Fitness In Young Soccer Players Research Articles

Principal Component Approach and Relationship between Nomination Scale for Identification of Football Talent and Physical Fitness in Young Soccer Players

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the physical capabilities of young soccer players and their performance in game-related variables as assessed through the Nomination Scale for Identifying Football Talent (NSIFT) questionnaire. A total of 80 young soccer players, with an average age of 10.70 ± 1.02 years, participated in the research. Each player underwent a comprehensive assessment session that included the 5-0-5 Change of Direction (COD) test, the Illinois Agility Test, and the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test. These assessments were selected to evaluate critical physical attributes essential for soccer performance such as agility, explosive strength, and the ability to change direction rapidly. To analyze the data, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), a statistical technique that reduces the dimensionality of large datasets while retaining as much variance as possible, was employed. The PCA results indicated strong sample validity as confirmed by the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measurement index, which assesses the adequacy of the sample size for factor analysis. The analysis revealed two principal components: development and disposition, which together accounted for 73% of the total variance in the data. The development component encompasses various physical attributes that contribute to a player’s growth and improvement, including strength, speed, and agility. Conversely, the disposition component reflects innate qualities and cognitive skills that predispose players to excel in soccer such as decision making and game awareness. This research highlights the importance of incorporating physical assessments into talent identification processes, providing objective measures that complement subjective evaluations. This study contributed to the literature on talent identification in soccer, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to nurture young athletes effectively. Future research should continue to explore the interplay between physical and cognitive skills in soccer to enhance player development and success in competitive environments.

The effects of proprioceptive exercise training on physical fitness and performance of soccer skills in young soccer players.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of proprioceptive exercise training on soccer skills and physical fitness in young soccer players. Nineteen young soccer players participated in the study. Participants were divided into proprioceptive exercises training (PT) and control (Cont) groups. The physical fitness and soccer skill performance test assessed at pre- and posttraining. Balance ability and power significantly improved in both groups after 8 weeks of training (P<0.05). Dribble in the PT group was similar between pre- and posttraining, with a statistically significant difference in the Cont group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences within and between groups according to training in the left and right feet for juggling. The PT and Cont groups did not differ significantly regarding short passes posttraining. However, a significant improvement in long passes was observed in the PT group after training period (P<0.05). Shooting was no different between and within the groups. In conclusion, these inconsistent findings are thought to be due to the applied exercise method, training duration, and the specificity of the physical growth period of the young players. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the frequency and time of proprioceptive exercise training and apply factors for cognitive ability improvement to training programs for young soccer players in future studies. These studies could suggest appropriate training methods necessary to improve the performance of young soccer players.

TREINO DE FORÇA MUSCULAR NO CORE DE JOVENS JOGADORES DE FUTEBOL

ABSTRACT Introduction Core strength training is a modern method of approach that matches the current demand for a more resilient physique on young players. Although it was initially conceived as complementary training to contribute to strength and agility, other benefits have been observed for soccer athletes nowadays. Among the under-explored benefits is the effect on the athletes’ stability. Objective This article explores core training results on stability in young soccer players. Methods The theoretical applicability of basic stability training for young soccer players with core muscle strength training is discussed using mathematical statistics. The theoretical result is confronted with the practice of the controlled experiment on 18 young soccer players in 32 weeks with stabilization protocols. Results The fitness and soccer skills of the young men improved significantly (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion Core strength training can promote the overall fitness of young soccer players. This training protocol for core strengthening achieves the primary goal of improving athletes’ competitive ability and fitness. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies – Investigating the results.

The Effects of a Visual Stimuli Training Program on Reaction Time, Cognitive Function, and Fitness in Young Soccer Players.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether a visual stimuli program during soccer training can affect reaction time (RT), cognitive function, and physical fitness in adolescent soccer players. Thirty-eight male soccer players aged 10–15 were randomly assigned to either the intervention (Group A) or the control group (Group B). At baseline and at the end of the 6-month study FITLIGHT Trainer, the Cognitive Function Scanner Mobile Test Suite, a Virtual Reality (VR) game, and the ALPHA—Fitness and the Eurofit test batteries were used to measure participants’ abilities. After the baseline assessment, Group A followed their regular soccer training combined with a visual stimuli program, while Group B continued their regular soccer training program alone for 6 months. At the end of the 6-month study, Group A showed statistically significant improvements in simple RT by 11.8% (p = 0.002), repeated sprints by 13.4% (p ≤ 0.001), and Pen-to-Point Cognitive Function by 71.62% (p < 0.001) and 72.51% for dominant and non-dominant hands, respectively. However, a between-groups analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in most of the measurements studied. In conclusion, a visual stimuli training program does not seem to add any value to the traditional soccer training program for adolescents. Nevertheless, this study helps to underline the potential of newly emerging technology as a tool for the assessment of RT.

CHANGES IN BODY COMPOSITION AND MUSCLE FITNESS DURING THE OFF-SEASON PERIOD IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

The aim of this research was to examine the effects of a 6-week off-season period on body composition and muscle fitness in young soccer players. A total of 48 young soccer players, randomly selected for the experimental group-EG (n=24; Age: 16.83±1.14 years; Height: 175.35±6.68 cm) and control group-CG (n=24; Age: 16.80±1.19 years; Height: 178.18±6.97 cm) took part in this research. The variables of body composition (body mass, body fat mass and BMI) and muscle fitness (CMJ, CMJAS, 20m sprint, slalom test and slalom test with ball) were measured. The first testing session (TS1) took place immediately after the end of the competition period. The second testing session (TS2) was after 2 weeks and the third testing session (TS3) was after 6 weeks from the beginning of the preparation period. Statistically significant differences were found after TS2 and TS3 in all the variables (p&lt;0.05) except in the variables of agility (slalom test and slalom test with a ball) in CG. A significant difference in the experimental group after TS2 was found in the 20m sprint (p&lt;0.05) and after TS3 in body mass (p&lt;0.05), body fat mass (p&lt;0.05), BMI (p&lt;0.05) and the 20m sprint (p&lt;0.05). An effect size analysis showed significant increases after TS2 between EG and CG in the variable body fat mass (ES=-0.73, moderate) and significant decreases in the variable CMJAS (ES=0.60, moderate). Significant increases after TS3 between EG and CG were found in the variable body fat mass (ES=-0.93, moderate) and significant decreases in both the variable of jumping performance CMJ (ES=0.81, moderate) and CMJAS (ES=0.91, moderate).

Effects of Combined Surfaces vs. Single-Surface Plyometric Training on Soccer Players' Physical Fitness.

Ramirez-Campillo, R, Álvarez, C, García-Pinillos, F, García-Ramos, A, Loturco, I, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Effects of combined surfaces vs. single-surface plyometric training on soccer players' physical fitness. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2644-2653, 2020-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 8-week plyometric jump training (PJT) performed on different surfaces (grass, land-dirt, sand, wood, gym mat, and tartan-track) vs. a single-surface PJT (grass) on components of physical fitness (muscle power, speed, and change-of-direction speed [CODS] tasks) and sport-specific performance (i.e., maximal kicking velocity [MKV]) in male soccer players aged 11-14 years. Athletes were randomly assigned to a combined surfaces PJT (PJTc, n = 8), a single-surface PJT (PJTs, n = 8), or an active control (CON, n = 7). Although the PJT group trained on grass, the PJTc trained on 6 different surfaces and equally distributed the total jump volume according to the surface. Pre-post tests were conducted on grass. Significant main effects of time were observed for the countermovement jump, the standing-long-jump, the 20-cm drop jump, 30-m sprint time, CODS, and MKV (all p < 0.001; d = 0.53-0.87). Group × time interactions were identified for all jump tests, MKV, 30-m sprint time, and CODS (all p < 0.001; d = 0.58-0.71) in favor of PJTc. No significant pre-post changes were observed in the CON (all p > 0.05; d = 0.07-0.1). In conclusion, PJT is effective in improving physical fitness in young soccer players when conducted in combination with regular soccer training. Although general fitness testing and PJTs were performed on grass, larger physical fitness improvements were found after PJTc. Thus, PJTc is recommended, as it provides a better overload stimulus compared with more conventional training overload (e.g., increase in training volume or intensity). Future studies still have to address the underlying physiological adaptations after PJTc.

Sequencing Effects of Plyometric Training Applied Before or After Regular Soccer Training on Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Players.

Ramirez-Campillo, R, Alvarez, C, Gentil, P, Loturco, I, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, Izquierdo, M, Moran, J, Nakamura, FY, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Sequencing effects of plyometric training applied before or after regular soccer training on measures of physical fitness in young players. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1959-1966, 2020-To compare the effects of short-term (i.e., 7 weeks) plyometric jump training applied before (PJT-B) or after (PJT-A) soccer practice on components of physical fitness in young soccer players, a single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Postpubertal boys aged 17.0 ± 0.5 years were allocated to 3 groups: PJT-B (n = 12), PJT-A (n = 14), and control (CON; n = 12). The outcome measures included tests to evaluate 20-m speed, standing long jump (SLJ), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ), 20-m multistage shuttle run endurance (MSSRT), and Illinois change-of-direction speed (ICODT). Although the CON performed soccer-specific training, the PJT-A and PJT-B groups conducted the same soccer-specific sessions but replaced ∼11% of their time with plyometric training. The PJT-B group performed plyometric exercises after a warm-up program, and the PJT-A group conducted plyometric exercises ∼10 minutes after the completion of soccer training. Analyses of variance were used to detect differences between groups in all variables for pretraining and posttraining tests. Main effects of time (all p < 0.01; d = 0.19-0.79) and group × time interactions (all p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.17-0.76) were observed for all examined variables. Post hoc analyses revealed significant increases in the PJT-B group (SLJ: 9.4%, d = 1.7; CMJ: 11.2%, d = 0.75; 20-m MSSRT: 9.0%, d = 0.77) and the PJT-A group (SLJ: 3.1%, d = 0.7; CMJ: 4.9%, d = 0.27; 20-m MSSRT: 9.0%, d = 0.76). Post hoc analyses also revealed significant increases in the PJT-B group (20-m speed: -7.4%, d = 0.75; 20-cm DJ reactive strength index: 19.1%, d = 1.4; SJ: 6.3%, d = 0.44; ICODT results: -4.2%, d = 1.1). In general, our study revealed that plyometric training is effective in improving measures of physical fitness in young male soccer players when combined with regular soccer training. More specifically, larger training-induced effects on physical fitness were registered if plyometric training was conducted before soccer-specific training.

Optimal Reactive Strength Index: Is It an Accurate Variable to Optimize Plyometric Training Effects on Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Soccer Players?

Ramirez-Campillo, R, Alvarez, C, García-Pinillos, F, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, Yanci, J, Castillo, D, Loturco, I, Chaabene, H, Moran, J, and Izquierdo, M. Optimal reactive strength index: is it an accurate variable to optimize plyometric training effects on measures of physical fitness in young soccer players? J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 885-893, 2018-This study aimed to compare the effects of drop-jump training using a fixed drop-box height (i.e., 30-cm [FIXED]) vs. an optimal (OPT) drop-box height (i.e., 10-cm to 40-cm: generating an OPT reactive strength index [RSI]) in youth soccer players' physical fitness. Athletes were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 24; age = 13.7 years), a fixed drop-box height group (FIXED, n = 25; age = 13.9 years), or an OPT drop-box height group (OPT, n = 24; age = 13.1 years). Before and after 7 weeks of training, tests for the assessment of jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ], 5 multiple bounds), speed (20-m sprint time), change of direction ability (CODA [Illinois test]), strength {RSI and 5 maximal squat repetition test (5 repetition maximum [RM])}, endurance (2.4-km time trial), and kicking ability (maximal kicking distance) were undertaken. Analyses revealed main effects of time for all dependent variables (p < 0.001, d = 0.24-0.72), except for 20-m sprint time. Analyses also revealed group × time interactions for CMJ (p < 0.001, d = 0.51), depth jump (DJ) (p < 0.001, d = 0.30), 20-m sprint time (p < 0.001, d = 0.25), CODA (p < 0.001, d = 0.22), and 5RM (p < 0.01, d = 0.16). Post hoc analyses revealed increases for the FIXED group (CMJ: 7.4%, d = 0.36; DJ: 19.2%, d = 0.49; CODA: -3.1%, d = -0.21; 5RM: 10.5%, d = 0.32) and the OPT group (CMJ: 16.7%, d = 0.76; DJ: 36.1%, d = 0.79; CODA: -4.4%, d = -0.34; 5RM: 18.1%, d = 0.47). Post hoc analyses also revealed increases for the OPT group in 20-m sprint time (-3.7%, d = 0.27). Therefore, to maximize the effects of plyometric training, an OPT approach is recommended. However, using adequate fixed drop-box heights may provide a rational and practical alternative.

Aerobic fitness profile of youth soccer players: effects of chronological age and playing position

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n6p700 To establish a profile of the aerobic fitness in young soccer players, it is critical to consider different intervenient factors such as maturity status, chronological age and playing position. The aim of this study was to identify the biological maturation, chronological age, and playing position effects on physical and physiological characteristics of young soccer players. Two hundred and one soccer players of 11-19 years old were divided into groups relative to their maturity status, chronological age and playing position. A maximal exercise test was performed to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) parameters in a treadmill. Biological maturation showed no significant effect on relative values (mL.kg-1.min-1) of VO2peak, VT2 and VT1 (0.004 &lt; h2 &lt; 0.039), but showed large positive effect on maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and speed at VT2 (VT2speed). Chronological age showed a medium positive effect on relative values of VO2peak, VT2 and VT1 (0.095 &lt; h2 &lt; 0.137) and a large positive effect on MAS and VT2speed. Relative values of VO2peak and VT1 showed no significant differences among groups for playing position (P&gt;0.05; 0.044 &lt; h2 &lt; 0.051). However, goalkeepers showed significant lower relative values for VT2 and VT2speed than other playing positions and a medium positive effect was observed (P&lt;0.05; 0.077 &lt; h2 &lt; 0.119). Chronological age showed a medium to large positive effect on aerobic fitness parameters, while biological maturation showed a positive effect only on MAS and VT2speed. Playing position showed a medium positive effect on VT2 and VT2speed.

Reliability and validity of the Carminatti's test for aerobic fitness in youth soccer players.

In this study, we examined the reliability and validity of peak velocity determined using the Carminatti's test (PVT-CAR) to evaluate the aerobic fitness of young soccer players (age = 13.4 ± 1.2 years; range, 10.3-15.4 years). To determine test-retest reliability of PVT-CAR, 34 adolescents (U-12, n = 13; U-14, n = 21) performed the Carminatti's test twice within 3-5 days. Validity was assessed in 43 adolescents (U-14, n = 20; U-16, n = 23) submitted to both the Carminatti's test and an incremental treadmill test to determine their aerobic fitness indicators. The intraclass correlation of PVT-CAR was 0.89, 0.93, and 0.81 with a coefficient of variation of 2.30% (0.33 km·h), 1.89% (0.26 km·h), and 2.66% (0.39 km·h) for the total sample (pooled data) or separately for the U-12 and U-14 groups, respectively. No significant difference was found between PVT-CAR and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) for the total sample (pooled data) or separately for the U-14 and U-16 groups. In addition, Bland and Altman plots evidenced acceptable agreement between them. The PVT-CAR was significantly related with peak velocity and MAS obtained in the incremental test for the total sample (r = 0.86 and 0.81, p < 0.01, respectively) and separately for the U-14 (r = 0.84 and 0.75, p < 0.01, respectively) and U-16 groups (r = 0.60 and 0.58, p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the PVT-CAR was correlated with the V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (r = 0.57, p < 0.01) and the velocity associated to the second ventilatory threshold (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) when the data were pooled (total sample). As a result, the Carminatti's test may be considered as a reliable and valid measure for assessing and monitoring the development of MAS of young soccer players during adolescence.

Validity and Reliability of the 45-15 Test for Aerobic Fitness in Young Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of a popular field test for aerobic fitness used in soccer (45-15) in Italy. Alternating progressive 45-s runs with 15 s passive recovery until exhaustion, the test considers peak speed (PS) as a reflection of maximal aerobic speed (MAS). The validity and reliability of the 45-15 was assessed in 18 young male soccer players (age 16.7 ± 1.8 y, body mass 70 ± 7.45 kg, height 177 ± 0.5 cm, 55.62 ± 5.56 mL · kg-1 ·min-1) submitted to laboratory testing for aerobic fitness and repeatedly to the 45-15. Results showed that 45-15 PS was significantly related to VO2max (r = .80, P < .001, 95%CI .47-.93) and MAS (r = .78, P = .001, 95%CI .43-.93). No significant bias between MAS 45-15 PS (P = .11) was found during the measurement-consistency study. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that 45-15 PS was sensitive in detecting VO2max changes in subjects as revealed by area under the curve (.97; 95%CI .73-1). Players with peak 45-15 speed equal to or above 16.5 km/h (ie, ROC cutoff) may be considered to have good aerobic fitness. In light of this study's findings, the 45-15 test may be considered a reliable and valid test to evaluate meaningful information to direct generic aerobic training in soccer.

Influence of Short vs. Long Repetition Sprint Training on Selected Fitness Components in Young Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of short-sprint repetition and long-sprint repetition training (SST, LST), matched for total distance, on selected fitness components in young soccer players. Thirty young (14-15 years) soccer players were randomly assigned to either the short-sprint training group or long-sprint training group and completed 2 similar sets of fitness tests before and after 7 weeks of training. The 2 training programs consisted of SST (4-6 sets of 4 × 50-m all-out sprint) and LST (4-6 sets of 200-m run at 85% of maximum speed), each performed 3 times a week. Before training, there were no baseline between-group differences in predicted VO2max, standing long jump, 30-m sprint time, 4 × 10-m shuttle running time, and 250-m running time. Both training programs led to a significant improvement in VO2max (predicted from the 20-m shuttle run, p < 0.01), with no between-group difference (p = 0.14). Both training programs also led to a significant improvement in the anaerobic fitness variables of 30-m sprint time (p < 0.01), 4 × 10-m shuttle running time (p < 0.01), and 250-m running time (p < 0.01), with no between-group differences. Neither of the training programs had a significant effect on standing long jump (p = 0.21). The study showed that long, near-maximal sprints, and short, all-out sprint training, matched for total distance, are equally effective in enhancing both the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of young soccer players. Therefore, to maintain a player's training interest and enthusiasm, coaches may alternate between these methods during the busy soccer season.

Body Composition, Somatotype and Physical Fitness of Young Soccer Players

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to verify the body composition profile, somatotype and physical fitness of young soccer players by game position. METHODS: 23 male soccer players', under-20 years old, were evaluated. The somatotype was calculated using the anthropometric method and body composition was determined by bioelectric impedance. Physical fitness was assessed using tests for explosive strength of lower limbs, agility, velocity, abdominal endurance and aerobic fitness. RESULTS: Center backs and strikers are heavier and had more lean body mass (LBM) than midfield and running back players (67.7±2.0 kg and 65.4±3.4 kg vs. 60.0±1.9 kg and 58.4±3.7 kg, respectively) (p<.05). In addition, center backs are taller (187.7±3.2 cm) than all other players (goalkeepers, 178.0±6.5 cm; running back, 177.7±1.7 cm; midfield, 175.6±3.2 cm; strikers, 176.0±4.2 cm). Player's average somatotype was 2.6-3.7-3.3 (ectomorphic - mesomorphic). No differences were observed among game positions. Midfield and running back players were faster than the goalkeepers and center backs (6.92±0.33 sec and 6.82±0.20 sec vs. 7.48±0.44 sec and 7.35±0.20 sec, respectively) (p<.05) and there was no significant differences among the positions studied for the other physical fitness variables. CONCLUSIONS: The center backs and strikers presented higher scores in anthropometric variables; however, midfield and running back players are faster. The player's somatotype was ectomorphic - mesomorphic.

Prediction of physical fitness of young soccer players and athletes

Prediction of physical fitness of young soccer players and athletes

Field and laboratory testing in young elite soccer players

Aim: To determine if there are correlations between the physical fitness of young soccer players assessed by field and laboratory testing. Methods: Thirty four male soccer players took part in...