scholarly journals Spanish Elite Soccer Reserve Team Configuration and the Impact of Physical Fitness Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asier Los Arcos ◽  
Raúl Martínez-Santos ◽  
Daniel Castillo

AbstractThe aim of this study was threefold: 1) to assess the configuration of an elite reserve soccer team, 2) to compare physical fitness performance of promoted and new players according to the playing position, and 3) to analyze the level of competitive participation attained by these players. We considered physical fitness tests (5 m and 15 m sprint, countermovement jump [CMJ] and aerobic endurance) performed by 192 players (age = 20.2 ± 2.3 years) enrolled in the reserve team of a Spanish La Liga club from 1994 to 2013. The players were classified according to the previous club criterion (promoted from the soccer academy and new players signed from other clubs), b) their playing position, and c) the competitive level attained until the 2016/2017 season (Spanish 1st and 2nd Divisions and the remaining competition levels). The proportion of promoted and new players was similar (p = 0.47). Overall, no substantial differences (unclear-small) were found in physical fitness performance between promoted and new players. Considering the playing position, promoted lateral defenders (LDs) showed better sprinting (ES = moderate) and CMJ (ES = moderate) performance than new LDs. In addition, promoted central midfielders (CMs) demonstrated better performance in the 5 m sprint and the CMJ (ES = moderate) than new CMs. The percentage of players who later competed in the Spanish 1st and 2nd Divisions was greater in promoted players compared to new players (p = 0.006). Physical fitness performance did not determine the selection of new players in a soccer elite reserve team. We may conclude that soccer academies should prioritize the selection and the training process of youth soccer players.

Kinesiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64
Author(s):  
Asier Los Arcos ◽  
Asier Gonzalez-Artetxe

The aim of this study was to look into the alleged impact of the physical fitness performance of elite junior soccer players on the professional career according to playing position. The physical tests (sprint test, countermovement jump [CMJ], and maximal aerobic speed [MAS]) performed by 165 players enrolled in the junior team of a Spanish 1st Division club (1998-2010) were evaluated. Players were classified as those who were promoted to the reserve team (Reserve Team) and those who were not (non-Reserve Team), and as those who were promoted to the Spanish 1st/2nd Divisions (PFL) and those who were not (NPFL) until the 2020-2021 season. Overall, no significant differences (p>.05) were found between the Reserve Team and non-Reserve Team or between the PFL and NPFL players in neuromuscular performance. Aerobic fitness was greater (p<.05; ES = .79 ± .60 , moderate; mean difference = 3.0%) for the Reserve Team lateral midfielders in comparison to that for the non-Reserve Team. The results suggest that the impact of physical fitness on the promotion of elite junior soccer players is limited.


Author(s):  
Alexis Padrón-Cabo ◽  
Miguel Lorenzo-Martínez ◽  
Alexandra Pérez-Ferreirós ◽  
Pablo B. Costa ◽  
Ezequiel Rey

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of plyometric training with an agility ladder on components of physical fitness in youth soccer players. A total of twenty male under-13 soccer players were randomly assigned to a plyometric training group with an agility ladder (n=10) or a control group (n=10). Before and after training intervention linear sprint test (5 m, 10 m, 20 m), vertical jump ability (squat jump, countermovement jump and countermovement jump with arms), agility test, and slalom dribble test were assessed. The plyometric training with agility ladder was applied two times per week over six weeks. Data were analyzed using linear mixed model. The plyometric training group showed significant improvements (p<0.001) from pre-test to post-test in countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms, and slalom dribble test. In the control group, no significant enhancements were obtained in all performance tests (p>0.05). The between-group analysis showed significant differences in countermovement jump with arms (p=0.03), but no significant differences (p>0.05) were found in squat jump, countermovement jump, sprint, agility test, and slalom dribble test. In conclusion, the short-term plyometric training with agility ladder seems to be ineffective and not time-efficient to improve physical fitness in youth soccer players. However, the interpretation of these results must be understood within the sample size limitations.


Kinesiology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-231
Author(s):  
Asier Los Arcos ◽  
Raúl Martínez-Santos ◽  
Filipe M. Clemente ◽  
Daniel Castillo

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in jump and sprint performances after the preseason period across 14 seasons depending on the initial performance level and the playing position in young professional soccer players. In total, 162 soccer players (age = 20.6 ± 1.8 years) belonging to the same reserve team of a Spanish La Liga club participated in this study. Countermovement jump (CMJ) and 5 and 15 m sprints were assessed in each season at the start of the preseason (July), Test 1 (T1), and the start of the competitive period (September), Test 2 (T2), from the 1998 to 2013 seasons. Considering all seasons, a trivial change was found in the sprint (5 m, Effect Size [ES] = −0.01; ±0.11, most-likely; and 15 m, ES = 0.05; ±0.09, most-likely) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performances (ES = −0.03; ±0.07; most-likely) after the preseason, but this varied across the seasons. While the fastest players in 5 m and 15 m tests and the most powerful worsened their performances in sprinting capacity (ES = 0.53–0.65, small very-likely) and in jump ability (ES = −0.54; ±0.25, small very-likely), respectively, the slowest players and the less powerful improved their performance likely/most-likely (ES = −0.33 and −0.68, small and moderate) and very-likely (ES = 0.40; ±0.20, small) after the precompetitive period. The changes in CMJ and sprinting were trivial and trivial/small for all tactical positions. The changes in neuromuscular performance after the preseason were not stable across the seasons and varied depending on the initial performance level. Individualization strategies should be considered in the design of strength and conditioning programs in order to optimize the training process.


2021 ◽  

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors needed to improve the dynamic balance of youth soccer players. Methods: A total of 170 youth soccer players (84 U-15 and 86 U-18 players) participated in this study. Their anthropometric (height, weight, and body fat percentage) and physical fitness (dynamic balance, muscle strength, power, core strength, agility, reaction time, and flexibility) characteristics were evaluated. To investigate the effects of these factors on dynamic balance, a multiple regression analysis was conducted. Results: The results showed that the weight (P = 0.008) and back muscle strength (P = 0.039); and actions, such as sit-up (P = 0.017), countermovement jump (P = 0.019), and trunk forward flexion (P = 0.009) were significant factors affecting balance in all the soccer players of this study (R2 = 0.265). In the U-15 group, only the countermovement jump (P = 0.019) was found to significantly influence dynamic balance (R2 = 0.275). In contrast, in the U-18 group, weight (P = 0.002), sit-up action (P < 0.001), countermovement jump (P = 0.019), and trunk forward flexion (P = 0.011) were found to affect dynamic balance (R2 = 0.439). Conclusion: Our study suggests that muscle strength, power, flexibility, and core strength are needed to improve the dynamic balance of youth soccer players.


Author(s):  
Rhys Morris ◽  
Tony Myers ◽  
Stacey Emmonds ◽  
Dave Singleton ◽  
Kevin Till

Abstract Purpose Sled towing has been shown to be an effective method to enhance the physical qualities in youth athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 6-week sled towing intervention on muscular strength, speed and power in elite youth soccer players of differing maturity status. Method Seventy-three male elite youth soccer players aged 12–18 years (Pre-Peak Height Velocity [PHV] n = 25; Circa-PHV n = 24; Post-PHV n = 24) from one professional soccer academy participated in this study. Sprint assessments (10 m and 30 m), countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull were undertaken before (T1) and after (T2) a 6-week intervention. The training intervention consisted of 6 weeks (2 × per week, 10 sprints over 20 m distance) of resisted sled towing (linear progression 10%–30% of body mass) during the competitive season. Bayesian regression models analysed differences between T1 and T2 within each maturity group. Results There were minimal changes in strength, speed and power (P = 0.35–0.80) for each maturity group across the 6-week intervention. Where there were changes with greater certainty, they are unlikely to represent real effect due to higher regression to the mean (RTM). Conclusion It appears that a 6-week sled towing training programme with loadings of 10%–30% body mass only maintains physical qualities in elite youth soccer players pre-, circa-, and post-PHV. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this training method in long-term athletic development programmes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-137
Author(s):  
Aurelio Olmedilla ◽  
Marta Cánovas ◽  
Belén Olmedilla-Caballero ◽  
Enrique Ortega

El estudio de los factores psicológicos relacionados con el rendimiento deportivo tiene un importante recorrido en la literatura científica. Conocer si existen diferencias entre hombres y mujeres deportistas, cuáles son estas, y en qué aspectos se manifiestan es una cuestión que podría ayudar a mejorar la labor de entrenadores y técnicos deportivos. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existen diferencias de género en el perfil psicológico de futbolistas juveniles relacionado con el rendimiento deportivo. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo transversal. La muestra objeto de estudio estuvo formada por un total de 329 jugadores juveniles de fútbol (46.8% varones y 53,2% mujeres), con una edad media de 17.02 (±1.50) años;. Para la evaluación de las características psicológicas se utilizó el Cuestionario Características Psicológicas Relacionadas con el Rendimiento Deportivo (CPRD). Los resultados de este estudio indican que existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre chicos y chicas en control de estrés (CE), influencia de la evaluación del rendimiento (IER) y en cohesión de equipo (CH). Los jugadores chicos manifiestan puntuaciones mayores que las jugadoras chicas en CE, es decir, gestionan mejor el estrés propio de la competición, y en IER, es decir, los jugadores chicos gestionan mejor que las jugadoras chicas el impacto que supone la evaluación de su rendimiento, el que hacen los otros (entrenadores, compañeros, padres/madres, etc.) y el que se hace a sí mismo. Sin embargo, las jugadoras chicas presentan mejores puntuaciones en CH, es decir, manifiestan una mayor tendencia a trabajar en grupo y fortalecer el equipo. The study of psychological factors related to sports performance has an important track record in the scientific literature. Knowing if there are differences between male and female athletes, what they are, and in what aspects they manifest is an issue that could help improve the work of coaches and sports technicians. The aim of this study is to determine if there are gender differences in the psychological profile of youth soccer players related to sports performance. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The sample under study was formed by a total of 329 youth soccer players (46.8% male and 53,2% female), with an average age of 17.02 (± 1.50) years. The Psychological Characteristics Questionnaire Related to Sports Performance (CPRD) was used to evaluate psychological characteristics. The results of this study indicate that there are statistically significant differences between male and female in stress control (CE), influence of performance evaluation (IER) and in team cohesion (CH). The male players show higher scores than the female players in CE, that is, they better manage the stress of the competition, and in IER, that is, the male players manage better than the female players the impact of evaluating their performance, the one that others do (coaches, partners, fathers / mothers, etc.) and the one that makes itself. However, female players have better CH scores, that is, they show a greater tendency to work in groups and strengthen the team. O estudo de fatores psicológicos relacionados ao desempenho esportivo tem um histórico importante na literatura científica. Saber se existem diferenças entre atletas masculinos e femininos, o que são e em que aspectos eles se manifestam é uma questão que pode ajudar a melhorar o trabalho de treinadores e técnicos esportivos. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar se existem diferenças de gênero no perfil psicológico de jovens jogadores de futebol relacionados ao desempenho esportivo. Foi utilizado um desenho descritivo de corte transversal. A amostra estudada foi composta por um total de 329 jogadores de futebol juvenil (46,8% masculino e 53,2% feminino), com idade média de 17,02 (± 1,50) anos. O Questionário de Características Psicológicas Relacionadas ao Desempenho Esportivo (CPRD) foi utilizado para avaliar as características psicológicas. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que existem diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre meninos e meninas no controle do estresse (EC), influência da avaliação de desempenho (IER) e na coesão da equipe (HC). Os jogadores pequenos apresentam pontuações mais altas do que as jogadoras da CE, ou seja, administram melhor o estresse da competição, e no IER, ou seja, os jogadores pequenos gerenciam melhor do que as jogadoras o impacto de avaliar seu desempenho , o que os outros fazem (treinadores, parceiros, pais / mães, etc.) e o que se faz. No entanto, as jogadoras têm melhores pontuações no HC, ou seja, mostram maior tendência a trabalhar em grupo e fortalecer a equipe


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 745-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Dugdale ◽  
Calum A. Arthur ◽  
Dajo Sanders ◽  
Angus M. Hunter

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