Abstract
This study investigated relationships that linear speed and lower-body power have on change-of-direction (COD) speed in collegiate women soccer players. Data from two Division I (n = 39) and one Division II (n = 18) schools were analyzed. Subjects were assessed in: power (vertical jump (VJ); jump height, peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw), power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM); linear speed (10-m sprint); and COD speed (modified T-test (MTT), 505, COD deficit). Independent samples T-tests derived significant between-group differences, with effect sizes (d) calculated. Pearson’s correlations determined relationships between COD speed, linear speed, and power, with regression equations calculated. Division I players demonstrated superior 505, COD deficit, VJ height, PAPw, and P:BM (d = 1.09–2.21). Division II players were faster in the MTT (d = 1.51). For all players, the 505 correlated with the 10-m sprint (r = 0.39–0.53) and VJ height (r = −0.65–0.66), while the COD deficit related to the 10-m sprint (r = −0.77–0.82). The regression data supported these results. Division I players were superior in the 505 and COD deficit, and expressed their power in the 180° 505 task. Division II players should enhance lower-body power and the ability to perform 180° direction changes.
Highlights
Soccer is one of the most popular sports for women at the collegiate level [1], yet there has been relatively little analysis of these athletes [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I players were significantly older than the Division II players
In regard to COD speed, Division I players performed significantly better on the 505, and displayed a lower COD Deficit when compared to DII players
Summary
Soccer is one of the most popular sports for women at the collegiate level [1], yet there has been relatively little analysis of these athletes [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. Soccer places great demands on a number of physiological capacities, as players need to demonstrate high aerobic and anaerobic fitness, the ability to sprint, jump, change direction, and complete sport-specific skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting the ball [9,10]. Change-of-direction (COD) speed is the physical component of agility, which encompasses technique, lower-body power, and the ability to effectively decelerate and accelerate [11]. This quality can help dictate performance success, due to the high volume of direction changes
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