The Impact of the Soccer Training Season on the Body Composition and Physical Performances of Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to prove the effectiveness of a soccer training program during a macrocycle (preparation and competition season) on the body composition and physical performances of young players. The research was conducted with a sample of 24 soccer players in two age groups: U15 (n=12) and U17 (n=12). The initial testing took place prior to the start of the preseason, whereas the final testing was performed after four months of training. The results prove that the soccer training program for the U15 age range causes important significant differences in the isokinetic force: peak torque flexion and peak torque extension. No significant changes were seen in body composition (body height/mass and muscle and fat mass) or vertical jump (Squat Jump - SJ, Counter-Movement Jump - CMJ, Maximal Counter-Movement Jump - CMJmax). The results also prove that the U17 soccer training program causes important statistical differences in muscle mass, fat mass, SJ, CMJ, CMJmax, and peak torque flexion, but there were no statistically significant changes in peak torque extension or body height/mass of the U17 soccer players. This research shows that the sensitive phase for relevant improvements in explosive force occurs after the age of 15 years, a period that is characterized by the dramatic development of muscle mass.