Competitive Matches Research Articles

Acceleration and deceleration demands of different soccer training drills and competitive matches

AbstractThis study compared acceleration and deceleration demands between different training drills (compensation, rondos, small-sided games, technical) and matches, and between playing positions. Nineteen professional players were monitored during four microcycles. Efforts intensities were classified as low (25–50%), moderate (50–75%), and high (> 75%); starting speed was assessed in bandwidths (< 5 km h−1, 5–10 km h−1, 10–15 km h−1, 15–20 km h−1, 20–25 km h−1, and > 25 km h−1). Paired mean differences compared activities, and independent groups contrasts compared playing positions, with 90% confidence intervals. Match elicited more high-intensity accelerations than technical drills (effect size [ES]: 1.75 [1.40, 2.28]), rondos (ES: 1.47 [0.92, 2.17]), compensation drills (ES: 1.28 [0.66, 2.09]), and small-sided games (ES: 0.64 [0.11, 1.25]), and more high-intensity decelerations than technical drills (ES: 0.74 [0.24, 1.32]) and rondos (ES: 0.53 [0.04, 1.06]). Compensation drills elicited more decelerations starting > 25 km h−1 than small-sided games (ES: 2.90 [2.18, 3.98]), technical drills (ES: 2.88 [2.11, 4.02]), and matches (ES: 2.06 [1.35, 3.08]). Fullbacks performed more high-intensity accelerations than central midfielders during small-sided games (ES: 0.10 [0.01, 0.20]), wide midfielders performed more high-intensity accelerations than central defenders during technical drills (ES: 0.05 [0.02, 0.08]), and wide midfielders performed more decelerations starting > 25 km h−1 than central defenders (ES: 0.10 [0.01, 0.20]) and central midfielders (ES: 0.12 [0.04, 0.20]) during matches. Match imposed higher demands to players than any drill, and merging compensation drills with small-sided games can be a good strategy to compensate competition acceleration and deceleration demands. Rondos drills should be carefully used due to the high deceleration demands.

Oral but Not Topical Sodium Bicarbonate Improves Repeated Sprint Performance During Simulated Soccer Match Play Exercise in Collegiate Athletes.

This study investigated the effect of oral and topical sodium bicarbonate (SB) on soccer-specific performance during simulated soccer exercise. In a block randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 10 collegiate male soccer players (stature: 181.7 ± 3.2cm, body mass: 81.7 ± 10.5kg) performed soccer-specific performance tests (countermovement jumps, Illinois agility, 8 × 25m repeated sprints) throughout a 90-min soccer-specific aerobic field test (SAFT90) following 0.3g/kg body mass SB in capsules (SB-ORAL), 0.9036g/kg body mass PR Lotion (SB-LOTION), or placebo capsules and lotion (PLA). Soccer-specific performance tests were conducted pre-SAFT90, during half-time and post-SAFT90. Blood samples were analyzed for acid-base balance (pH; bicarbonate, HCO3-) and strong ions (sodium, Na+; potassium, K+). Average sprint times were quicker for SB-ORAL than PLA during half-time (3.7%; p = .049; g = .57) and post-SAFT90 (4.9%; p = .041; g = .66). SB-ORAL increased pH and HCO3- prewarm-up and during half-time (p < .05), and lowered K+ during half-time (p = .035) compared with PLA. SB-LOTION increased pH (p = .019) and lowered K+ (p = .012) during half-time compared with PLA. SB-LOTION increased Na+ postexercise compared with PLA (p = .008). Repeated sprint times during simulated soccer exercise improved for SB-ORAL, which might have been mechanistically underpinned by elevated blood buffering capacity and greater regulation of strong ion concentration. Consuming SB in capsules is a more effective strategy than topical SB application for improving blood buffering capacity and repeated sprint performance throughout competitive soccer matches.

How Do Technical and Tactical Demands of Football Matches Affect the Physical Performance of Elite Football Referees? Exploring the Role of Experience.

Martinez-Torremocha, G, Alonso-Callejo, A, Garcia-Unanue, J, Gallardo, L, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, and Felipe, JL. How do technical and tactical demands of football matches impact the physical performance of elite football referees? Exploring the role of experience. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): e664-e669, 2024-This study aimed to analyze whether the physical demands on elite football referees during matches are influenced by both the physical intensity of the game and the technical-tactical context, to assess the impact of elite experience on the physical demands of referees, and to compare the physical performance of the referees with the performance of the players divided by positions in each match analyzed. Physical demands were recorded on 20 Spanish male football referees during the 2020/21, 2021/22, and 2022/23 seasons over a total of 73 official matches, using Global Positioning Systems for physical demands (total distance [TD], high-speed running [HSR], sprint, and high-intensity acceleration [HI ACC] and deceleration) and WyScout for technical-tactical actions (ball circulation, possession, shot, passes, total turnovers, quick turnovers, and long passes). Referees showed lower values for all variables except in TD (p < 0.05). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in referees' physical demands based on experience. Low-experience referees correlated HSR and sprint distances with high-intensity decelerations distances in matches. Medium-experience referees linked HSR, sprinting, and HI ACC distances with greater sprint distances in matches. High-experience referees correlated HSR distance with HSR, sprint, and HI ACC distances match demands. Low-experience referees positively correlated HSR and sprint distances with ball circulation, passes, quick turnovers, and forward passes. In conclusion, referees' experience influenced the adaptation of their physical demands to the technical-tactical and physical factors of competitive matches. This information will help professionals working with referees to develop training programs that better prepare referees for specific challenges.

Investigating the relationship between impairment and performance in goalball: A level playing field?

ABSTRACT Currently, all eligible goalball players compete together irrespective of their level of vision impairment, yet it remains unclear whether those with more impairment are disadvantaged during competition. Following the International Paralympic Committee’s requirement for evidence-based, sport-specific classification, this study assessed whether individual goalball performance relates to the level of visual impairment. Using results from the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games, players’ sport classes and in-competition key performance statistics (minutes played, throws per minute, goals per minute, penalties conceded per minute, blocks per minute, and goals per throw) were extracted. Players’ visual acuity and visual field results were obtained through the IBSA Sport Administration System. Results showed no statistically significant differences in performance between classes. Further, there were no significant relationships between vision and performance for all six variables for female players. A small but significant positive correlation was found between visual acuity and the number of penalties conceded for male players. Collectively, the results suggest that currently eligible players compete fairly against one another during competitive goalball matches. Results provide support for the existing system of classification whereby all eligible athletes compete against each other irrespective of their level of impairment.

Comparing the Service Quality of China Super League and English Premier League for Offline Game Experience

Football, the most popular sport worldwide, has approximately 3.5 billion fans. In addition, the service quality of different football leagues varies, and it significantly impacts fan attendance to football games offline. This paper focuses on comparing the service quality of the English Premier League (EPL) and the China Super League (CSL) to identify areas for improvement in CSL's offline game’s attendance. The paper evaluated the service quality of the two leagues through four dimensions: program quality, interaction quality, outcome quality, and environment quality. The results show that the EPL is better at offering more games, greater interaction quality due to effective safety polices, higher player market value that led to more competitive matches, and more professional and modern football stadiums. In comparison, less games, excessively stringent security regulations that detract from the spectator experience, lesser player market value, and subpar stadium infrastructure plague the CSL. The research concludes that for CSL to enhance its service quality, it should allow more teams to play in CSL, relax some security policies, adjust its salary caps and foreign player policies, and build more professional football stadiums. These improvements are crucial for boosting fan attendance and engagement, ultimately enhancing the league's marketability and revenue. Future research should explore service quality in other global football leagues to provide a more comprehensive understanding of service quality’s impact on attendance.

Physical fitness, psychological characteristics, and game performance in youth male soccer players of different levels of competition

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study examined the differences and associations regarding physical fitness, psychological characteristics, and game performance between elite (n = 64), sub-elite (n = 82), and non-elite (n = 97) youth male soccer players aged 16.2 ± 0.5 years. Physical fitness parameters were assessed using field tests, psychological characteristics were evaluated using validated questionnaires and technical – tactical data were recorded during a competitive soccer match using a multicamera, semiautomatic optical tracking system. Elite players demonstrated superior performance in cardiorespiratory fitness, countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 m sprint, and agility, compared to the sub-elite and the non-elite players. Also, the elite and sub-elite players had faster 40 m sprints than the non-elite players. Game performance was significantly better in the elite group than the other groups and was associated with coping with the adversity and coachability, tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, and fatigue-inertia subscales. Among the physical fitness parameters examined, only agility and CMJ were associated with game performance. In conclusion, elite youth soccer players performed significantly better in various physical fitness and psychological parameters and demonstrated a higher game performance indicator score compared to their sub-elite and non-elite peers. Results suggested that physical fitness and psychological parameters are essential predictors of game performance.

Turnip hoeing matches in Aberdeenshire, 1840–1940: Material practice and cultural impact

Abstract This article explores the competitive hoeing matches, which were a significant feature of certain parts of Scottish rural life in the period 1840 to 1940. An analysis of newspaper reports shows how important such matches were in Aberdeenshire, attracting significant numbers of both competitors and spectators. By contrast, similar reports for the rest of Scotland show only a small number of such matches outside the northeast. Reasons for the differences are attributed to both material factors, such as the visibility of cultivation, and the social structure of the areas. In Aberdeenshire, a culture valorising hard work and skill was set in a social structure of small farmers and farm servants, which led to self-sustaining organisational forms. By contrast, elsewhere a top-down form of organisation prioritising the needs of farm productivity meant that competitive hoeing matches failed to kindle much enthusiasm. The value of a focus on taken-for-granted practices is the way it can shed light on such contrasts.

The application of match-event and instrumented mouthguard data to inform match limits: An example using rugby union Premiership and rugby league Super League data from England.

The study aimed to illustrate how contact (from match-event data) and head acceleration event (HAE) (from instrumented mouthguard [iMG]) data can be combined to inform match limits within rugby. Match-event data from one rugby union and rugby league season, including all competitive matches involving players from the English Premiership and Super League, were used. Playing exposure was summarised as full game equivalents (FGE; total minutes played/80). Expected contact and HAE exposures at arbitrary thresholds were estimated using match-event and iMG data. Generalised linear models were used to identify differences in contact and HAE exposure per FGE. For 30 FGEs, forwards had greater contact than backs in rugby union (n=1272 vs. 618) and league (n=1569 vs. 706). As HAE magnitude increased, the differences between positional groups decreased (e.g., rugby union; n=34 and 22 HAE >40g for forwards and backs playing 30 FGEs). Currently, only a relatively small proportion of rugby union (2.5%) and league (7.3%) players exceeded 25 FGEs. Estimating contact and HAEs per FGE allows policymakers to prospectively plan and model estimated overall and position-specific loads over a season and longer term. Reducing FGE limits by a small amount would currently only affect contact and HAE exposure for a small proportion of players who complete the most minutes. This may be beneficial for this cohort but is not an effective HAE and contact exposure reduction strategy at a population level, which requires individual player management. Given the positional differences, FGE limits should exist to manage appropriate HAE and contact exposure.

Decisive Shots: Unveiling Disparities between Winning and Losing Pairs in High-Level Men’s Padel

This study aimed to describe and distinguish shot characteristics between set winning and losing pairs in high-level male padel players from Finland. Between 2022 and 2023, we analyzed 4469 points across 38 matches, examining factors such as match type, set outcome, effectiveness of the last shot, generator of forced error, and shot type. Results showed that set-winning players produced more winners (CSR = 7.7; CSR = 6.8) and committed fewer forced (CSR = 4.2; CSR = 2.8) and unforced errors (CSR = 4.0; CSR = 4.3) compared to set losing players, both in pressure training and competition matches. In addition, irrespective of the set outcome, these players achieved more winners and generated more forced errors with the smash, bandeja, forehand volley, and backhand volley. Nevertheless, a significant number of errors (both forced and unforced) are committed with the bandeja and volley (forehand and backhand). Furthermore, notable errors (forced and unforced) are observed in shots following one bounce and without a wall rebound, particularly in the forehand, backhand, and return. In conclusion, the ability to produce winners while minimizing forced and unforced errors proves to be crucial for securing sets in high-level men’s padel.

The Influence of Playing Position on Physical, Physiological, and Technical Demands in Adult Male Soccer Matches: A Systematic Scoping Review with Evidence Gap Map.

There has been an increase in studies examining the demands of soccer relative to each playing position in recent years. Understanding the physical, physiological, and technical demands on soccer players according to their positional role during competitive matches is necessary to understand match requirements and develop position-specific training practices. Thereby, there is a clear need to synthesize the information on the different profiles of each playing position. This review aimed to organize the literature investigating physical, physiological, and technical demands according to playing positions and provide a framework to identify gaps and suggestions for future studies. A systematic search was conducted in October 2023 using four electronic databases: Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Scopus. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR extension for Scoping Reviews. The studies were included if the sample comprised adult male soccer players categorized from Tier 3 to Tier 5 (i.e., highly trained/national level, elite/international level, or world class) and compared the physical, physiological, or technical parameters across playing positions. A total of 178 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The number of teams, players, and matches analyzed per study varied considerably. Although a range of classifications were reported across studies, 59% of studies classified players as central defenders, full-backs, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and forwards. The findings suggests that central and external midfielders, and external defenders cover greater total and high-speed distance than forwards or central defenders. Sprint distance was higher in external midfielders versus all other positions. Defenders and central midfielders perform more passes than external midfielders and forwards. Heart rate was the most commonly reported physiological variable across playing positions. When expressed as a percentage of maximal heart rate, midfielders presented higher mean values than all other playing positions. This scoping review demonstrates that there are differences in the demands on players across playing positions in soccer. Training practices in soccer should be based on the specific requirements of each positional role to ensure players can fulfill their tactical responsibilities during the game.

Influence of competitive padel matches on physical fitness and perceptual responses in high-level players.

Padel is a sport that requires a combination of physical and technical skills. Fatigue is a major modulator of padel players' performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in neuromuscular performance and perceived effort among high-level padel players. Countermovement jump and handgrip strength of 58 participants (men: N.=38 age = 28.3±7.05 years, height = 178.9±8.41 cm; body mass = 75.25±8.2 kg. women: N.=21, age = 23.07±4.6 years, height = 163.86±10.34 cm; body mass = 59.9±6.13 kg) were assessed pre- and post-match in 43 official matches during the Padel Master 2021 of the Andalusian Padel Federation. Additionally, the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale was used to assess players' subjective perception of effort after each match. Players experienced significant increases in postmatch jump height, with no changes in handgrip strength. Moreover, changes in jump height were greater in male players after the match when compared to their female counterparts, but the match duration was not determinant when comparing CMJ or handgrip between 2-sets and 3-sets matches. Finally, players reported a higher RPE after longer matches, but perceived effort was not different between sexes. These findings suggest that the internal load generated during competitive padel matches is insufficient to cause a declination in performance of the studied variables. It is also concluded that players' warm-up routines could be optimized to enhance neuromuscular performance at the start of matches.

Football Defensive Actions Development in Small-Sided and Conditioned Games With Offensive Goals

With the use of small-sided and conditioned games (SSCGs), non-linear pedagogy (NLP), which is based on the ecological dynamics approach, has arisen with the aim of fostering a holistic perspective and optimizing players’ tactical offensive and defensive behavior’s. Given the potential injury and health risks associated with insufficiently structured training, such as overtraining or inadequate tactical preparation, the implementation of evidence-based approaches like NLP is crucial. In this study, the indirect impacts of an NLP-based intervention program (task design based on tactical attack principles and assaulting team’s numerical advantage) were examined in decision-making (DM) and execution (Ex) in U14 football defense technical-tactical actions. Twelve training sessions, split over two phases—preintervention and intervention—involved eighteen players (aged U14). 600 defensive actions measured during competitive matches were examined using the Game Performance Evaluation Tool (GPET) tool. The results revealed significant gains in marking (to the player with the ball: DM, p = 0.001; Ex, p = 0.001; and to the player without the ball: DM, p = 0.039; Ex, p = 0.046), blocking (DM, p = 0.015), and help- coverage (Ex, p = 0.014) actions. The interception and tackle actions did not differ noticeably. According to the results of this study, the NLP approach provides a suitable theoretical framework for fostering the development of defensive tactical behavior in football. Not all acts, though, saw improvements. In order to build technical-tactical training processes based on the phases of the football game (offensive and defensive) and taking the level of opposition into consideration, trainers should design representative tasks.

A comparative analysis of weekly internal and external workloads between starting and non-starting professional soccer players: A retrospective 21-week examination.

Aims of the present investigation encompassed: (i) the quantification of training and match loads experienced by starters and non-starters within a professional soccer team; (ii) the identification of variations in these loads across different training modalities, namely, Preparation Training (PT), Match and Match Compensation Training (M&MCT), and their cumulative sum (Total Load; TL); and (iii) the formulation of guidelines aimed at harmonizing the weekly workloads between the groups. Internal and external load of training sessions (n = 97), competitive matches (n = 21) and running based sessions (n = 4) were recorded for 21 weeks to investigate possible heterogeneity between starters and non-starters across PT, M&MCT and TL. During PT, time spent in heart rate zone 5 (HRZ5) was increased for non-starters (+46.1%). During M&MCT, lower loads for non-starters were found in the rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) (-45.6%), HRZ4 (-54%) and HRZ5 (-77.8%), total distance (TD) (-37%), number of sprints (-58.1%), distance in speed zone 1 (-51.1%), zone 3 (-61.5%) and zone 4 (-59.8%) (SZ1, SZ3&4) and all acceleration and deceleration zones (Acc1-4; Dec1-4) (Acc1: -53.1%; Acc2: -56.3%; Acc3: -59.2%; Acc4: 57.8%) (Dec1: -45.9%; Dec2: -55.2%; Dec3: -63.2%; Dec4: -67.7%). Regarding TL, the non-starters' loads remain lower compared to starters for sRPE (-19.2%), HRZ4 (-21.6%) and HRZ5 (-41.4%), number of sprints (-26.7%), SZ3 (-34.2%), Acc3 (-24.4%), Acc4 (-26.1%), Dec2 (-18.7%), Dec3 (-24%) and Dec4 (-31.2%). By implementing a running-based regimen on matchday and MCT the day after (MD+1), TD, distances in SZ1, SZ2, SZ4, SZ5, and counts of accelerations in Acc1&2, as well as Dec1, were effectively replicated for non-starters. All other variables remained unaligned for the non-starters. Given the prevalent emphasis on Small-Sided Games (SSGs) during MCT at MD+1, the incorporation of an additional running-based session for non-starters on MD is advised to address gaps in TD, sprint counts, and high-intensity load variables, such as HRZ4&5 and SZ 3 to 5.

Establishing the Locomotor Performance Profile of Elite Ladies Gaelic Football across Position and Quarters

The aim of the current investigation was to examine the locomotor performance profile of elite ladies Gaelic football (LGF) players in relation to playing position and quarters of play. Thirty (n = 30) elite LGF players (age: 24 ± 4 years, height: 169 ± 5 cm, body mass: 61 ± 4 kg) were monitored using 10 Hz GPS technology (Playertek; Catapult Sports; Australia) resulting in 145 individual samples collected over 18 competitive matches across the 2021 and 2022 LGF seasons. Locomotor performance was determined across the following variables: total distance covered (TD, m), relative distance (m·min−1), high-speed running (HSR, ≥ 4.4 m·s−1), very high-speed running (VHSR, ≥ 5.5 m·s−1), relative HSR (RHSR; m·min−1), peak velocity (m·s−1), percentage peak velocity (%PeakV), accelerations (n; ≥ 3 m·s−2), and decelerations (n; ≤ −3 m·s−2). Data were classified based on playing position and quarter of play. The greatest TD was covered by half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards, with these positions covering significantly greater distances than full-backs (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards covered the greatest high-speed distance (HSR). When running performance was analysed across quarters, a significant position by quarter interaction was observed for all running performance variables, except peak velocity and percentage peak velocity. A consistent trend for reduced locomotor performance was evident in the second and fourth quarters across all positional lines. The current data provide coaches with the position-specific locomotor requirements of LGF match-play, which can inform the design of training content for LGF players, along with match-day strategies. Given the reduction in locomotor performance observed across the match, performance staff may consider the use of nutritional interventions, rewarm-up strategies, or specific substitution policies to mitigate the decrement in locomotor performance observed across match-play.

Relationship between physical fitness parameters and match time motion performance in international footballers with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to describe the physical performance of international football players with cerebral palsy (CP) using commonly employed field tests to determine whether these characteristics are correlated with, or even predictive of, physical performance during competitive matches. Ten international footballers with CP performed a physical performance assessment that included anthropometry, sprint capacity, change of direction ability and intermittent endurance conducted before a worldwide competition. Match running performances were recorded using global positioning system devices during five official matches, including speed and distance variables. Moderate-to-high correlations were found between 5-m and 30-m sprints with maximal acceleration, deceleration and distances covered at moderate-to-high intensities. The change of direction capacity correlated to maximal deceleration and high-intensity variables. Furthermore, intermittent endurance correlated with average velocity, total distance and distances covered at varying intensities. Multiple linear regression showed predictive relationships for maximal acceleration, average velocity, total distance and intensity-specific distances. Practitioners must consider the main test that correlates with the demands of the sport and key performance parameters in CP football. The results offer practical insights for optimising training strategies tailored to specific performance variables for match football performance.

Changes in Hip Isometric Strength of Female College Soccer Players After High-Workload Training Session.

The hip adductor and abductor muscles play vital roles as stabilizers in the lower-extremity. Their activation during soccer-specific actions is essential, but local muscular fatigue can hinder athletic performance and increase the risk of injury. This study aimed to observe the variations in frontal plane hip strength in female college soccer players before and after ahigh-workload soccer-specific training session. Furthermore, the study sought to compare the relative changes in hip strength with the internal and external load measures obtained during that session. Twenty female college soccer players participated in a retrospective observational study. Isometric hip adductor and abductor strength were measured before and after a training session in the college spring season. Measurements were taken with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET 2) while the players were supine. Global positioning system sensors (Catapult Vector S7), commonly worn by players during training sessions and competitive matches, were used to measure external and internal loads. Statistical analyses were performed using paired samples t test to assess hip adductor and abductor strength changes before and after the training session. Spearman rank was used to identify correlation coefficients between global positioning system data and isometric hip strength. The findings revealed significant decreases in the strength of the right hip adduction (P = .012, -7% relative change), right abduction (P = .009, -7.6% relative change), and left abduction (P = .016, -4.9% relative change) after the training session. Furthermore, relative decreases in hip isometric adduction and abduction strength are related to the distance covered at high speeds. The results of this study highlight that hip isometric adduction and abduction strength tend to decrease after exposure to high workloads during soccer-specific training.

Self-reported reproductive health of retired elite women’s footballers: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to describe the self-reported reproductive health of retired elite women’s footballers with specific reference to menstrual function, pregnancy and motherhood, contraceptive use and...

High-Intensity GPS-Derived Parameters in Semi-Professional Soccer: Home vs. Away Roles of the Team and Their Relationship with the Match's Final Score.

High-intensity activities are related to success in football. We looked at whether high-intensity activity differed between home and away matches and its impact on the final score. Thirty football players (20.3 ± 0.8 years) were recruited from a Spanish semi-professional team. Footballers wore a GPS device to monitor high-intensity parameters from competition matches. The final score of every match was also recorded. Playing at home showed greater total distance (TD) > 24 km/h, >27 km/h, >85% Vmax, and the number of sprints > 24 km/h (all p < 0.05) than playing away. Positive correlations were also found between the match score and high-speed running (HSR) distance covered by the team per minute (r = 0.401), TD > 21 km/h (r = 0.417), TD > 24 km/h (r = 0.343), number of sprints > 24 km/h (r = 0.337), and HSR per minute (r = 0.459) (all p < 0.05). The results suggest that playing at home is associated with greater high-intensity effort than playing away. Moreover, the volume of high-intensity effort influences the final score.

Impacto de ejercicios bilaterales y unilaterales en la potenciación aguda del salto horizontal en futbolistas profesionales

Objective: To analyze the effect of activation through bilateral or unilateral strength and plyometric exercises on horizontal jump performance. Methodology: The study involved 15 highly trained male soccer players (age, 24.7 ± 3.1 years; height, 181.2 ± 4.7 cm; weight, 79.7 ± 3.4 kg) from the same team competing in the national league. Their regular training routine consisted of 4 sessions and 1 competitive match per week. Participants performed 1 control protocol (CON) and 3 activation protocols following a counterbalanced design based on specific soccer exercises (SIN), bilateral (BIL), and unilateral (UNI) strength and plyometric exercises. After each protocol, players underwent the horizontal jump test (HZB). Results: The repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant positive effects on HZB for the SIN (p&lt;0.01; diff = 2.95(2.00) %), BIL(p&lt;0.01; diff = 3.22(2.61) %), and UNI (p&lt;0.01; diff = 6.80(3.40) %) protocols compared to CON. Furthermore, HZB was significantly higher after the UNI protocol than after SIN (p&lt;0.01; diff = 3.74(2.62) %) and BIL (p&lt;0.01; diff = 3.47(1.94) %). Individual response analysis reflected positive effects on HZB for SIN, BIL, and UNI compared to CON, while 89 % of players showed better HZB performance after UNI than after BIL. Conclusions: Activation incorporating unilateral strength and plyometric stimuli has a greater positive effect on horizontal jump capacity than activation involving general, soccer-specific, and bilateral exercises.

Analysis of external load in professional English Football League Two players

Previous research has utilised Global Positioning Systems (GPS) based technology to provide detailed insights on activity profiles and external demands of professional football. However, there remains minimal research exploring this in the English Football League (EFL), in particular, League Two. Considering differences such as a unique fixture frequency and congestion, and its impact of training occurrence, a study on the external physical loading of EFL League Two players is necessary. Furthermore, analysis of positional differences due to the varied activity profiles is warranted. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to explore the difference in the external demands across training mesocycles, and differences between four-, three-, or two-day training weeks. Additionally, positional differences in external demands in competitive fixtures were explored. Twenty, male, professional soccer players from the EFL League Two (27 ± 6 years, mass 81 ± 8 kg, stature 181 ± 8 cm) were monitored across 41 competitive matches during the 2023-24 season. Players were grouped into the following positional categories central defender (n=3); wide defender (n=4); central midfielder (n=5); wide midfielder (n=5) and striker (n=3). The ethics committee of the sport department at University Academy 92 approved this study. A GPS system (Apex, STATSports, Northern Ireland) was used to quantify external load data from training and match day (MD) across 5 mesocycles of the season. Total distance ranged from 92.1 ± 6.5 m·min-1 to 106.2 ± 8.7 m·min-1 and 44.0 ± 2.0 m·min-1 to 56.8 ± 4.9 m·min-1 across mesocycles in matches and training, respectively. Likewise, High-Speed Running also varied across mesocycles, ranging from 5.6 ± 1.9 m·min-1 to 6.7 ± 1.0 m·min-1 and 0.9 ± 0.3 m·min-1 to 1.3 ± 0.4 m·min-1 in matches and training, respectively. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in several external load variables were evident between four-, three-, or two-day training weeks. When analysing positional differences in matches, the CM achieved the greatest total distance (106.3 ± 17.6 m·min-1), with WM exhibiting the greatest amount of distance at high speed (7.9 ± 2.1 m·min-1) and total accelerations and decelerations (1.9 ± 0.3 ·min2; 1.0 ± 0.3 ·min2). Consequently, results from this research should allow practitioners to physically prepare players optimally in preparation for MD. In conclusion, this study highlighted that external match load performance was influenced by players' positions. Moreover, the consideration of training days in preparation for a fixture, might allow players to be in optimum physical capacity for MD.