Abstract
There is an evident lack of studies examining the pursuit of excellence in futsal. The aims of this study were to evaluate anthropometric and physiological variables that may contribute to distinguishing among performance levels in professional futsal players and to evaluate correlates of those variables. The participants were 75 male professionals (age = 25.1 ± 5.1 years, body height = 182.3 ± 6.2 cm, body mass = 80.8 ± 10.4 kg), who were divided into performance levels using two criteria: (i) starters (first teams) vs. non-starters (substitutes) and (ii) top-level players (members of the national team and players who participated in top-level team competition in Europe) vs. high-level players (team players competing at the highest national competitive rank). Variables included anthropometrics (body height and mass, BMI, body fat percentage), generic tests of physiological capacities [5- and 10-m sprints, countermovement jump, broad jump, 20-yard test, reactive strength index (RSI)], and futsal-specific fitness tests [kicking speed by dominant and non-dominant leg, futsal-specific tests of change of direction speed, and reactive agility (FSRAG) involving/not involving dribbling the ball]. Top-level players outperformed high-level players in RSI, broad jump, kicking speed, and FSRAG involving dribbling. Starters achieved better results than non-starters in fewer variables, including kicking speed and RSI. Body fat percentage negatively influenced FSRAG involving dribbling, and RSI. FSRAG, RSI, and kicking speed were significantly correlated, indicating the similar physiological background of these capacities. The findings suggest that enhanced reactive strength and the ability to rapidly change direction speed in response to external stimulus while executing futsal-specific motor tasks (e.g., dribbling), along with players’ ability to kick the ball speedily, can be considered essential qualities required for advanced performance in futsal. Consequently, futsal strength and conditioning training should be targeted toward lowering relative body fat, maximizing lower-body reactive strength and including futsal-specific skills (e.g., dribbling, shooting) in reactive agility drills.
Highlights
Futsal is a high-intensity intermittent sport that requires players to repeatedly engage in sequences of intense activities on the futsal court (Spyrou et al, 2020)
Multivariate differences calculated by discriminant canonical analysis (DISCRA) evidenced reactive strength index (RSI) and Kicking D as the strongest discriminators of the starters and non-starters, with 75% (n = 30) of non-starters, and 63% (n = 13) of starters being correctly classified (Table 3)
The main findings of the study are that (i) top-level players had a higher RSI, better results on the reactive agility (RAG) test with a ball, and higher values of maximal kicking speed than high-level players and (ii) starters were taller and had a higher RSI and higher values of maximal kicking speed compared to the non-starters
Summary
Futsal is a high-intensity intermittent sport that requires players to repeatedly engage in sequences of intense activities (e.g., sprinting, changes of direction, acceleration, deceleration kicking) on the futsal court (Spyrou et al, 2020). Well developed speed, agility, muscle strength and power are important in execution of specific futsal performances (e.g., shooting, dribbling, passing, ball recovery) and movements (e.g., accelerations, decelerations, sprints, change of directions, jumps) (Young et al, 2002; Alvarez et al, 2009; Castagna et al, 2009; Junior et al, 2017; Ribeiro et al, 2020) and they are considered to be key indicators of overall performance in futsal matches (Galy et al, 2015; Junior et al, 2017)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
