analyzed using ANCOVA.Results: All 30 players completed the study according to the study design and methodology. Adherence rate was 100% across all groups, and no training or test-related injuries were reported. Pre-PHV and post-PHV groups showed significant amelioration post-intervention for all dependent variables (after test > before test; p < 0.01, d = 0.09–1.51). ANOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction only for CS-YBT (F = 4.45; p < 0.04; η2 = 0.14), 5JT (F = 6.39; p < 0.02; η2 = 0.18), and 15 m-CoD (F = 7.88; p < 0.01; η2 = 0.22). CS-YBT, 5JT, and 15 m-CoD improved significantly in the post-PHV group (+ 4.56%, effect size = 1.51; + 4.51%, effect size = 1.05; and -3.08%, effect size = 0.51, respectively), more than the pre-PHV group (+ 2.77%, effect size = 0.85; + 2.91%, effect size = 0.54; and -1.56%, effect size = 0.20, respectively).Conclusion: The CoD training program improved balance, horizontal jump, and CoD without the ball in male preadolescent and adolescent soccer players, and this improvement was greater in the post-PHV players. The maturity status of the athletes should be considered when programming CoD training for soccer players.

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The influence of youth soccer players’ sprint performance on the different sided games’ external load using GPS devices

Research in Sports Medicine ◽

10.1080/15438627.2019.1643726 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 194-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Daniel Castillo ◽

Javier Raya-González ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Javier Yanci

Keyword(s):

External Load ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Gps Devices

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Heart Rate Response and Match Repeated-Sprint Performance in Chinese Elite Youth Soccer Players

Asian Journal of Physical Education & Recreation ◽

10.24112/ajper.171875 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 42-49

Author(s):

Del P. WONG ◽

Karim CHAMARI ◽

Anis CHAOUACHI ◽

Tze Chung LUK ◽

Patrick Wing Chung LAU

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Recovery Period ◽

Interval Training ◽

Cardiovascular Fitness ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Active Recovery ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Repeated Sprint ◽

Soccer Teams

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese. The purpose of this study is to investigate the heart rate (HR) repose and repeated-sprint performance throughout the match among Chinese elite youth soccer players. Two elite youth soccer teams each consisted of 11 players participated in the study. The HR measurement and repeated-sprint test were conducted (age: 17.1±0.85, height: 173± 5.2cm; weight: 64.2± 8.1kg). HR was recorded every 5s throughout the match, while repeated-sprint consisted of three 30m sprints separated by a 25s active recovery period that was conducted: 5min before the match (T1), 5min before the end of the first half (T2), 5min before the start of the second half (T3), and 5min before the end of the second half (T4). HR was in the range of 160-169bpm for 25% of total play time, followed by 170-179bpm for 23.6%. HR during the 46-60min was significantly lower than other intervals (P<0.05), and repeated-sprint time at T3 was significantly slower than others. The intensity of the match was lower than those found in European players, indicating the cardiovascular fitness and repeated-sprint performance are needed among the players. High-intensity and low-volume interval training, and re-warm up before the start of second half are suggested in the training program. 本研究旨在測定中國青年足球運動員比賽時的心率及重覆衝跑測試表現。對兩支分由11人組成的足球隊運動員(年齡17.1±0.85歲，身高：173±5.2釐米，體重; 64.2±8.1公斤)進行了心率測量以及重覆衝跑測試。比賽時每5秒鍾記錄一次心率。重覆衝跑測試由3次30米衝跑組成，每次有25秒動態休息。重覆衝跑測試共進行四次，分別在：賽前5分鐘(T1)，中場前5分鐘(T2)，下半場開始前5分鐘(T3)及比賽結束前5分鐘(T4)進行。結果在25%的比賽時間內，運動員的心率在每分鐘160-169之間，其次是23.6%的時間內為每分鐘170-179。在46-60分鐘的比賽中，運動員的心率顯著低於其他時段(P<0.05),而運動員在第三次重覆衝跑測試時的速度顯著低於其他三次測試。本次研究結果顯示比賽強度低於歐洲青年足球員進行的同類測試，說明中國青年足球運動員需要加強心肺功能及提高重覆衝跑的表現。建議訓練時進行大強度低密度的間歇訓練，及在比賽中場開始前再次進行熱身。

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Differences in Squat Jump, Linear Sprint, and Change-of-Direction Performance among Youth Soccer Players According to Competitive Level

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports9110149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

Michael Keiner ◽

Andreas Kapsecker ◽

Tobias Stefer ◽

Björn Kadlubowski ◽

Klaus Wirth

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Male Youth ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Talent Selection ◽

Selection Test

The aim of this investigation was to analyze significant differences in performance depending on the level of play (elite vs. amateur) in youth soccer players (under 17 years. old (U17) and U19). A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 45 elite and amateur male youth soccer players (16.56 ± 0.9 years old) were evaluated in their performances in squat jump (SJ), 10 m linear sprint (LS), 20 m LS, 505 agility test (505) and Illinois agility test (IAT). Differences in performances were analyzed with a 2 × 2 MANOVA, post-hoc ANOVAs, and Hedges’ g (g) for pairwise comparisons of subgroups (level of play and age group). This investigation showed that the elite player performance was significantly (p < 0.05) better in all performance tests than amateur players in both age groups. Interestingly, this investigation showed that the more complex the target exercise, the larger the effect sizes for group differences (SJ: g = 0.64–1.18, LS: g = 0.05–2.23, change-of-direction (COD): g = 3.01–6.84). The SJ, LS, 505, and IAT may prove useful in talent selection test batteries to separate between competitive levels in youth soccer players.

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Effect of Heavy Resisted Sled Sprint Training During the Competitive Season on Sprint and Change-of-Direction Performance in Professional Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2018-0592 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1066-1073 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Brian J. McMorrow ◽

Massimiliano Ditroilo ◽

Brendan Egan

Keyword(s):

Training Group ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Confidence Limits ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Competitive Season ◽

Before And After ◽

Total Program

Purpose: Resisted sled sprinting (RSS) is an effective tool for improving sprint performance over short distances, but the effect on change-of-direction (COD) performance is largely unknown. The present study investigated the effect of heavy RSS training during the competitive season on sprint and COD performance in professional soccer players. Methods: Over 6 wk in-season, an RSS training group (n = 6) performed RSS at a sled load of 30% body mass for a total program running distance of 800 m, whereas an unresisted sprint (URS) training group (n = 7) performed the same distance of unresisted sprinting. A 20-m maximal sprint with split times measured at 5, 10, and 20 m and the sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with 180° turns COD test were performed before and after the intervention. Results: Sprint performance (mean, 95% confidence limits, qualitative inference) was improved in both groups over 5 m (URS, 5.1%, −2.4 to 12.7, likely moderate; RSS, 5.4%, 0.5–10.4, likely moderate), 10 m (URS, 3.9%, −0.3 to 8.1, very likely moderate; RSS, 5.0%, 1.8–8.0, very likely large), and 20 m (URS, 2.0%, −0.6 to 4.5, likely moderate; RSS, 3.0%, 1.7–4.4, very likely moderate). COD was improved in both groups (URS, 3.7%, 2.2–5.2, most likely large; RSS, 3.3%, 1.6–5.0, most likely moderate). Between-groups differences were unclear. Conclusion: Heavy RSS and URS training matched for running distance were similarly effective at improving sprint and COD performance in professional soccer players when performed in the competitive phase of the season.

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The Relationship between Change of Direction Tests in Elite Youth Soccer Players

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports7050111 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 111 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Björn Kadlubowski ◽

Michael Keiner ◽

Hagen Hartmann ◽

Klaus Wirth ◽

Ulrich Frick

Keyword(s):

Pearson Correlation ◽

Team Sports ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

False Discovery ◽

Physical Abilities ◽

Pearson Correlation Analysis ◽

The Relationship

Change of direction (COD) is a performance-limiting factor in team sports. However, there are no exact definitions describing which physical abilities limit COD performance in soccer. Nevertheless, different COD tests are used or have been recommended as being equally effective in the professional practice of measuring COD performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between different COD tests, and to test the independence and generalizability of these COD tests in soccer. As such, 27 elite youth soccer players were randomly recruited and were tested in different COD tests (i.e., Illinois agility test (IAT), T agility test (TT), 505 agility test (505), Gewandtheitslauf (GewT), triangle test (Tri-t), and square test (SQT)). Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between the COD tests. The Benjamini–Hochberg method was used to control for the false discovery rate of the study at 0.05. This investigation calculated explained variances of 10% to 55% between performances in the different COD tests. This suggested that the tests covered different aspects or task-specific characteristics of the COD. Therefore, coaches and sport scientists should review and select different tests with a logical validity, based on the requirement profiles of the corresponding sport.

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Correlation of Fiber-Type Composition and Sprint Performance in Youth Soccer Players

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research ◽

10.1519/jsc.0000000000003320 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 33 (10) ◽

pp. 2629-2634

Author(s):

Thomas Metaxas ◽

Athanasios Mandroukas ◽

Yiannis Michailidis ◽

Nikolaos Koutlianos ◽

Kosmas Christoulas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fiber Type ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Fiber Type Composition ◽

Type Composition

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Reliability and Validity of a Soccer-Specific Test of Prolonged Repeated-Sprint Ability

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2.2.137 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 137-149 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Jon L. Oliver ◽

Neil Armstrong ◽

Craig A. Williams

Keyword(s):

Reliability And Validity ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Average Intensity ◽

Soccer Match ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Repeated Sprint Ability ◽

Total Distance ◽

Repeated Sprint ◽

Sprint Ability

Purpose:The purpose of the study was to assess the reliability and validity of a newly developed laboratory protocol to measure prolonged repeated-sprint ability (RSA) during soccer-specific exercise.Methods:To assess reliability, 12 youth soccer players age 15.2 ± 0.3 y performed 2 trials of a soccer-specific intermittent-exercise test (SSIET) separated by 3 months. The test was performed on a nonmotorized treadmill. A separate sample of 12 youth soccer players (15.2 ± 0.3 y) completed the SSIET while simultaneously HR, VO2, and blood lactate (BLa) were monitored. The SSIET was designed to replicate the demands of competing in one half of a soccer match while sprint performance was monitored. The test included a 5-s sprint every 2 min.Results:The mean coefficient of variation was 2.5% for the total distance covered during the SSIET and 3.8% for the total distance sprinted; measures of power output were less reliable (>5.9%). Participants covered 4851 ± 251 m during the SSIET, working at an average intensity of 87.5% ± 3.2% HRpeak and 70.2% ± 3.1% VO2peak, with ~7mmol/L BLa accumulation. A significant reduction (P < .05) in sprint performance was ob served over the course of the SSIET.Conclusion:The SSIET provided a reliable method of assessing prolonged RSA in the laboratory. The distance covered and the physiological responses during the SSIET successfully recreated the demands of competing in a soccer match.

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