Loughborough Soccer Passing Test Research Articles

Effects of 6-Week Motor-Cognitive Agility Training on Football Test Performance in Adult Amateur Players – A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial

Agility, defined as the ability to rapidly respond to unforeseen events, constitutes a central performance component in football. Existing agility training approaches often focus on change of direction that does not reflect the complex motor-cognitive demands on the pitch. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of a novel motor-cognitive dual-task agility training (Multiple-object tracking integrated into agility training) on agility and football-specific test performance parameters, compared to agility and a change of direction (COD) training. Adult male amateur football players (n = 42; age: 27±6; height: 181±7cm; weight: 80±12kg) were randomly allocated to one of the three intervention groups (COD, agility, agility + multiple object tracking). The Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), a dribbling test with/without cognitive task as well as the Random Star Run (with/without ball) and the modified T-Test were assessed before and after a 6-week training period. Time effects within the T-Test (F = 83.9; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.68) and dribbling test without cognitive task (F = 23.9; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.38) with improvements of all intervention groups (p < 0.05) were found. Dribbling with cognitive task revealed a time effect (F = 7.8; p = 0.008; η2 = 0.17), with improvements exclusively in the agility and dual-task agility groups (p < 0.05). Random Star Run with and without ball exhibited a time (F = 38.8; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.5; F = 82.7; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.68) and interaction effect (F = 14.14; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.42; F = 27.8; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.59), with improvements for the agility and dual-task agility groups. LSPT showed no time, group or interaction effect. The effects of change of direction training are limited to change of direction and dribbling test performance within preplanned scenarios. In contrast, motor-cognitive agility interventions result in notable enhancements in football-specific and agility tests, incorporating decision-making and multitasking components. No differences were observed between agility and agility + multiple object tracking. To achieve a transfer to game-relevant performance, coaches should focus on integrating cognitive challenges into motor training.

A Systematic review of the factors that affect soccer players’ short-passing ability—based on the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test

ObjectiveThis study synthesizes evidence from the Loughborough Passing Test to evaluate the short-passing ability of soccer players and summarizes the reported variables that affect this ability to provide support for the development and improvement of short-passing abilities in soccer players.MethodsIn this systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCOhost from inception to July 2023 to identify relevant articles from the accessible literature. Only studies that used the Loughborough test to assess athletes' short-passing ability were included. The quality of the included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using the PEDro scale, and two authors independently completed the data extraction.ResultsBased on the type of intervention or influencing factor, ten studies investigated training, nine studies investigated fatigue, nine studies investigated supplement intake, and five studies investigated other factors.ConclusionEvidence indicates that fitness training, small-sided games training, and warm-up training have positive effects on athletes' short-passing ability, high-intensity special-position training and water intake have no discernible impact, mental and muscular exhaustion have a significantly negative effect, and the effect of nutritional ergogenic aid intake is not yet clear. Future research should examine more elements that can affect soccer players' short-passing ability.Trial registrationhttps://inplasy.com/., identifier: INPLASY20237.

Comparison of two warm-up protocols for physical andtechnical-decisional performance in young football players

Introduction: Warm-up is a primordial element to optimise sport performance in both training and competitions. The main objective of this study was to compare the acute effect of two warm-up protocols for physical and technical-decisional performance in U16 football players. Material and Methods: We applied an integrated warm-up protocol (IWP) of 5 vs 5 in a small space of 20x28 m and an analytical warm-up protocol (AWP) of 12 dynamic exercises that are commonly used in football. Each warm-up was carried out 7 days apart and alternated. After each warm-up, the intensity of the load was recorded through the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), physical performance was recorded using the T30 speed test (time to sprint 30 m) and the kicking speed test, and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) was applied, which evaluates the football skills of passing and decision making. Results: The results show greater technical-decisional performance in LSPT (p = 0.020, ES = 0.55 small) after executing the IWP. However, in T30 (p = 0.129, ES = 0.417 small) and kicking (p = 0.374, ES = -0.29 small), no significant differences were observed. Conclusion: IWP presents greater performance in the technical-decisional test of LSPT, and both warm-up protocols have a similar component of intensity and performance in T30 and kicking.

The effects of acute caffeine ingestion on decision-making and pass accuracy in young soccer players: A preliminary randomized controlled trial

Caffeine has been shown to benefit physical aspects of different sports. In this paper, we aimed to understand the effects of caffeine on decision-making and the accuracy of soccer passes. Twelve young soccer players (16–17 years old and 20.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2 BMI) completed the tasks once after taking 3 mg/kg body mass of caffeine (CAF) and once after consuming similar amounts of placebo (PLA). For the decision-making task, participants were asked to determine the best outcome of ten simulated pre-recorded soccer events. For the soccer pass accuracy, participants performed five short- (10 m) and five long passes (30 m), as well as the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test. Although not statistically significant, participants were 1.67 % more accurate in short- and 13.48 % more accurate in long passes when they consumed caffeine compared to the placebo (14.67 ± 2.74 vs. 14.50 ± 2.97, p = 0.34, g = 0.27 and 7.50 ± 2.84 vs. 6.83 ± 3.13, p = 0.60, g = 0.14, respectively). However, participants' decision-making was 7.14 % and LSPT scores were 3.49 % lower when they consumed caffeine compared to the placebo (29.50 ± 3.09 vs. 30.67 ± 2.93, p = 0.28, g = −0.30 and 55.38 ± 11.91 vs. 57.48 ± 12.13, p = 0.08, g = −0.51 respectively). In conclusion, while the short pass accuracy remained consistent among almost all participants before and after caffeine consumption, the performance varied in the case of long passes. Moreover, most of the participants scored lower on decision-making and LSPT after consuming caffeine. This may suggest that more complex tasks with a higher number of passes might negatively be affected by low doses of caffeine ingested one hour before playing soccer. Future studies are required to elucidate the effects of caffeine consumption on distinct cognitive and passing tasks.

Improving selective football performance skills: In the case of University of Gondar third year sport science football elective students of 2013 E.C

The aim of study is to improve football skills such as passing, dribbling and shooting of third year football elective students within eight weeks mixed football training program. 12 male and 6 female totally 18 football elective third year sport science students of Gondar University were participated in the study. All participants were selected by comprehensive sampling method. Participants completed a slalom dribble test, a Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) and a Loughborough Soccer Shooing Test (LSST) prior to eight weeks training as pretest. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Paired Sample T test) were used for data analysis. The mean score (42.17 for dribbling skill, 74.47 for passing skill and 17.94 for shooting skill) from pretest revealed that the performance mean score of dribbling, passing and shooting skills of all participants were low. After eight weeks training implemented, the participant students improved their skills of dribbling, passing and shooting. As findings of this study from posttest after intervention depicted that the performance mean score (31.28 for dribbling skill, 55.72 for passing skill and 32.56 for shooting skill); there were significant difference between pretest and posttest mean score of dribbling , passing and shooting skills. Because of the p value of the three football skills were .00 which less than the p value of 0.05; this shows there were highly significant difference between means of the pretest and posttest of the above three football skills. The intervention was very effective and successful in the improvement of participants dribbling, passing and shooting skills.

Improving selective football performance skills: In the case of University of Gondar third year sport science football elective students of 2013 E.C.

The aim of study is to improve football skills such as passing, dribbling and shooting of third year football elective students within eight weeks mixed football training program. 12 male and 6 female totally 18 football elective third year sport science students of Gondar University were participated in the study. All participants were selected by comprehensive sampling method. Participants completed a slalom dribble test, a Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) and a Loughborough Soccer Shooing Test (LSST) prior to eight weeks training as pretest. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Paired Sample T test) were used for data analysis. The mean score (42.17 for dribbling skill, 74.47 for passing skill and 17.94 for shooting skill) from pretest revealed that the performance mean score of dribbling, passing and shooting skills of all participants were low. After eight weeks training implemented, the participant students improved their skills of dribbling, passing and shooting. As findings of this study from posttest after intervention depicted that the performance mean score (31.28 for dribbling skill, 55.72 for passing skill and 32.56 for shooting skill); there were significant difference between pretest and posttest mean score of dribbling , passing and shooting skills. Because of the p value of the three football skills were .00 which less than the p value of 0.05; this shows there were highly significant difference between means of the pretest and posttest of the above three football skills. The intervention was very effective and successful in the improvement of participants dribbling, passing and shooting skills.

Effects of High-Intensity Position-Specific Drills on Physical and Technical Skill Performance in Elite Youth Soccer Players.

Cuong Le, C, Ma'ayah, F, Nosaka, K, Hiscock, D, and Latella, C. Effects of high-intensity position-specific drills on physical and technical skill performance in elite youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): e332-e340, 2023-Soccer physical preparation has been extensively researched with previous emphasis on high-intensity interval running and small-sided games. However, neither approach considers positional differences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and short-term effects of a novel position-specific conditioning training (PSCT) paradigm on physical and technical abilities of young soccer players. Fifteen male Vietnamese professional youth soccer players (16.1 ± 0.4 years, 171.7 ± 4.8 cm, 63.9 ± 3.8 kg) undertook a 3-week control period followed by a 3-week intervention with PSCT drills performed twice per week. Position-specific conditioning training comprised purposely designed drills for attackers, defenders, and wingers, respectively. The intensity and duration were the same for all drills (4 × 4 minutes at ∼90% heart rate maximum [HRmax], separated by a 4-minute recovery at 70% HRmax) but differed in the technical and tactical actions performed. Outcome measures included Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1, repeated sprint ability, 10-m and 30-m sprint time, and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test for technical skills in a fatigued and nonfatigued state. Position-specific conditioning training drills induced a desirable intensity for effective conditioning purpose (89.0 ± 2.1% HRmax) with low interplayer variability (coefficient of variation = 2.4%). Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 performance improved ( p < 0.05) after the control (Δ178.7 ± 203.3 m) and intervention (Δ176.0 ± 225.7 m) periods without a difference between. These results confirmed the feasibility of PSCT as a novel high-intensity training approach for soccer players. Improvements in aerobic capacity were noted, despite no effect on other physical and technical measures. PSCT may be suitable for individual training, return-to-play stages of rehabilitation, during off-season, or in academy settings when time is not a constraint.

A systematic review of the criterion validity and reliability of technical and tactical field-based tests in soccer

Background Field-based tests are important since they can guarantee ecological validity. Although most such tests are designed to assess physical fitness, tactical and technical dimensions are also determinants in a full battery of tests. Objectives This systematic review aimed to (a) summarize the criterion validity and reliability of technical and tactical field-based tests applied in soccer and (b) list valid and reliable technical and tactical field-based tests. Methods A systematic review of EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria included (i) population (soccer players from any age group, competitive level, or sex); (ii) exposure (exposure to technical and/or tactical field-based tests covering individual technical skills, tactical behaviours, tactical knowledge, and decision-making in the field); (iii) comparator (a laboratory test and/or a criterion field-based test); (iv) outcome (measures of reliability); and (v) no restrictions concerning study design. The synthesis of results focused on the outcomes considered in the eligibility criteria. Results A total of 5008 titles were identified, of which 21 met the eligibility criteria. Eight studies’ analyses centred on tactical tests. Of those, six studies tested the same instrument (FUT-SAT), one study examined divergent thought, and one study used a soccer-specific skills test Among the 10 included studies involving technical tests, only two repeated the same test (the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test). Three studies included tests concurring with physical ones. According to the main findings, the eight studies that used tactical tests revealed that the outcomes obtained from the tests and observers were reliable. The 10 studies that used technical tests, as well as the three concurrent studies, revealed similarly high reliability. Of the eight studies that used tactical tests, seven involved youth participants. Furthermore, three of the 10 studies that conducted technical tests were done on adults. Of the concurrent tests, three involved youth athletes. Only one study including a tactical analysis presented values for validity, while three others provided information about validity. The four studies provided information about test validity. Conclusions Overall, the selected technical and tactical tests, most of which were carried out on youth players, revealed their validity and reliability. Although most studies focused on reliability (which was confirmed regardless of the test included), criterion validity was also observed in the few studies that analysed such factors. Thus, the tests currently proposed for assessing technical and tactical behaviours possess acceptable criterion validity and reliability.

Visual strategies of young soccer players during a passing test - A pilot study.

In sports, studies on visual behavior have mostly focused on expert-novice differences during decision making tasks and during aiming tasks. How visual behavior changes during the early stages of skill acquisition however, has hardly been documented. The current study investigated gaze behavior of young soccer players during the execution of a soccer passing task. Gaze behavior of eleven 8- to 10-year-old soccer players was recorded while they performed the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test. Based on their score, participants were then divided into a high performance group (N=5), and a low performance group (N=6). Results showed that the low performance group tended to look more at the ball while they were handling it. These findings suggest that gaze strategies develop alongside technical skills. More insights in the interplay between technical skills and gaze strategies during skill acquisition could lead to improved training methods for young soccer players.

Repeated Interval Loughborough Soccer Passing Tests: An Ecologically Valid Motor Task to Induce Mental Fatigue in Soccer.

Most studies investigating mental fatigue (MF) in soccer utilized a computerized Stroop task to induce MF. However, the traditional key-pressing task has been challenged for its lack of ecological validity. The limited relevance to real-life soccer made it difficult to bridge the gap between the research and the applied setting. Therefore, a novel soccer-specific inducing task is in urgent need. This study compared a novel MF-inducing task in soccer with the Stroop task and investigated the impact of induced MF on cognitive and soccer-specific skill performance. A randomized, counterbalanced crossover design was employed. Fifteen well-trained male soccer players randomly participated in three MF-inducing tasks. Two of them were motor tasks consisting of 10 repeated interval Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (10xLSPT or LSPT) in clockwise passing order (10xC-LSPT) with each block starting every 2 min. The two tasks share the same movement pattern, but C-LSPT is considered to have lower cognitive demands. The third was the 20-min Stroop task (Stroop-20). MF was assessed immediately before and after each task by visual analog scale (VAS), the cognitive performance in a 3-min Stroop task, and the skill performance in one LSPT. Subjective MF increased similarly after 10xLSPT and Stroop-20 (+ 25.4 ± 10.3 vs. + 23.4 ± 10.8 AU, p = 0.607). The induced MF by 10xLSPT and Stroop-20 had no impact on cognitive performance and movement time but similarly affected in a significantly negative manner on penalty time (+ 5.9 ± 4.9 vs. + 5.4 ± 4.2 s, p = 0.748) and passing accuracy (–1.4 ± 1.5 vs. –1.0 ± 1.3, p = 0.465). Two motor tasks shared similar intensity, but 10xC-LSPT was inefficient to induce MF. The results showed that the 20-min repeated interval LSPT could induce a similar MF as the Stroop task. The induced MF had detrimental effects on soccer skill performance. The novel motor task is recommended for MF studies in soccer as an inducement task. Practitioners should be cautious about the prolonged cognitive-demanding skill section of the pre-match warm-up to avoid the negative effect of MF on the upcoming match. This motor task pattern could be followed as a supplementary training protocol.

Negative Effects of Mental Fatigue on Performance in the Yo-Yo Test, Loughborough Soccer Passing and Shooting Tests: A Meta-Analysis.

We aimed to examine the effects of mental fatigue on the Yo-Yo test and Loughborough soccer passing and shooting tests performance using a meta-analysis. The search for studies was performed through eight bibliographic databases (Academic Search Elite, AUSPORT, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro checklist. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed for data analysis. After reviewing 599 search results, seven studies with a total of ten groups were included in the review. All studies were classified as being of good methodological quality. Mental fatigue reduced the distance covered in the Yo-Yo test (Cohen’s d: −0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.66, −0.32). In the Loughborough soccer passing test, mental fatigue increased the original time needed to complete the test (Cohen’s d: −0.24; 95% CI: −0.46, −0.03), increased penalty time (Cohen’s d: −0.39; 95% CI: −0.46, −0.31), and decreased performance time (Cohen’s d: −0.52; 95% CI: −0.80, −0.24). In the Loughborough soccer shooting test, mental fatigue decreased points per shot (Cohen’s d: −0.37; 95% CI: −0.70, −0.04) and shot speed (Cohen’s d: −0.35; 95% CI: −0.64, −0.06). Overall, the findings presented in this review demonstrated that mental fatigue negatively impacts endurance-based running performance as well as soccer passing and shooting skills.

The effect of different playing surfaces on soccer skill performance

Football (soccer) is traditionally played on natural grass but artificial surfaces are becoming an increasing popular alternative. Understanding how different surfaces affect a player's skill performance has not been examined. This study sought to compare soccer skill performance, using a validated test, on natural grass, third generation (3G) artificial turf, and indoor sprung wooden floor. Following familiarisation, 14 male players (12.7 ± 0.5 years-old, with 6.21 years playing experience) performed the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) on three different surfaces in the following order: indoor, grass and artificial turf. Players were given two practise attempts before the best of two trials were recorded. Movement time was faster on artificial turf (45.1 ± 1.3 s) than natural grass (46.2 ± 1.8 s; p = 0.045), but there was no difference in overall LSPT performance between grass (54.1 ± 4.2 s) and artificial turf (54.0 ± 4.7 s; p = 0.92). Overall LSPT performance was better on indoor surface (50.9 ± 4.6 s) than grass (p = 0.02) and artificial turf (p = 0.02) due to reduced penalty time on the indoor surface (5.5 ± 3.3 s) than grass (7.9 ± 2.9 s; p = 0.001) and artificial turf (8.9 ± 3.9 s; p = 0.003). There is no difference in soccer skill performance between grass and 3G artificial turf. Skill performance on an indoor surface was ∼6% better than both grass and 3G artificial turf due to better ball control and/or accuracy of passing. Our findings will enable comparison of studies using the LSPT on indoor and outdoor (grass or artificial) surfaces.

Investigation of The Effect of Concurrent Training Strength and Endurance Training on Physical, Physiological and Psychological Parameters in Young Football Players

Background: Football is a versatile team sport that requires a range of physical characteristics, including flexibility, power, strength, endurance, speed, repetitive sprinting, quickness-agility and technique-tactics. Developing all these features at the same time, especially in the pre-season, when players are in a deconditioning state, returning to training after a rest period; it is quite difficult for coaches and performance trainers. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of strength and endurance training applied simultaneously on some physical, physiological and psychological parameters in young football players. Methods: U19 age group players were included in the research group, 24 male football players who played amateur or professionally licensed football for at least 5 years and trained for an average of 2 hours a day, 5 days a week; (Endurance+Strength Group n=12, Strength+Endurance Group n=12). In the study, 1 RM strength test, agility, speed, technique, decision-making skills and endurance tests were taken from the participants. In our study, with the pretest-posttest measurement method; Yo-Yo test, Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), Illinois Agility Test, 30 meters Speed Test, Maximal (1RM) Strength Test, Jumping Test (CMJ) were applied. Results: The findings obtained when the performance values of football players within and between groups were evaluated statistically; It has been determined that the positive increase in endurance, strength, sprint, agility/speediness, jump and lspt pass test values as a percentage (%) was seen in the group that applied strength training before endurance training. Conclusion: The application of strength training before endurance training in 'concurrent' training model applications in young football players; on performance values; It has been determined that endurance training has more effect than applying it before strength training. According to these results, it is thought that designing the programs by taking this situation into consideration in the training program adjustments can contribute more to the coaches and the player group in terms of sportive efficiency. Keywords: Football, concurrent, strength, endurance, LSPT.

Increased Anxiety and Decreased Confidence Lead to Poorer Short-Passing Performance in Collegiate Soccer Players

Introduction: Competitive soccer players are required to perform short passing under stressful conditions; their success may be related to their self-confidence and anxiety levels. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between short-passing ability and anxiety and self-confidence among collegiate soccer players. Methods: Seventeen Division III collegiate soccer players (20.0 ± 1.0 years, 65% female) completed the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI), Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory (TSCI), and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Spearman’s rho (rs) was used to identify if a relationship between these inventories and LSPT time existed. Results: Mean LSPT total time was 55.7 ± 12.0 seconds. We observed positive relationships between SCAT and LSPT total time (rs = .51, p = .04) and CSAI-2R and LSPT total time (rs = .55, p =.03). Furthermore, a strong negative relationship was found between TSCI and LSPT total time (rs = -.68, p = .004). Conclusions: There is a relationship between anxiety, confidence and short-passing performance in collegiate soccer players. Coaches should consider interventions to decrease players’ anxiety and improve self-confidence in preparation for soccer competition.

Sustained Passing Performance of Elite and Subelite Female Soccer Players Following a Female Match-Specific Exercise Protocol.

This study examined the maintenance of passing performance following soccer-specific high-intensity intermittent exercise in elite (n = 9) and subelite (n = 11) Western Australian female soccer players (19.5 [2.5]y). A total of 20 participants completed the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) prior to, during, and following 90 minutes of a modified, female-specific, individualized exercise protocol (Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test [LIST]) to simulate 2 halves of a soccer match. Performance in the LSPT was calculated by adding "raw time" to the accumulated "penalty time" for each test. Elite players recorded greater distances (t58 = 4.671, P < .001, effect size [ES] = 1.21) and higher derived VO2max values (t58 = 4.715, P < .001, ES = 1.20) for the LIST exercise protocol over the subelite players. The total performance times for each LSPT were longer in the subelites in comparison with the elites, with a very large ES difference seen in post-LIST1 (t18 = -6.64, P < .001, ES = 2.99) and post-LIST2 (t18 = -9.143, P < .001, ES = 4.12). No between-groups differences were identified for "raw time" at any time point. Hence, all reported LSPT performance differences are attributed to "penalty time." These data suggest that elite players can sustain their passing performance more efficiently throughout match play that can subelite female soccer players. These findings may contribute to future talent-identification testing by helping to distinguish between elite- and subelite-level players through sustained passing performance. Coaches may also use this information to better inform best-practice training methods through modification of male soccer-specific high-intensity intermittent exercise to a female cohort.

Effects of Verbal Interactions between Students on Skill Development, Game Performance and Game Involvement in Soccer Learning

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of verbal interaction between students on skill development and soccer game performance within a socio-constructivist perspective and a cooperative learning model in team-sport teaching. In addition, the usefulness of open verbalization was manifested as follows: (1) a social tool for both actors (teachers and students) to collect and manage reports on their thought processes; (2) a tool to stimulate reflection and critical reflection on performance to induce transformation during game action projects. Participants were 18 boys and 12 girls aged (15 ± 0.4 years) from a Tunisian school (ninth grade). They were placed in either the experimental group (with verbal interaction) or the comparison group (without verbal interaction) and then were tested before and after a 12-lesson soccer unit (approximately two hours/week). Skill competence was assessed using three tests: a 15 m ball dribbling test, the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) and a shooting accuracy test. Game performance was measured using the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) in which the outcome variables assessed included (a) decision-making (DM), (b) skill execution (SE), (c) support (S), (d) game performance (GP), and (e) game involvement (GI). While both groups showed significant improvements in their short-passing ability, no such improvements were found in dribbling and shooting. In contrast, only the verbal interaction group produced significant improvements in overall game performance. In conclusion, if the objectives of the physical education curriculum are to promote team-sport teaching methods and quality game play, and create a reflexive learner, verbal interaction may be an effective tool for developing tactical understanding through cooperative learning.

Soccer Passing Accuracy Differentiates Between High and Low Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Soccer Players

The purpose of the present study was to know soccer passing accuracy performances between the national youth level soccer players possessing high digit ratio and low digit ratio (2D:4D). The study was carried out in 108 male soccer players of Bangladesh aged between 16 to 19 years for measured the digit ratio. To find out the high and low digit ratio groups of participant quartile deviation has been used. Participants belonged to 0.973 and above (N=28) were categorized into high digit ratio group and 0.942 and below (N=28) were categorized into low digit ratio group. Soccer passing accuracy performance was assessed (N=56) by using Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Digit ratio (2D:4D) was measured by digital vernier caliper, Mitutoyo Corporation, Japan measuring to 0.01 mm. The length of the index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) measured in millimeters from the second metacarpophalangeal crease of the finger to the fingertip. The mean digit ratio was calculated as dividing the length of the 2D by the length of the 4D for the left and right hand one by one and then computes the mean of these two ratios. To find out the significance of differences of soccer passing accuracy between the high digit ratio and the low digit ratio groups independent t-test was used. It was observed that the mean score in soccer passing accuracy performance, i.e., LSPT Total performance (TP) of the lower digit ratio, group was a significantly better performer than that of the high digit ratio group. A higher level of fetal testosterone, characterized by lower values of the digit finger ratio (2D:4D), may be associated with a higher performance of soccer passing accuracy in multifaceted aspects including passing, dribbling, controlling, turning, decision-making, and cognition.

Physical performances and anthropometric characteristics of young elite North-African female soccer players compared with international standards

Summary The reasons why North African women's football teams do not progress to the final phases of world cup competitions may be related to anthropometry and physical fitness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of young elite Tunisian female players with age-specific international standards. Twenty-four elite female players from the Tunisian national under 17 team (U17; 16.5 ± 0.4 y) participated in this study. Players were tested for anthropometry (body mass, body composition), football-specific cardiorespiratory endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; YYIRT1), power (countermovement jump, CMJ; squat-jump, SqJ; five-jump-test, 5JT), agility (t-test with and without ball), soccer skill (Loughborough Soccer Passing Test, LSPT) and speed (30 m sprint with 5 and 10 m splits). The results show that body mass and body fat percentage of Tunisian U17 elite female soccer players are higher than international standards and that endurance qualities and agility performances are similar to international data for the same age. However, in terms of strength and speed, performances of Tunisian female players are low or even very low compared with international standards. Consequently, physical training programmes of Tunisian female soccer should focus on increasing strength and speed fitness to be ready for international soccer competitions.

Working Memory Training in Professional Football Players: A Small-Scale Descriptive Feasibility Study—The Importance of Personality, Psychological Well-Being, and Motivational Factors

Background: Working memory training (WMT) programs can improve working memory (WM). In football players, this could lead to improved performance on the pitch. Method: Eighteen professional football players of Maatschappelijke Voetbal Vereniging Maastricht (MVV) participated and followed an online, computerized WMT program. Neuropsychological performance, psychological wellbeing, self-efficacy, and football skills (Loughborough Soccer Passing Test; LSPT) were assessed at three time points, before and after WMT and at three-month follow-up. Descriptive data are reported. Results: Baseline characteristics were roughly similar for both groups. Participants performed better on the trained WM tasks, but performance for other neuropsychological test measures or the LSPT did not change. Low compliance rates were observed, showing differences in personality and well-being between compliers and non-compliers. Conclusions: WMT is not a feasible and effective strategy to improve non-trained cognitive measures and football performance. However, this study indicates that it is important to take individual characteristics into account.

Loughborough Soccer Passing Test é reprodutível em superfície específica à prática de futebol de campo

Objetivou-se verificar a reprodutibilidade teste-reteste do Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) em quadra coberta e campo gramado. Ademais, buscou-se comparar e correlacionar os resultados de jovens futebolistas. Para isso, dez participantes com média de idade de 14,7±0,5 anos, 173,4±9,1 cm de estatura, e 61,5±9,0 kg realizaram duas medidas de avaliação, separadas por sete dias, do protocolo do LSPT em campo gramado e quadra coberta. Como resultados, os valores de Coeficiente Correlação Intraclasse, Coeficiente de Variação, Erro Padrão de Medida e Nível de Concordância sugerem que o LSPT seja protocolo reprodutível para o campo gramado. Na quadra coberta, o Tempo Limpo (TLim) foi de 47,8±4,4s, o Tempo de Penalidades de 21,4±9,9s e o Tempo de Desempenho (TD) de 65,7±13,3s. Já no campo gramado foi de 49,3±4,2s, 29±7,4s, e 76,6±12s para Limpo, Penalidades e Desempenho, respectivamente. Não foi encontrada diferença estatística significativa para Tempo Limpo e Tempo de Desempenho (TLim: t = 0,10; p = 0,36; TD: t = 0,31; p = 0,17). No entanto, para o Tempo de Penalidades (TPenal) houve diferença entre os valores obtidos (TPenal: t = 0,14; p = 0,02). Não foram identificadas correlações estatisticamente significantes para as variáveis de TLim (r = 0,59; p = 0,07) e TPenal (r = 0,49; p = 0,15), mas, para o TD houve correlação (r = 0,64; p = 0,04). Conclui-se que o LSPT é ferramenta de avaliação de habilidade específica de passe em superfície específica à prática de futebol. Ainda, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa no desempenho do LSPT entre superfícies distintas, embora mais penalidades foram verificadas no campo gramado. A correlação de TD no LSPT entre as diferentes superfícies sugere que os protocolos apontam para o mesmo objetivo de avaliação.