Direction Performance In Soccer Players Research Articles

Change of Direction Performance in Soccer Players: Comparison Based on Horizontal Force–Velocity Profile

Background: The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the mechanical parameters of the horizontal force–velocity profile (Hzt FV profile) and performance over two different change of direction (COD) protocols (505test and modified 505test [M505test]) to assess the influence of mechanical parameters of Hzt FV profile on COD deficit (CODD) in soccer players among different categories. Methods: Seventy-seven soccer players, divided into playing levels, participated in the following assessments: Hzt FV profile, 505test and M505test. Spearman correlation coefficient (rs [p < 0.05]) and a linear regression model were used to determine the relationship between COD performance and mechanical parameters of sprint (maximum power output [Pmax], maximum horizontal force production [F0] and maximum velocity application [V0]). Results: Results suggest that: (1) V0 is highly correlated with 505test [Professional (rs = −0.682, p < 0.01); Amateurs (rs = −0.721, p < 0.01); U18DH (rs = −0.736, p < 0.01); U18LN (rs = −0.569, p < 0.01)]; (2) F0 is strongly correlated to M505test F0—M505test [Professional (rs = −0.468, p < 0.05); Amateurs (rs = −0.690, p < 0.01); U18DH (rs = −0.642, p < 0.01); U18LN (rs = −0.658, p < 0.01)]; and (3) significant differences were observed in Professionals vs. U18LN comparison [505test (U = −37.7, p = 0.000); M505test (U = −26.9, p = 0.000)]. Conclusions: A significant relationship exists between strength levels and COD performance depending on task demands. Horizontal force (F0) is crucial in statics COD, while high-speed force production (V0) is decisive in dynamics COD. Finally, higher-level players demonstrate greater efficiency in COD.

Relationship between lower limb power output, sprint and change of direction performance in soccer players

Introduction: Although soccer matches require players to perform repetitive power-related abilities, the impact of lower-body strength and power asymmetry on sprint and change of direction (COD) performance receives little attention. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the relationship between lower limb power, sprint, and change of direction (COD) performance. In addition, the relationship between lower limb power asymmetry and the above mentioned running tests was determined. Material and Methods: Twenty-four male soccer players from First Polish League (age = 24.8 ±8.2 years, body mass = 77.4 ±16.9kg, body height=179.5 ±14.5cm, soccer training experience = 10 ± 1.5years) took part in the study. To examine the relationship between linear sprint, lower limb muscle power, and COD performance (time and deficit), the following tests were performed: 5-and 20-m linear sprint, leg press exercise, and two 20-m COD sprints (“COD90” and “L” test). Result: Pearson correlation coefficients didn’t show any statistically significant relationship between lower limb power and linear sprint speed as well as COD performance. The results indicate that the considered variables are independent physical characteristics. Conclusion: Relative lower limb-power output and low level of mean inter-limb asymmetry in power output does not affect 5- and 20-m linear sprint time and COD performance with 90° turn.

Horizontal versus vertical force application: association with the change of direction performance in soccer players.

ABSTRACT This study examined which mechanical variables derived from a vertical jump (i.e. concentric peak force [ConcPF] and eccentric peak force [EccPF], flight time [FT]: contraction time [CT], eccentric deceleration rate of force development [EccDecRFD]) and linear sprint (i.e. theoretical maximal force [F0] and velocity [V0], maximal power output [Pmax], the peak ratio of the effective horizontal component [RFpeak], and the index of force application technique [DRF]) determined the change of direction (COD) performance to a greater extent. Sixteen male soccer players (age: 21.8 ± 2.9 years; height: 175.94 ± 6.88 cm; weight: 73.23 ± 9.59 kg) were assessed for a countermovement jump, the horizontal force velocity (FV) profile, and the COD ZigZag test. The horizontal FV profile parameters were significantly associated with COD performance, while jump mechanical variables did not show any significant association (r = 0.08–0.19; p > 0.05). Specifically, F0 (r = −0.56), Pmax (r = −0.68), and RFpeak (r = −0.54) were strongly associated with COD performance. Moreover, a 1 N·kg−1 increase in F0 was associated with −0.11 s to complete the ZigZag test, whereas 1 W·kg−1 and 1% increase in Pmax and RFpeak were associated with −0.05 and −0.03 s, respectively, to complete the COD test. Horizontal force production during sprinting might play a key role in COD performance. Assessing the horizontal FV profile might help coaches to prescribe a specific training programme to maximize sprint acceleration, which might improve COD performance.

The Combined Effect of Strength and Speed Training on Change of Direction Performance in Soccer Players

Soccer is an intermittent sport where high-intensity actions such as sprints, jumps, and change of direction (COD) can become determining factors of success. Strength and speed are essential physical qualities related to an athlete's COD ability. The influence of strength and speed training on COD performance has been examined in various sports. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a combined strength and speed training program on COD performance in high-performance junior soccer players. The study was a randomized crossover trial designed to determine whether there is a difference in the COD test performance after treatment of strength and speed training. Eighteen soccer players were recruited from the same team and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group. The players were evaluated in four various tests, the Illinois Agility Test, 30 meters speed test, 30 meters speed with a change of direction Test and, the 5RM submaximal strength Test. Four 2(Test) x 3(groups) ANOVAs with Tukey posthoc test were performed to detect any statistically significant differences between and within the training groups. An alpha-level of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. This study did not find significant improvements in the performance of the studied qualities speed (linear and COD) and, nor an increase in the strength test's performance linked to the treatment used at the end of the six weeks of combined treatment of strength and speed. Strength plus speed training can be used to improve strength during the competitive season.

The acute effect of wearable resistance load and placement upon change of direction performance in soccer players.

The aim of the study was to examine the acute effect of different lower limb wearable resistance on placement (shank vs thigh) and various loads (1-5% of body mass) upon change of direction (COD) ability. Twelve male soccer players (age: 23.3 ± 2.5 years; height: 179.2 ± 7.4 cm; body mass: 78.3 ± 7.1 kg) performed a change of direction test with different additional loads fixed on either the shank or thigh. Measurement consisted of total time, 90° and 45° split times. large effects of the different wearable resistance placement (p<0.05) and load (p<0.001) were found for total and split change of direction time performance. Change of direction times were higher with shank loading compared with thigh loading. It was concluded that lower limb wearable resistance loading with different loads had an acute effect upon change of direction performance in male soccer players. Furthermore, that distal placement (shank vs thigh) with similar body mass load had a larger effect upon COD performance.