scholarly journals Physical fitness performance, playing position and competitive level attained by elite junior soccer players

Kinesiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64
Author(s):  
Asier Los Arcos ◽  
Asier Gonzalez-Artetxe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Professional Career ◽  
Neuromuscular Performance ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Speed ◽  
Physical Tests ◽  
The Impact

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.

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
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Training Process ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Fitness Tests ◽  
Soccer Team ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of

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.

scholarly journals Assessing Change of Direction Ability in a Spanish Elite Soccer Academy

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 229-239
Author(s):  
Asier Los Arcos ◽  
José F. Aramendi ◽  
Jose I. Emparanza ◽  
Carlo Castagna ◽  
Javier Yanci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Arm Swing ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Neuromuscular Performance ◽  
Anthropometric Characteristics ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe aims of the study were: a) to analyze the reproducibility of the Modified Agility Test (MAT) according to two types of displacement (i.e. constrained [MATtop] vs. free [MATfree]), b) to examine the explanatory capacity of anthropometric characteristics and neuromuscular performance on the ability to change the direction (CODA), c) to look into the practical consequences of the types of displacement from the perspective of an elite soccer academy. 118 male soccer players (age: 16 (13-25) years old) from the same elite Spanish soccer academy (U13 to senior) were tested twice on two versions of the MAT (MATtop and MATfree), with 48 hours between testing sessions. Moreover, they were tested on linear-sprint performance, over 5 m (S5m) and 15 m (S15m), and the vertical jump (VJ) (countermovement jump with [ACMJ] and without an arm swing [CMJ]). The main findings were: a) the type of displacement did not affect the reliability of the CODA test; b) weight, S15m, ACMJ and CMJ variables explained close to 60% of CODA performance; c) MATtop (i.e. constrained displacement) and MATfree (i.e. free-displacement) CODA tests could show different profiles of development along the age groups; and d) the impact of the task’s constraints was relatively higher in U16 and U17 groups. CODA seems to have a variable meaning depending on the characteristics of the test and the age of the participants.

scholarly journals Associations between Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Jump and Change of Direction Speed Tests and Physical Performance in Adolescent Female Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3474
Author(s):  
Elena Pardos-Mainer ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Oliver Gonzalo-Skok ◽  
Hadi Nobari ◽  
Jorge Pérez-Gómez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Adolescent Female ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Percentage Difference ◽  
Hop Test ◽  
Physical Tests

The association between asymmetries in jump and change of direction (COD) with physical performance in several sports show inconclusive results. The purposes of this study were to: (1) measure inter-limb asymmetries in three distinct groups in adolescent female soccer players and, (2) to determine the association between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance in different age groups. Fifty-four players were distributed in three age groups: U-18, U-16 and U-14. All of them performed a series of jumps, sprints and change of direction speed tests. Asymmetries were assessed as the percentage difference between limbs, with the equation: 100/Max value (right and left) * in value (right and left) * −1 + 100. Mean inter-limb asymmetries were 2.91%, 4.82% and 11.6% for 180° COD, single leg hop and single leg countermovement jump tests respectively, but higher percentages of asymmetries were observed in many players individually. U-18 and U-16 showed significant differences on 180° left COD compared to U-14. Effect size (ES): 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; U-18 presented differences on single left leg hop test compared to U-14, ES: −0.72; U-16 also showed differences on 40 m speed compared to U-14, ES 0.87 (All p < 0.05). Jumping and COD physical tests show asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players, but these asymmetries do not interfere with physical performance. The largest asymmetry was observed in the single leg countermovement jump, and no asymmetries between groups were found. Due to the high variability in the direction of asymmetries, it is recommended to consider players’ individual asymmetries for designing specific training programs.

scholarly journals Effects of Unloaded vs. Ankle-Loaded Plyometric Training on the Physical Fitness of U-17 Male Soccer Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7877
Author(s):  
Mehrez Hammami ◽  
Nawel Gaamouri ◽  
Katsuhiko Suzuki ◽  
Ridha Aouadi ◽  
Roy J. Shephard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Plyometric Training ◽  
Recovery Test ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Performance Group ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to compare the impact of two differing plyometric training programs (loaded plyometrics (with 2.5% of body mass placed above the ankle joint) vs. unloaded plyometrics), performed biweekly for 10 weeks, on the physical fitness of elite junior male soccer players. Participants aged 16.0 ± 0.5 years were randomly assigned between unloaded plyometrics (UP; n = 12), loaded plyometrics (LP; n = 14) and control (C; n = 12) groups. Two-way analyses of performance (group x time) were assessed by 40-m sprint times; 9–3–6–3–9 m sprints with 180° turns (S180°); 9–3–6–3–9 m sprints with backward and forward running (SBF); and 4 × 5 m sprints (S4 × 5 m); four jump tests; measures of static and dynamic balance; repeated change of direction tests and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. Both LP and UP enhanced sprinting performance relative to C (p < 0.05) but performance increased more in LP relative to UP (p < 0.05) in all sprints except 40 m. Change of direction times were also significantly shortened by LP relative to UP (p < 0.05) and C (p < 0.01) in all tests, with no significant differences between UP and C. Jumps heights increased similarly in both LP and UP relative to C (p < 0.05), with no significance between LP and UP. LP and UP also enhanced repeated change of direction scores relative to C (p < 0.01) with greater changes in LP than in UP (p < 0.01). Finally, LP enhanced some balance scores relative to UP (p < 0.05) and C (p < 0.05). We conclude that the introduction of 10 weeks of in-season loaded plyometrics into the regimen of U17 male soccer players yields gains in several physical performance scores relative to either unloaded plyometrics or the control training regimen.

scholarly journals Association Between Match Activity Variables, Measures of Fatigue and Neuromuscular Performance Capacity Following Elite Competitive Soccer Matches

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Varley ◽  
Ryan Lewin ◽  
Robert Needham ◽  
Robin T. Thorpe ◽  
Ross Burbeary
Keyword(s):  
Creatine Kinase ◽  
Muscle Soreness ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Performance Capacity ◽  
Neuromuscular Performance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Activity Variables

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between match activity variables, subsequent fatigue and neuromuscular performance capacity in elite soccer players. Subjects (n = 10) were professional soccer players participating in the English Championships. Match activity variables and markers of fatigue status were measured before and following two matches. Creatine kinase (CK) and muscle soreness were measured at baseline, immediately following, as well as 40 and 64 h post-match. Countermovement jump performance and perceived ratings of wellness were measured at baseline, then 40 and 64 h post-match. Relationships were shown between CK and the total number of accelerations and decelerations immediately (r = 0.63; large), 40 h (r = 0.45; moderate) and 64 h post-match (r = 0.35; moderate) (p < 0.05). Relationships between CK and total sprint distance (r = 0.39; moderate) and the number of sprints (r = 0.35; moderate) 40 h post-match (p < 0.05) were observed. Furthermore, relationships were shown between the perceived rating of wellness and number of accelerations 40 (r = 0.52; large) and 64 h (r = 0.40; moderate) post-match, sprint distance 40 h post-match (r = 0.40; moderate) and the total number of sprints 40 h post-match (r = 0.51; large) (p < 0.05). The quantification of match activity variables, particularly the total number of accelerations and decelerations and the number of sprints, provides insights into the fatigue status in elite soccer players 40 and 64 h post-match.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Training Effect Using Some Skill and Physical Tests on Young Soccer Players Aged (14 – 15) Years Old

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-74
Author(s):  
Sajad Mohsen Ali ◽  
Naji Khadem Ali
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Experimental Method ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Training Effect ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Physical Tests

The importance of the research lies in physical fitness as an important component in soccer and the problem of the research lies in differences in training programs from one place to another and not benefiting from great countries experiences. The research aimed at making a comparative study on the effect of a training program used for a certain period of time as well as identifying differences between pre and post-tests. The researchers hypothesized significant statistical differences in test results in favor of posttests. The researcher used the experimental method for 45 days on Russian players aged (14- 15) years old. The researcher concluded significant statistical differences in posttests.

Validity and Reliability of the 45-15 Test for Aerobic Fitness in Young Soccer Players

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 525-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Castagna ◽  
Ferdinando Iellamo ◽  
Franco Maria Impellizzeri ◽  
Vincenzo Manzi
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Speed ◽  
Valid Test ◽  
Measurement Consistency ◽  
Peak Speed

The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of a popular field test for aerobic fitness used in soccer (45-15) in Italy. Alternating progressive 45-s runs with 15 s passive recovery until exhaustion, the test considers peak speed (PS) as a reflection of maximal aerobic speed (MAS). The validity and reliability of the 45-15 was assessed in 18 young male soccer players (age 16.7 ± 1.8 y, body mass 70 ± 7.45 kg, height 177 ± 0.5 cm, 55.62 ± 5.56 mL · kg−1 · min−1) submitted to laboratory testing for aerobic fitness and repeatedly to the 45-15. Results showed that 45-15 PS was significantly related to VO2max (r = .80, P < .001, 95%CI .47–.93) and MAS (r = .78, P = .001, 95%CI .43–.93). No significant bias between MAS 45-15 PS (P = .11) was found during the measurement-consistency study. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that 45-15 PS was sensitive in detecting VO2max changes in subjects as revealed by area under the curve (.97; 95%CI .73–1). Players with peak 45-15 speed equal to or above 16.5 km/h (ie, ROC cutoff) may be considered to have good aerobic fitness. In light of this study’s findings, the 45-15 test may be considered a reliable and valid test to evaluate meaningful information to direct generic aerobic training in soccer.

Effects of Plyometric Training with Agility Ladder on Physical Fitness in Youth Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Padrón-Cabo ◽  
Miguel Lorenzo-Martínez ◽  
Alexandra Pérez-Ferreirós ◽  
Pablo B. Costa ◽  
Ezequiel Rey
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plyometric Training ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Youth Soccer

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.

scholarly journals Aerobic fitness profile of youth soccer players: effects of chronological age and playing position

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovani Dos Santos Cunha ◽  
André Luís Lopes ◽  
Jeam Marcel Geremia ◽  
Gabriela Tomedi Leites ◽  
Bruno Manfredini Baroni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Position Effects ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Biological Maturation ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Speed ◽  
Fitness Parameters ◽  
Positive Effect

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n6p700 To establish a profile of the aerobic fitness in young soccer players, it is critical to consider different intervenient factors such as maturity status, chronological age and playing position. The aim of this study was to identify the biological maturation, chronological age, and playing position effects on physical and physiological characteristics of young soccer players. Two hundred and one soccer players of 11-19 years old were divided into groups relative to their maturity status, chronological age and playing position. A maximal exercise test was performed to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) parameters in a treadmill. Biological maturation showed no significant effect on relative values (mL.kg-1.min-1) of VO2peak, VT2 and VT1 (0.004 < h2 < 0.039), but showed large positive effect on maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and speed at VT2 (VT2speed). Chronological age showed a medium positive effect on relative values of VO2peak, VT2 and VT1 (0.095 < h2 < 0.137) and a large positive effect on MAS and VT2speed. Relative values of VO2peak and VT1 showed no significant differences among groups for playing position (P>0.05; 0.044 < h2 < 0.051). However, goalkeepers showed significant lower relative values for VT2 and VT2speed than other playing positions and a medium positive effect was observed (P<0.05; 0.077 < h2 < 0.119). Chronological age showed a medium to large positive effect on aerobic fitness parameters, while biological maturation showed a positive effect only on MAS and VT2speed. Playing position showed a medium positive effect on VT2 and VT2speed. 

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