FITNESS IN FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

952 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 10 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), proagility run (20 yds), shuttle run (50 yds), vertical leap (in), percent body fat. Subjects met daily for three weeks and progressively conditioned aerobically each week (wk1-2.5 miles/day, wk2-3.5 miles/day, wk3-4.5 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 41.2± 5.6 ml/kg/min-1 to 46.6± 5.5 ml/kg/min-1(p<0.0009). 1.5 mile run time decreased from 13.00 ± 1.5 min to 11.98±1.5 min (p<0.001). 40 yard time, agility run and vertical leap improved from 6.38 ± 0.32 s to 6.06 ± 0.36 s (p<0.04); 5.78± 0.31s to 5.45± 0.16 s (p<0.003); 14.58± 2.3 in to 17.20 ± 2.4 in (p<0.03), respectively. There were no differences in the shuttle run time, percent body fat or weight. These data suggest that there is a significant and quantifiable improvement in fitness levels of female HSSP with this training program that resulted in significant improvements in aerobic endurance, speed, agility and power. All of these components were enhanced by the three week soccer specific conditioning program.