Drop Jump Asymmetry is Associated with Reduced Sprint and Change-of-Direction Speed Performance in Adult Female Soccer Players

Studies that examine the effects of inter-limb asymmetry on measures of physical performance are scarce, especially in adult female populations. The aim of the present study was to establish the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry and speed and change-of-direction speed (CODS) in adult female soccer players. Sixteen adult players performed a preseason test battery consisting of unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), unilateral drop jump (DJ), 10 m, 30 m, and 505 CODS tests. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated using a standard percentage difference equation for jump and CODS tests, and Pearson’s r correlations were used to establish a relationship between asymmetry and physical performance as well as asymmetry scores themselves across tests. Jump-height asymmetry from the CMJ (8.65%) and DJ (9.16%) tests were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than asymmetry during the 505 test (2.39%). CMJ-height asymmetry showed no association with speed or CODS. However, DJ asymmetries were significantly associated with slower 10 m (r = 0.52; p < 0.05), 30 m (r = 0.58; p < 0.05), and 505 (r = 0.52–0.66; p < 0.05) performance. No significant relationships were present between asymmetry scores across tests. These findings suggest that the DJ is a useful test for detecting existent between-limb asymmetry that might in turn be detrimental to speed and CODS performance. Furthermore, the lack of relationships present between different asymmetry scores indicates the individual nature of asymmetry and precludes the use of a single test for the assessment of inter-limb differences.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073474 ◽

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.

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Effects of Plyometric Training and Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal-Intensity Exercise and Endurance in Female Soccer Players

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2017-0072 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 99-109 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Fabián Rosas ◽

Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo ◽

Cristian Martínez ◽

Alexis Caniuqueo ◽

Rodrigo Cañas-Jamet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Training Group ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Maximal Intensity ◽

Beta Alanine ◽

Speed Performance

AbstractPlyometric training and beta-alanine supplementation are common among soccer players, although its combined use had never been tested. Therefore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of a plyometric training program, with or without beta-alanine supplementation, on maximal-intensity and endurance performance in female soccer players during an in-season training period. Athletes (23.7 ± 2.4 years) were assigned to either a plyometric training group receiving a placebo (PLACEBO, n = 8), a plyometric training group receiving beta-alanine supplementation (BA, n = 8), or a control group receiving placebo without following a plyometric training program (CONTROL, n = 9). Athletes were evaluated for single and repeated jumps and sprints, endurance, and change-of-direction speed performance before and after the intervention. Both plyometric training groups improved in explosive jumping (ES = 0.27 to 1.0), sprinting (ES = 0.31 to 0.78), repeated sprinting (ES = 0.39 to 0.91), 60 s repeated jumping (ES = 0.32 to 0.45), endurance (ES = 0.35 to 0.37), and change-of-direction speed performance (ES = 0.36 to 0.58), whereas no significant changes were observed for the CONTROL group. Nevertheless, compared to the CONTROL group, only the BA group showed greater improvements in endurance, repeated sprinting and repeated jumping performances. It was concluded that beta-alanine supplementation during plyometric training may add further adaptive changes related to endurance, repeated sprinting and jumping ability.

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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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Intra- and Inter-Limb Strength Asymmetry in Soccer: A Comparison of Professional and Under-18 Players

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports9090129 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 129

Author(s):

Chris Bishop ◽

Giuseppe Coratella ◽

Marco Beato

Keyword(s):

Knee Extensor ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Knee Extensors ◽

Isokinetic Dynamometer ◽

Percentage Difference ◽

Strength Asymmetry ◽

Limb Asymmetry ◽

Limb Dominance ◽

Anterior Posterior

(1) Background: the present study examined the isokinetic peak torque exerted by both knee extensors and flexors, anterior–posterior imbalance and the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetry in professional and academy soccer players. (2) Methods: one hundred soccer players (professional = 50, elite academy = 50) volunteered to take part in this investigation. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the knee extensor (quadriceps) and flexors muscle (hamstrings) torques of the limbs as well as inter-limb asymmetries—using a standard percentage difference equation. (3) Results: professional players exhibited significantly greater (effect size [ES] = large) strength levels in the quadriceps and hamstrings under both testing conditions, significantly higher (small to moderate) intra-limb ratio values for 60°·s−1 but not for the 300°·s−1 test condition, significantly (small to moderate) lower inter-limb asymmetry values for all test conditions, with the exception of the hamstrings at 60°·s−1 and the direction of asymmetry was poor to slight, indicating that limb dominance was rarely the same between groups. (4) Conclusions: this study shows that isokinetic assessments, i.e., peak torque exerted by both knee extensors and flexors and intra-limb ratio, and the subsequent inter-limb asymmetry, i.e., magnitude and direction, can differentiate between professional and academy soccer players.

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Assessing Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Soccer Players: Magnitude, Direction and Association with Performance

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2021-0081 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

pp. 41-53

Author(s):

Marc Madruga-Parera ◽

Thomas Dos’Santos ◽

Chris Bishop ◽

Anthony Turner ◽

David Blanco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Height ◽

Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Kinetic Chain ◽

Leg Extension ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Test Specificity ◽

Limb Asymmetry ◽

The Relationship ◽

Skill Change

Abstract In this study, we aimed to analyze the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), power (using iso-inertial devices), and a neuromuscular skill (change of direction). Secondarily, we aimed to determine the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry scores for each test and also between these scores and the scores for the different performance tests. Sixteen semiprofessional male soccer players (age: 25.38 ± 6.08 years; body height: 1.78 ± 0.64 m; body mass: 79.5 ± 14.9 kg) participated in this study. We calculated inter-limb asymmetries using five tests: ankle dorsiflexion ROM, change of direction (COD 180º), and iso-inertial resistance tasks in the open (leg extension strength (LE), leg curl strength (LC)) and closed (crossover step (CRO)) kinetic chain. Our results showed that asymmetry magnitudes differed between all tests with highest inter-limb asymmetries displayed during iso-inertial overloading. In addition, we observed that the direction of asymmetries varied depending on the test-specificity, and that the CRO asymmetries had a negative association with LE and CRO performance. These findings highlight the independent nature of asymmetries and that CRO could be an appropriate test to detect asymmetries related with the performance of soccer-specific actions (such as changes of direction). Practitioners are encouraged to use multiple tests to detect existing inter-limb differences according to the specific characteristics of each sport.

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Effect of Different Physical Training Forms on Change of Direction Ability: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Sports Medicine - Open ◽

10.1186/s40798-019-0223-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Hallvard Nygaard Falch ◽

Håvard Guldteig Rædergård ◽

Roland van den Tillaar

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Physical Training ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Rapid Change ◽

Energy System ◽

Training Intervention ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Percentage Difference ◽

The Individual ◽

English Articles

Abstract Background The ability to perform a rapid change of direction (COD) is a critical skill in numerous court- and field-based sports. The aim of this review is to investigate the effect of different physical training forms on COD performance. Methods A systematic review of the literature was undertaken using the following databases: PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible if they met the following criteria: (1) a COD test measuring performance before and after the training intervention, with specific description of the test in terms of length and number of changes in a direction with specified angles, (2) involve training intervention like plyometric, strength, sprint, specific COD training, or a combination of these training forms targeting the lower extremities, (3) the study had to state training background in terms of which sport they participated in and their competitive level and a detailed methodological description. Non-English articles were excluded. Percentage difference and effect sizes were calculated in order to compare the effects of different training interventions. Results A range of studies performing plyometrics, strength, sprint, specific COD training, training with post-activation potentiation or a combination of these training forms were examined. The percentage of change and effect size (ES) were calculated. Seventy-four studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 132 experimental groups and 1652 unique subjects. The review revealed no clear consensus on which training form is optimal to develop COD performance. All training forms resulted in an increase in performance from almost no ES to large ES. Conclusions The results of the study indicate that COD ability is a specific skill, whereas the COD task, the sports require determines which training form is the most effective to develop COD ability. Training targeting improvement in COD performance should address the duration of the training in line with which energy system is utilized. The complexity of the COD task with respect to the individual athlete must be considered. Consequently, the number of changes in direction and the angles of the task are relevant when organizing training.

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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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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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Mejora de la capacidad para repetir sprints en jóvenes futbolistas: entrenamiento intermitente de alta intensidad con y sin cambios de dirección (Effect of intermittent training with and without direction changes on the physical performance of young playe

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i30.38463 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 70-75

Author(s):

Javier Sánchez Sánchez ◽

Cristian Hernández Familiar ◽

Víctor Marcos Muñoz ◽

Alejandro González García ◽

Alejandro Rodríguez Fernández ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Physical Condition ◽

Training Group ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Active Recovery ◽

Repeated Sprints ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Repeated Sprint ◽

Intermittent Training

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el efecto de un entrenamiento con sprints lineales y con sprints que incluyen cambios de dirección (2-COD-90º), sobre el rendimiento de jugadores juveniles de fútbol que compiten en categoría provincial. Dieciséis jugadores (media ± SD: 16.7±.8 años de edad; 175.3±5.2 cm de altura; 64.4±9.4 kg de peso) fueron asignados de forma aleatoria a un grupo de entrenamiento con sprints repetidos lineales (n= 8, RSAL) ó con cambio de dirección (n=8, RSACOD). El RSAL realizaba 3 series de 10 sprints sobre 22-m, con 27-m de recuperación activa entre esfuerzos y 4-min de pausa entre series; el RSACOD realizaba 3 series de 10 sprints sobre 18-m con 2-COD-90º, con 18-m de recuperación activa y 4-min de pausa entre series. No se observaron cambios en el test RSA (8x30-m, recuperación 25-s) en ningún grupo. El entrenamiento RSAL mejoró (p <.05) el VO2max (50.99 ± 1.56 vs. 53.63 ± 2.86 ml/kg/min); mientras que el RSACOD mejoró (p <.05) en la capacidad para cambiar de dirección (13.62 ± .31 vs. 13.42 ± .32 s) y el triple salto horizontal con pierna dominante (5.87 ± .31 vs. 6.10 ± .61 m) y no dominante (5.72 ± .71vs. 6.01 ± .8 m). El entrenamiento debe contender esfuerzos lineales y con COD para obtener una mejora global en la condición física del futbolista.Abstract. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a linear repeated sprint training and repeated sprints including changes of direction (2-COD-90) on the performance of young soccer players competing in provincial category. Sixteen players (mean ± SD: 16.7 ± .8 years old; 175.3 ± 5.2 cm, 64.4 ± 9.4 kg) were randomly assigned to a linear repeated sprints training group (n = 8, RSAL) or change of direction group (n = 8, RSACOD). The RSAL performed 3 sets of 10 sprints over 22-m, with 27-m active recovery between workouts and 4-min rest between sets; the RSACOD performed 3 sets of 10 sprints over 18-m 2-COD-90º, with 18-m active recovery and 4-min rest between sets. No changes were observed in the RSA test (8x30-m, 25-s recovery) in either group. The RSAL training improved (p <.05) VO2max (50.99 ± 1.56 vs. 53.63 ± 2.86 ml / kg / min); while RSACOD improved (p <.05) in the ability to change direction (13.62 ± .31 vs. 13.42 ± .32 s) and horizontal triple jump with dominant leg (5.87 ± .31 vs. 6.10 ± .61 m) and nondominant (5.72 ± .71vs. 6.01 ± .8 m). The training must incorporate linear and COD efforts for an overall improvement in the physical condition of the player.

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Effects of Plyometric Training on Physical Performance of Young Male Soccer Players: Potential Effects of Different Drop Jump Heights

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2018-0207 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 306-313 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo ◽

Cristian Alvarez ◽

Felipe García-Pinillos ◽

Paulo Gentil ◽

Jason Moran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Young Male ◽

Training Group ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Drop Jump ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Maximal Strength ◽

Subject Factor

Purpose:To compare the effects of plyometric drop jump (DJ) training against those induced by regular soccer training and assess the transference effect coefficient (TEC) of DJs (“trained exercises”) performed from 20- (DJ20) and 40-cm (DJ40) height boxes with respect to different physical qualities (jumping, linear and change of direction speed, kicking, endurance, and maximal strength) in youth male soccer players.Methods:Participants were randomly divided into a control group (n = 20; age: 13.5 [1.9] y) and a DJ training group (n = 19; age: 13.2 [1.8] y), and trained for 7 weeks. A 2-way analysis of variance for repeated measures with the within-subject factor time (preintervention and postintervention) and between-subject factor group (intervention vs control) was performed. To calculate the TECs between the trained exercises (DJ20 and DJ40) and the physical tests, the ratio between the “result gains” (effect size [ES]) in the analyzed physical qualities and the result gains in the trained exercises were calculated. The TECs were only calculated for variables presenting an ES ≥ 0.2.Results:Significant improvements (ES = 0.21–0.46;P < .05) were observed in the DJ training group, except in linear sprint performance. The control group improved only the maximal strength (ES = 0.28;P < .05). Significant differences were observed in all variables (ES = 0.20–0.55;P < .05) in favor of the DJ training group, except for maximal strength (group × time interaction).Conclusions:A plyometric training scheme based on DJs was able to significantly improve the physical performance of youth male soccer players. Overall, greater TECs were observed for DJ40 (0.58–1.28) than DJ20 (0.55–1.21).

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