ENHANCING FITNESS IN FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

1551 The game of soccer requires speed, agility, aerobic endurance and power, thus making it difficult to condition for all at one time. This study examined the effects of a 3 week conditioning program on 13 female high school soccer players (HSSP). The drills used were the same as those used by the U.S. Womens Olympic Soccer Team. The mean age and weight of our subjects was 16 +/− 4 yrs and 128.75 +/− 12 lbs. This study measured VO2max, running time (1.5 mile), 40 yd sprint time (in soccer shoes), pro-agility run (20 yds), shuttle run (50 yds), vertical leap (in), and percent body fat. Subjects met daily for three weeks and progressively conditioned aerobically each week (wk1-2.0 miles/day, wk2-2.5 miles/day, wk3-3.0 miles/day). Subjects also ran an obstacle course (pro-agility run) consisting of 5 yd sprints, ball dribbling, kicking goals, and hopping. VO2max increased significantly from 43.2 +/− 6.2 ml/kg/min to 45.6 +/− 6.06 ml/kg/min (p=0.0013). 1.5 mile run decreased from 13.07 +/− min to 12.38 +/− 1.7 min (p=0.0096). 40 yard time, agility run and vertical leap improved from 5.95 +/− 0.46 sec to 5.70 +/− 0.34 sec (p=0.0145); 5.49 +/− 0.36 sec to 5.25 +/− 0.46 sec (p=0.0475); 13.84 +/− 2.2 in. to 16.46 +/− 2.14 in. (p=0.0003), respectively. Shuttle run time, 68.82 +/− 5.31 sec to 64.24 +/− 4.33 sec (p=0.0001). Percent body fat decreased from 22.06 +/− 5.5% to 19.9 +/− 5.8% (p=.039). These data suggest that significant and quantifiable improvements in soccer fitness in female high school soccer players can be attained in three weeks.