PMS58 The Examination and Development of the Agility Skills in County First-CLASS Soccer Players

Abstract

In soccer games, players often use great power, high-speeds, sprints, changes of direction and moves requiring sudden acceleration. Our goal is to perfect and design a training program that improves the agility and performance of each athlete in the Hévíz SK Soccer Division. Our prospective study was performed with Hévíz SK Soccer Division County First Class Men's Team from 05.01.2019 to 29.06.2019 with 21 players hosted at the team’s gym using targeted sampling. The inclusion criteria were the player’s field position and participation in a training program 3 times per week. The exclusion criteria were non-field player positions (goalkeeper) and injury with chronic musculoskeletal problems in the previous month that underwent surgery within 1 year prior to examination. Our research performed tests on core stability, agility, running speed, acceleration and KEISER power machine. Data processing was performed using a simple t-test and Pearson's correlation with SPSS for Windows 22.0 (p <0.05). Comparing results of pre and post training testing, we observed and documented significant improvements in the T-Agility, Ventral Plank, and KEISER Runner and Functional Trainer tests (p<0.05). With OXA Photocell Meter, we also documented significant improvements (p<0.05) in the time and velocity at the 5.- 10.- and 15. meter measuring points. The results we observed with the KEISER Squat Trainer in optimal resistance (p<0.05) and maximum lower limb performance (p<0.05) were also significant. By evaluating the data collected, we gained insight into each players’ characteristics, quality of movement and deficits and this served as a basis for development of a targeted exercise program that was deeply integrated into the team's training program. In our view, the use of a sports-specific training program to improve agility skills should be emphasized in order to improve the players’ performance.