Relationships between Fitness Status and Match Running Performance in Adult Women Soccer Players: A Cohort Study

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to analyze the relationships between fitness status (repeated-sprint ability (RSA), aerobic performance, vertical height jump, and hip adductor and abductor strength) and match running performance in adult women soccer players and (ii) to explain variations in standardized total distance, HSR, and sprinting distances based on players’ fitness status. Materials and Methods: The study followed a cohort design. Twenty-two Portuguese women soccer players competing at the first-league level were monitored for 22 weeks. These players were tested three times during the cohort period. The measured parameters included isometric strength (hip adductor and abductor), vertical jump (squat and countermovement jump), linear sprint (10 and 30 m), change-of-direction (COD), repeated sprints (6 × 35 m), and intermittent endurance (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1). Data were also collected for several match running performance indicators (total distance covered and distance at different speed zones, accelerations/decelerations, maximum sprinting speed, and number of sprints) in 10 matches during the cohort. Results: Maximal linear sprint bouts presented large to very large correlations with explosive match-play actions (accelerations, decelerations, and sprint occurrences; r = −0.80 to −0.61). In addition, jump modalities and COD ability significantly predicted, respectively, in-game high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.69 to 0.75; R2 = 25%) and decelerations (r = −0.78 to −0.50; R2 = 23–24%). Furthermore, COD had significant explanatory power related to match running performance variance regardless of whether the testing and match performance outcomes were computed a few or several days apart. Conclusion: The present investigation can help conditioning professionals working with senior women soccer players to prescribe effective fitness tests to improve their forecasts of locomotor performance.

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Do elite soccer players cover longer distance when losing? Differences between attackers and defenders

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching ◽

10.1177/1747954120982270 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 174795412098227

Author(s):

Carlos Lago-Peñas ◽

Anton Kalén ◽

Miguel Lorenzo-Martinez ◽

Roberto López-Del Campo ◽

Ricardo Resta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

High Speed ◽

Large Scale ◽

Tracking System ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Running Performance ◽

Situational Variables ◽

Total Distance ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Score Line

This study aimed to evaluate the effects playing position, match location (home or away), quality of opposition (strong or weak), effective playing time (total time minus stoppages), and score-line on physical match performance in professional soccer players using a large-scale analysis. A total of 10,739 individual match observations of outfield players competing in the Spanish La Liga during the 2018–2019 season were recorded using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, USA). The players were classified into five positions (central defenders, players = 94; external defenders, players = 82; central midfielders, players = 101; external midfielders, players = 72; and forwards, players = 67) and the following match running performance categories were considered: total distance covered, low-speed running (LSR) distance (0–14 km · h−1), medium-speed running (MSR) distance (14–21 km · h−1), high-speed running (HSR) distance (>21 km · h−1), very HSR (VHSR) distance (21–24 km · h−1), sprint distance (>24 km · h−1) Overall, match running performance was highly dependent on situational variables, especially the score-line condition (winning, drawing, losing). Moreover, the score-line affected players running performance differently depending on their playing position. Losing status increased the total distance and the distance covered at MSR, HSR, VHSR and Sprint by defenders, while attacking players showed the opposite trend. These findings may help coaches and managers to better understand the effects of situational variables on physical performance in La Liga and could be used to develop a model for predicting the physical activity profile in competition.

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Associations Between Selected Training-Stress Measures and Fitness Changes in Male Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2018-0462 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1050-1057 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Alireza Rabbani ◽

Mehdi Kargarfard ◽

Carlo Castagna ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Craig Twist

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

High Intensity ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Running Performance ◽

Total Distance ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Before And After ◽

Body Load ◽

Training Stress ◽

Training Impulse

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between accumulated global positioning system–accelerometer-based and heart rate–based training metrics and changes in high-intensity intermittent-running capacity during an in-season phase in professional soccer players. Methods: Eleven male professional players (mean [SD] age 27.2 [4.5] y) performed the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) before and after a 5-wk in-season training phase, and the final velocity (VIFT) was considered their high-intensity intermittent-running capacity. During all sessions, Edwards training impulse (Edwards TRIMP), Banister TRIMP, Z5 TRIMP, training duration, total distance covered, new body load (NBL), high-intensity running performance (distance covered above 14.4 km·h−1), and very-high-intensity running performance (distance covered above 19.8 km·h−1) were recorded. Results: The players’ VIFT showed a most likely moderate improvement (+4.3%, 90% confidence limits 3.1–5.5%, effect size 0.70, [0.51–0.89]). Accumulated NBL, Banister TRIMP, and Edwards TRIMP showed large associations (r = .51–.54) with changes in VIFT. A very large relationship was also observed between accumulated Z5 TRIMP (r = .72) with changes in VIFT. Large to nearly perfect within-individual relationships were observed between NBL and some of the other training metrics (ie, Edwards TRIMP, Banister TRIMP, training duration, and total distance) in 10 out of 11 players. Conclusions: Heart rate–based training metrics can be used to monitor high-intensity intermittent-running-capacity changes in professional soccer players. The dose–response relationship is also largely detected using accelerometer-based metrics (ie, NBL) to track changes in high-intensity intermittent-running capacity of professional soccer players.

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Short-Term Compound Training on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports8080108 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 108 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Athos Trecroci ◽

Marco Duca ◽

Damiano Formenti ◽

Giampietro Alberti ◽

F. Marcello Iaia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vertical Jump ◽

The Other ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Short Term ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Compound Training ◽

Strength Exercises

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a five-week compound training (with strength and plyometric exercises performed on separate days) on sprint, change of direction, and vertical jump in young soccer players. Eighteen novices in strength and plyometric training were assigned to either a compound training (CMPT) or a control condition (CNT). Both groups trained three times per week. One session was dedicated to soccer-specific drills. The other two weekly sessions were dedicated to circuit-based training routines employing on one-day strength exercises and on the other day plyometric exercises in the CMPT group. At the same time, the CNT group performed two weekly soccer-specific training sessions. All players were tested by 15-m sprint, change-of-direction and acceleration test (CODAT), squat jump, and countermovement jump with arms swing tests. CMPT group improved CODAT, squat jump and countermovement jump to a higher extent compared to CNT group (large vs small or trivial effects, p < 0.05), while both groups had similar 15-m sprint performance (p > 0.05). These results support the use of compound training to improve change of direction and vertical jump performances in young novice soccer players, which are unfamiliar with structured and advanced strength and plyometric training.

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Associations between Physical Status and Training Load in Women Soccer Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph181910015 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (19) ◽

pp. 10015

Author(s):

Lillian Gonçalves ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Joel Ignacio Barrera ◽

Hugo Sarmento ◽

Gibson Moreira Praça ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Load Range ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Fitness Assessment ◽

Cohort Design ◽

And Training

This study aimed to analyze the variations of fitness status, as well as test the relationships between accumulated training load and fitness changes in women soccer players. This study followed an observational analytic cohort design. Observations were conducted over 23 consecutive weeks (from the preseason to the midseason). Twenty-two women soccer players from the same first Portuguese league team (22.7 ± 5.21 years old) took part in the study. The fitness assessment included anthropometry, hip adductor and abductor strength, vertical jump, change of direction, linear speed, repeated sprint ability, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. The training load was monitored daily using session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE). A one-way repeated ANOVA revealed no significant differences for any of the variables analyzed across the three moments of fitness assessments (p > 0.05). The t-test also revealed no differences in the training load across the moments of the season (t = 1.216; p = 0.235). No significant correlations were found between fitness levels and accumulated training load (range: r = 0.023 to −0.447; p > 0.05). This study revealed no differences in the fitness status during the analyzed season, and the fitness status had no significant relationship with accumulated training load.

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Analysis of the Association between Running Performance and Game Performance Indicators in Professional Soccer Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16204032 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (20) ◽

pp. 4032 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Modric ◽

Versic ◽

Sekulic ◽

Liposek

Keyword(s):

Performance Indicators ◽

High Intensity ◽

High Speed ◽

Body Height ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Running Performance ◽

Total Distance ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Performance Statistics ◽

Game Performance

Running performance (RP) and game performance indicators (GPI) are important determinants of success in soccer (football), but there is an evident lack of knowledge about the possible associations between RP and GPI. This study aimed to identify associations between RP and GPI in professional soccer players and to compare RP and GPI among soccer playing positions. One hundred one match performances were observed over the course of half of a season at the highest level of national competition in Croatia. Players (mean ± SD, age: 23.85 ± 2.88 years; body height: 183.05 ± 8.88 cm; body mass: 78.69 ± 7.17 kg) were classified into five playing positions (central defenders (n = 26), full-backs (n = 24), central midfielders (n = 33), wide midfielders (n = 10), and forwards (n = 8). RP, as measured by global positioning system, included the total distance covered, distance covered in five speed categories (walking, jogging, running, high-speed running, and maximal sprinting), total number of accelerations, number of high-intensity accelerations, total number of decelerations, and number of high-intensity decelerations. The GPI were collected by the position-specific performance statistics index (InStat index). The average total distance was 10,298.4 ± 928.7 m, with central defenders having the shortest and central midfielders having the greatest covered distances. The running (r = 0.419, p = 0.03) and high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.493, p = 0.01) were correlated with the InStat index for central defenders. The number of decelerations of full-backs (r = −0.43, p = 0.04) and the distance covered during sprinting of forwards (r = 0.80, p = 0.02) were associated with their GPI obtained by InStat index. The specific correlations between RP and GPI should be considered during the conditioning process in soccer. The soccer training should follow the specific requirements of the playing positions established herein, which will allow players to meet the game demands and to perform successfully.

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Exploring the Determinants of Repeated-Sprint Ability in Adult Women Soccer Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094595 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4595

Author(s):

Lillian Gonçalves ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Joel Ignacio Barrera ◽

Hugo Sarmento ◽

Francisco Tomás González-Fernández ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Test Performance ◽

Isometric Strength ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Adult Women ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Repeated Sprint Ability ◽

Repeated Sprint ◽

Main Determinants ◽

Abductor Strength ◽

Sprint Ability

This study aimed to explore the main determinants of repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in women soccer players considering aerobic capacity, sprinting performance, change-of-direction, vertical height jump, and hip adductor/abductor isometric strength. Twenty-two women soccer players from the same team participating in the first Portuguese league were observed. Fitness assessments were performed three times during a 22-week cohort period. The following assessments were made: (i) hip abductor and adductor strength, (ii) squat and countermovement jump (height), (iii) change-of-direction test, (iv) linear sprinting at 10- and 30-m, (v) RSA test, and (vi) Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1. Positive moderate correlations were found between peak minimum RSA and adductor and abductor strength (r = 0.51, p < 0.02 and r = 0.54, p < 0.01, respectively). Positive moderate correlations were also found between peak maximum RSA and adductor and abductor strength (r = 0.55, p < 0.02 and r = 0.46, p < 0.01, respectively). Lastly, a moderate negative correlation was found between fatigue index in RSA and YYIR1 test performance (r = −0.62, p < 0.004). In conclusion, abductor and adductor isometric strength-based coadjutant training programs, together with a high degree of aerobic endurance, may be suitable for inducing RSA in female soccer players.

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Mach running performance in Brazilian professional soccer players: comparisons between successful and unsuccessful teams

10.31236/osf.io/jm579 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rodrigo Aquino ◽

Luiz Guilherme Gonçalves ◽

Marcos Galgaro ◽

Thiago Santi Maria ◽

Eduardo Rostaiser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Global Position System ◽

Effect Size ◽

Performance Indicators ◽

Interactive Effects ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Training Intervention ◽

Running Performance ◽

Total Distance ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

High Acceleration

This study aimed to compare the match running performance between bottom- and top-ranked teams in professional soccer players. In addition, this study verified the independent and interactive effects of playing position and contextual factors on running outputs between these teams. Forty-eight professional male outfield soccer players participated in this study (top-ranked team, n=24; bottom-ranked team, n=24). The distance- and accelerometry-based measures were recorded during 69 matches using a global position system (10 Hz) integrated with an accelerometer (400 Hz). The top-ranked team covered greater total distance and high-acceleration than the bottom-ranked team in home and away matches, mainly for external defenders and midfielders (p < 0.05, effect size [ES]=moderate). The matches against top-level opponents required high values of running outputs only for the top-ranked team (p < 0.05, ES=small). In general, the match outcome (loss vs. draw vs. win) was not influenced by running performance for both bottom- and top-ranked teams (p > 0.05; ES=small), with exception for Player Load (bottom-ranked team: win > draw = loss; p < 0.05, ES=small). These findings should be taken into account when the coaches and practitioners interpret the match running outputs and when evaluating the effects of training intervention on these performance indicators.

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Relationships between Linear Sprint, Lower-Body Power Output and Change of Direction Performance in Elite Soccer Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17176119 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (17) ◽

pp. 6119

Author(s):

Monika Papla ◽

Michal Krzysztofik ◽

Grzegorz Wojdala ◽

Robert Roczniok ◽

Marcin Oslizlo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Power Output ◽

Rank Order ◽

Body Height ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Peak Power Output ◽

Statistical Relationship ◽

Training Experience ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Sprinting Speed ◽

Lower Body Power

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between linear sprint, power output obtained during a squat and change of direction (COD) performance. Fifteen elite soccer players participated in this study (age = 21.7 ± 0.72 years, body mass = 74.9 ± 9.11 kg, body height = 180.4 ± 7 cm, training experience = 9 ± 1.5 years). To examine these correlations a following battery of tests were carried out: 20-m linear sprint, one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat strength, peak power output obtained during a squat at 50% 1RM and time obtained in two 20-m COD tests with different angles of direction change (90° and 135°). In addition, COD deficits (90°-CODDEF and 135°-CODDEF) for both COD tests were calculated. The Spearman’s rank order correlation showed a nearly perfect statistical relationship between the 90°-COD and the 90°-CODDEF (r = 0.9; p < 0.001). In the case of 90°-CODDEF, there was a large statistical relationship with 135°-CODDEF (r = 0.59; p = 0.021). Moreover, there was a nearly perfect statistical relationship between 135°-COD and 135°-CODDEF (r = 0.91; p < 0.001). The statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) relationship between 20-m linear sprint time, power output obtained during a squat at 50% 1RM, 1RM squat strength level and both COD test, as well as both COD deficits were found. Results of the present study showed that 20-m linear sprinting speed, 1RM squat strength, power output obtained during squat at 50% 1RM and COD ability at 90° and 135° angles, are separate physical qualities. Moreover, it seems that COD deficit provides a more isolated measure of COD ability than the COD tests alone and does not must be limited to a specific angle, but provides knowledge about the COD ability in a range of other angles, at least concerning 90° and 135° COD angles.

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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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Match running performance in Brazilian professional soccer players: comparisons between successful and unsuccessful teams

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-021-00324-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rodrigo Aquino ◽

Luiz Guilherme Gonçalves ◽

Marcos Galgaro ◽

Thiago Santi Maria ◽

Eduardo Rostaiser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Global Positioning System ◽

High Speed ◽

Interactive Effects ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Running Performance ◽

Total Distance ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

High Acceleration ◽

Independent Analysis ◽

Global Positioning

Abstract Background This study aimed to compare the match running performance between bottom- and top-ranked teams in professional soccer players over the 2020 season of the Brazilian National 2nd Division League. In addition, this study verified the independent and interactive effects of playing position and contextual factors on running outputs between these teams. Methods Forty-eight professional male outfield soccer players participated in this study (top-ranked team, n = 24; bottom-ranked team, n = 24). The distance- and accelerometry-based measures were recorded during 69 matches using a global positioning system (10 Hz) integrated with an accelerometer (400 Hz). Results The top-ranked team covered greater total distance [median (interquartile range); 10,330.0 m (1430.0)] and high-acceleration [97.0 m (32.0)] than the bottom-ranked team, in home and away matches [p < 0.05, effect size (ES) = small]. The midfielders of the top-ranked team covered higher total distance, high-speed running (> 18 km h−1), high acceleration (≥ 3 m s−2), high-deceleration (≤ −3 m s−2), and performed more sprints [(> 25 km h−1) compared to midfielders of the bottom-ranked team (p < 0.05, η2 = small-moderate]. The matches against top-level opponents required high values of high-acceleration and number of sprints only for the top-ranked team (p < 0.05, ES = small). Independent analysis showed that match outcome (loss vs. draw vs. win) was not influenced by running performance for both bottom- and top-ranked teams (p > 0.05; η2 = small). However, the top-ranked team covered greater total distance, high-acceleration/deceleration than bottom-ranked team in loss matches (p < 0.05, η2 = small). Conclusions These findings should be considered when the coaches and practitioners interpret the match running outputs and when evaluating the effects of training intervention on these performance indicators.

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