Effects of a Specific Core Stability Program on the Sprint and Change-of-Direction Maneuverability Performance in Youth, Male Soccer Players

Although it is recommended to use sport-specific training programs to optimize performance, studies analyzing the effects of the core stability training with high levels of sport-specificity on athletic performance are insufficient and unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the level of specificity of a CORE stability program on specific soccer actions. Fourteen youth players were randomly assigned to the specific core stability group (SCS; n = 7) or the general core stability group (GCS; n = 7). The eight-week intervention consisted of two weekly training sessions added to the usual soccer training. Both groups performed four CORE stability tasks. The SCS group followed the principle of sports specificity, while the GCS group performed CORE stability commons. Ten-meter linear sprinting (Sprint) and change-of-direction maneuverability (V-cut) were evaluated before and after the intervention programs. A statistically significant improvement was obtained in Sprint (d = 0.84 95% CI (0.22, 1.45), p = 0.008) and V-cut (d = 1.24 95% CI (0.52, 1.93), p < 0.001). At posttest, statistically nonsignificant differences were obtained between groups in Sprint (d = 1.03 95% CI (−0.25, 2.30), p = 0.082) and V-cut (d = −0.56 95% CI (−1.89, 0.78), p = 0.370). In conclusion, sprint and change-of-direction maneuverability were improved, but there was no superiority of any type of training.

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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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Effects of Resisted Sprints With Changes of Direction Through Several Relative Loads on Physical Performance in Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2018-0702 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1022-1028 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David Rodríguez-Osorio ◽

Oliver Gonzalo-Skok ◽

Fernando Pareja-Blanco

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Body Mass ◽

External Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Before And After ◽

Moderate Load ◽

Run Test ◽

Positive Effect

Purpose: To compare the effects of resisted change-of-direction (COD) movements, using several relative loads, on soccer players’ physical performance. Methods: Fifty-four male soccer players were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 3 groups, which differed only in the magnitude of the external load used during the COD training: COD training without external load (COD-0; n = 16), COD training with a 12.5% body-mass external load (COD-12.5; n = 19), and COD training with a 50% body-mass external load (COD-50; n = 19). Participants performed the specific COD training twice per week for 6 wk. Before and after the training period, a battery of tests was completed: countermovement jump, 30-m running sprint (time in 10 m [T10], 20 m [T20], and 30 m [T30]), L-run test, and V-cut test. Results: Within-group comparisons showed substantial improvements in countermovement jump and T10 (likely) in COD-0, whereas countermovement jump, T10, and T20 were substantially enhanced (possibly to likely) in COD-50. COD-12.5 induced substantial improvements in all analyzed variables (likely to most likely). Between-groups comparisons showed better effects on all analyzed variables for COD-12.5 than for COD-0 (possibly to very likely), whereas COD-50 only showed possibly better effects than COD-0 on T10. In addition, COD-12.5 induced a better effect on L-run and V-cut tests than COD-50 (possibly to likely). Conclusions: These results indicate that COD training, especially moderate load (12.5% body mass) resisted COD training, may have a positive effect on COD skills, running sprint performance, and jumping ability in young soccer players.

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Effects of combined plyometric and speed training on change of direction, linear speed, and repeated sprint ability in young soccer players

Kinesiology ◽

10.26582/k.52.1.11 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 85-93

Author(s):

Mehdi Kargarfard ◽

Shadi Tajvand ◽

Alireza Rabbani ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Farzad Jalilvand

Keyword(s):

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Linear Speed ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Repeated Sprint Ability ◽

Repeated Sprint ◽

Group I ◽

Soccer Training ◽

Speed Training ◽

Sprint Ability

It has been well established that plyometric and speed training have positive impacts on fitness parameters in soccer players. The aim of this study was to compare short-term effects of a combined plyometric and speed training implemented on the same or separate days of a week on change of direction (COD), linear speed (LS), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in young soccer players. Twenty-four male players from the same U19 soccer team were distributed into one control group (CG; n=7, soccer training only) and two experimental groups performing plyometric and speed exercises on the same (CDG; n=8) or separate days (CWG; n=9) during a 6-week preparation period. Very likely moderate within-group COD improvements were observed in the CDG (ES -0.94 [-1.47 to -0.41]) and CWG (ES -0.97 [-1.52 to -0.42]) groups. Possibly small within-group RSA improvements were also observed in the CWG (ES -0.24[-0.64 to 0.16]) and CDG (ES -0.31 [-0.79 to 0.17]) groups. CWG and CDG groups showed possibly small (ES -0.28 [-0.62 to 0.06]) and very likely moderate (ES -0.80 [-1.28 to -0.32]) within-group LS improvements following the intervention, respectively. In between group analysis, a likely moderate (ES 0.71 [0.03 to 1.39]) greater LS improvement was observed in the CDG group than in the CWG group. I t is suggested to supplement normal soccer training with combined plyometric and speed exercises to improve COD, LS, and RSA performance and to implement these exercises in the same session to improve LS with a greater effect.

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Effects of Complex Training on Sprint, Jump, and Change of Direction Ability of Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2020.627869 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Rohit K. Thapa ◽

Danny Lum ◽

Jason Moran ◽

Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Physical Abilities ◽

Complex Training ◽

Soccer Training ◽

Age Range

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of complex training (CT) on sprint, jump, and change of direction (COD) ability among soccer players. After an electronic search, 10 peer-reviewed articles were considered in the meta-analysis. The athletes included in this meta-analysis were amateur to professional level male soccer players (age range, 14–23 years). These studies incorporated CT in soccer players who were compared to a control group. Significant moderate to large improvements were observed in the CT group [sprint: standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.92–1.91; jump: SMD = 0.96–1.58; COD: SMD = 0.97–1.49] when compared to control groups. Subgroup analysis were also conducted based on age, duration, and competitive level. The beneficial effects of CT were greater in players <18 vs. ≥18 years (linear sprinting; SMD = 2.01 vs. −0.13), after ≥8 vs. <8 weeks (jumping and COD; SMD = 1.55–2.01 vs. 0.31–0.64, respectively) and among professional vs. amateur players (linear sprinting and with COD; SMD = 1.53–1.58 vs. 0.08–0.63, respectively). In conclusion, regular soccer training programs may be supplemented with CT to improve sprint, jump, and COD performance. A longer duration of CT (≥8 weeks) seems to be optimal in improving the physical abilities of soccer players. Professional players and <18 years players may benefit more from CT program.

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Efectos a corto plazo de un programa de entrenamiento de sobrecarga excéntrica sobre el rendimiento físico en jugadores de fútbol de élite U-16 (Short-term effects of an eccentric-overload training program on the physical performance on U-16 elite soccer

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i33.53547 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 106-111

Author(s):

Javier Raya-González ◽

Luis Suárez-Arrones ◽

Antonio Rísquez Bretones ◽

Eduardo Sáez de Villarreal

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Peak Power ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Mean Power ◽

Overload Training ◽

Squat Exercise ◽

Before And After ◽

Soccer Training ◽

Eccentric Overload

Resumen. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el efecto de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza con sobrecarga excéntrica (squat lateral ejecutado en un dispositivo inercial) sobre el rendimiento en futbolistas junior de élite. Dieciséis futbolistas de 14.7 ± .2 años de edad fueron asignados aleatoriamente en dos grupos: grupo control (n=8, GC) y grupo de fuerza (n=8, GF). El GF complementó su entrenamiento habitual de fútbol con el programa específico de fuerza con sobrecarga excéntrica propuesto dos días a la semana durante 6 semanas. Antes y después del periodo de intervención se midió la altura de salto vertical, el tiempo de sprint lineal y con cambio de dirección (COD) y la potencia del tren inferior. Se obtuvieron mejoras sustanciales (probables a muy probables) en GF en el salto con contramovimiento (CMJ) (TE: .46), en el porcentaje de pérdida de COD-Izquierda (TE: 1.39) y en la potencia media (TE: .73) y potencia máxima (TE: .65). El análisis inter-grupos mostró mejoras sustanciales mayores en GF respecto a GC en CMJ (TE: .79), en el porcentaje de pérdida de COD-Derecha (TE: 1.14), en la potencia media (TE: 1.04) y en la potencia máxima (TE: .88). Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que incluir un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza con sobrecarga excéntrica en la programación del entrenamiento de fútbol permite optimizar la condición física específica del futbolista.Palabras clave. Salto vertical, potencia máxima, capacidad de sprintar, cambio de dirección, fútbol. Abstract. To analyse the effect of an eccentric-overload training program (i.e., lateral squat exercise using a flywheel device) on performance in junior elite soccer players. Sixteen soccer players (14.7 ± .2 years) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: control group (n=8, CG) and strength group (n=8, SG). The SG complemented soccer training with a proposed eccentric-overload training program 2 days per weeks during 6 weeks. Before and after the training period jumping ability, linear and non-linear sprint and lower-limb power were measured. Substantial improvements (likely to very likely) were found in the SG in CMJ (ES: .46), percent decrement of COD-L (ES: 1.39) and Mean Power (ES: .73) and Peak Power (ES: .65). Between-groups analysis showed greater substantial improvements in SG in relation to CG in CMJ (ES: .79), percent decrement of COD-R (ES: 1.14) and Mean Power (ES: 1.04) and Peak Power (ES: .88). These results suggest that the inclusion of an eccentric-overload training program in soccer training periodization allow the optimization of the specific physical condition of soccer players.

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The Effect of Plyometric Training Volume on Athletic Performance in Prepubertal Male Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2016-0372 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 1205-1211 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Helmi Chaabene ◽

Yassine Negra

Keyword(s):

Athletic Performance ◽

High Volume ◽

Training Group ◽

Peak Height ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Height Velocity ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Peak Height Velocity ◽

Before And After ◽

Long Jump

Purpose:To assess and compare the effects of 8 wk of in-season (2 sessions/wk) low- and high-volume plyometric training (PT) on measures of physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players. Methods:A total of 25 soccer players were randomly assigned to a low-volume PT group (LPT; n = 13, age 12.68 ± 0.23 y, age at peak height velocity [APHV] 14.25 ± 0.29 y, maturity offset –1.57 ± 0.29 y) or a high-volume PT group (HPT; n = 12, age 12.72 ± 0.27 y, APHV 14.33 ± 0.77 y, maturity offset –1.61 ± 0.76 y). A linear-sprint test (5-m, 10-m, 20-m, and 30-m), change-of-direction (CoD) test, and vertical- (squat-jump [SJ]), countermovement- (CMJ), and horizontal-jump (standing long jump [SLJ]) test were carried out before and after 8 wk of PT. Results:There was a significant main effect of time for sprint outcomes (5-m, P = .005, ES = 0.86; 10-m, P = .006, ES = 0.85; 20-m, P = .03, ES = 0.64, and 30-m, P = .05, ES = 0.57), CoD (P = .002, ES = 0.96), SJ (P = .008, ES = 0.81; CMJ, P = .01, ES = 0.73), and SLJ ability (P = .007, ES = 0.83). There were no significant training group × time interactions in any measured outcomes. Conclusions:After 8 wk of training, results showed similar performance improvement on measures of sprint time, CoD, and jumping ability between LPT and HPT groups. From a time-efficiency perspective, it is recommended to use LPT in prepubertal male soccer players to improve their proxies of athletic performance.

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How Does Functional Soccer Training on Uneven Ground Affect Dynamic Stability of Lower Limbs in Young Soccer Players

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967114s00155 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967114S0015

Author(s):

Marcin Plenzler ◽

Natalia Mrozińska ◽

Anna Mierzwińska ◽

Olga Korbolewska ◽

Daria Mejnartowicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Stability ◽

Stability Index ◽

Core Stability ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Preparatory Period ◽

Overall Stability ◽

Soccer Training ◽

Stability Results

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the level of lower limbs’ stability under dynamic conditions in soccer players before and after the preparatory period. The results of young players were compared with the control group’s records. The analysis included, both, the dominant (the one kicking the ball) and the non-dominant (supporting) limb. Methods: 13 players from AGAPE Soccer Academy in Białołęka (year 2002), participated in this study. The control group were 18 young, healthy, and active volunteers (14 male, and 4 female; mean age = 21,4±1,2 years). The dynamic stabilography was recorded on Biodex Balance System device. For data analysis, the bending dispersion in the medial/lateral plane, and anterior/posterior plane, along with the overall stability index (OSI) were tested. The measurements were taken in single-leg stance on the right and left leg respectively. Each testing included 3 repetitions in 30 seconds intervals on the platform’s second level of testing. The preliminary study was performed before the beginning of the season’s preparatory period. During the preparatory period, which lasted 16 weeks, the motor activity training programme was completed (90 minutes, once a week). The programme included elements such as: functional soccer training and stabilization training on an unstable ground, core stability training, dynamic stability exercises, and lower limbs coordination and strength training. After the preparatory period, the health examinations were performed. Test results were statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test in order to establish parameters’ changes within the study group, and the U-Mann-Whitney test was applied in order to estimate the variances between the study and control groups. The statistical significance threshold was p≤0,05. Results: The study showed a significant statistical improvement of stability parameters expressed by the overall stability index (OSI) and A/P stability index for the supporting limb after the preparatory period, during which a stability and proprioception training was completed. The significance of these results is even greater when the parallel substantial increase of the physical body height of these young players is taken into account (the taller the player is, the harder it is for him to keep the balance). The players’ tests results are, also, statistically lower than the control group’s data. That, in turn, means that the players had better stability in comparison to the control group. This co-dependence regarding the overall stability was mainly affected by the A/P stability indexes taken in a sagittal plane. Also, no new injuries were recorded within the young players group. Conclusion: 1. The exercised functional training significantly improved stability results of the supporting limb among the young players. 2. The results encourage to continue the study, and, in the later stage, check whether there is an actual relationship between the dynamic stability results and sports achievements combined with the frequency of injuries.

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Effects of a Congested Fixture Period on Speed and Power Performance of Elite Young Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2020-0280 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Tomás T. Freitas ◽

Lucas A. Pereira ◽

Valter P. Reis ◽

Victor Fernandes ◽

Pedro E. Alcaraz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vertical Jump ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Power Performance ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Performance Change ◽

Vertical Jump Height ◽

Vertical Jumping ◽

Before And After ◽

Velocity Effect ◽

Sprint Velocity

Purpose: To investigate the effects of a match-congested period on straight and curve sprint performance, change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, vertical jumping ability, and half-squat (HS) mean propulsive power (MPP) output in young soccer players. Methods: A total of 15 under-20 elite male soccer players participated in 14 matches over 8 weeks. The following assessments were performed before and after the congested fixture period: squat and countermovement jumps, 17-m linear sprint, curve sprint test for the “good” (CSGS) and “weak” (CSWS) sides, modified 17-m Zigzag test, and HS MPP. Magnitude-based inferences and a paired t test were used to analyze pre–post changes in the assessed variables. Results: Very likely (P < .05) decreases were noticed in 17-m sprint velocity (effect size [ES] [90% confidence limit; CL], −0.56 [−0.32 to −0.81]) and CSGS (ES [90% CL], −0.72 [−0.40 to 1.03]) after the 8-week period. A possible but nonsignificant impairment was revealed in CSWS (ES [90% CL], −0.18 [0.03 to −0.39]), and countermovement jump (ES [90% CL], −0.21 [−0.54 to 0.12]). Zigzag velocity (ES [90% CL], −2.90 [−2.45 to −3.36]) and COD deficit (ES [90% CL], 0.86 [0.52 to 1.20]) were almost certainly and significantly (P < .05) reduced and increased, respectively, after the match-congested period. An almost certain and significant (P < .05) reduction was found in HS MPP (ES [90% CL], −1.18 [−0.76 to −1.61]). Conclusions: Straight and curve sprint velocity, COD speed and deficit, and HS MPP were impaired after the match-congested period. Vertical jump height was possibly decreased. Seasonal phases comprising high volumes of soccer-specific training and competition seem to be detrimental to speed–power qualities in under-20 elite soccer players.

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Effects of Combined Plyometric and Short Sprints Training on Athletic Performance of Male U19 Soccer Players

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.714016 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Ghaith Aloui ◽

Hermassi Souhail ◽

Lawrence D. Hayes ◽

El Ghali Bouhafs ◽

Mohamed Souhaiel Chelly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Body Fat ◽

Athletic Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Significant Group ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Intervention Measures ◽

Standard Training

This project investigated adding 8 weeks of biweekly plyometric and short sprints training into standard training in elite youth soccer players. An experimental group (EG, n = 18, age: 17.6 ± 0.6 years, body mass: 67.6 ± 5.8 kg, height: 1.75 ± 0.06 m, and body fat: 11.5 ± 1.6%) and control group (CG, n = 18, age: 17.5 ± 0.6 years, body mass: 68.8 ± 3.6 kg, height: 1.77 ± 0.04 m, and body fat: 11.7 ± 1.2%) participated. Pre-intervention and post-intervention measures were squat-jump (SJ), countermovement-jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), 5 and 20 m sprints, change-of-direction ability (4 × 5 m sprint test [S 4 × 5 m] and sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with backward and forward running [SBF]), repeated change of direction (RCOD), and static balance (the stork balance test). For all parameters, significant (p < 0.001, ηp2 > 0.10) time and interaction (group × time) effects were observed. For three parameters (SBF, RCOD fastest time, and SLJ) no significant group effects were observed. The EG consistently showed a significantly higher performance level than the CG and a higher amount of effect sizes d (EG: drange: 1.27–2.61; CG: drange: 0.13–0.79) as an indicator for the development of performance between pre-intervention and post-intervention measures. Adding biweekly plyometric and short sprint training to standard training improves the athletic performance of young soccer players. Such plyometric and short sprint training conditioning can be highly recommended as part of the annual short training program for male elite under-19 (U19) soccer players.

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Physical fitness changes among amateur soccer players: effects of the pre-season period

Biomedical Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/bhk-2021-0009 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 63-72

Author(s):

Rui Silva ◽

Ricardo Lima ◽

Miguel Camões ◽

César Leão ◽

Sérgio Matos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Fitness ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Training Period ◽

Drop Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Monitoring Tools ◽

Maximal Aerobic Speed ◽

Before And After ◽

Baseline Fitness

Abstract Study aim: To assess changes in physical fitness of amateur soccer players after a pre-season training period and baseline fitness dependencies. Material and methods: Twenty-one amateur soccer players were assessed during the pre-season. The following physical variables were assessed before and after a two-month pre-season training period: (i) cardiorespiratory fitness, (ii) strength and power, and (iii) change of direction (COD). Results: Significant decreases were found for countermovement jump (CMJ) (p < 0.001; d = 1.161), drop jump (DJ) (p = 0.014; d = 0.958), and horizontal jump (HJ) (p = 0.042; d = 0.640), while no significant changes were found for the overall variables from the beginning to the end of pre-season. Fit players revealed significant decreases for CMJ (p = 0.002; d = –2.495), DJ (p = 0.004; d = –1.760), HJ (p = 0.028; d = –1.005), COD deficit (p = 0.034; d = 1.013), and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) (p = 0.026; d = –4.053). No significant changes were found for unfit players. Conclusions: Amateur soccer coaches should consider assessing physical qualities at the beginning of pre-season and use the free-of-charge monitoring tools such as session-rate of perceived exertion (s-RPE) during the training process.

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