Male University Soccer Players Research Articles

Relationship Between Nordic Hamstring Strength and Single Leg Bridge Test in University Soccer Players.

Nordic hamstring strength (NH strength) and single leg bridge test (SLBT) scores are used to predict the risk of hamstring strain injury. Although NH strength and SLBT scores may be related, the relationship between NH strength and SLBT score remains unknown. This study investigated the relationship between NH strength and SLBT scores in university soccer players. Cross-sectional study. Research laboratory. 38 male university soccer players. NH strength and SLBT scores. A participant was instructed to lean forward gradually at the slowest possible speed from a kneeling posture with the knee joint flexed 90° for the NH strength measurement. Participants in the SLBT crossed their arms over their chests, pushed down from their heels, and lifted their hips off the ground as many times as they could until they failed. We investigated the relationship between NH strength and SLBT scores in the left and right sides using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Additionally, we calculated the percentage of left-right asymmetry in NH strength and SLBT scores and investigated the relationship between these variables using Pearson correlation coefficient. There were no significant correlations between NH strength and SLBT scores in the right (rs = .239, P = .16) and left (rs = .311, P = .065) legs. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between NH strength and SLBT between-limb asymmetry (r = .073, P = .671). NH strength and SLBT scores could be different indexes, indicating either maximal muscle strength or muscle endurance. Thus, the findings suggested that when assessing risk factors for hamstring strain injury, both NH strength and SLBT scores should be measured.

Prediction Of Soccer Playing Ability from Selected Fundamental Skill Performances and Anthropometric Measurements of Soccer Players

The intension of the study was prediction of soccer playing ability from selected fundamental skill performances and anthropometric measurements of soccer players. To attain this aim, the investigator selected one hundred and sixty male inter-collegiate level Bangalore north university soccer players as subjects. Random group design was used for this investigation, as it is considered most suitable. The age of the selected subjects ranged from eighteen to twenty five years. In this study one criterion (soccer playing ability) and eight determinant variables are included. Pearson product moment correlation was utilized to verify the association between criterion (soccer playing ability) and determinant shooting ability, dribbling ability, passing ability, height, weight, leg length, calf girth and thigh girth variables respectively. The relationship between criterion and determinant variables as well as inter-correlations among determinant variables was calculated by using Pearson product-moment correlation formula. To test the hypothesis 0.05 level of confidence was fixed. The selected fundamental skill performance and anthropometric measurements such as shooting ability, calf girth, dribbling ability and weight were highly significantly correlated with soccer playing ability of Bangalore north university affiliated inter collegiate level soccer players.

Acute effects of sprint training for hamstrings injury prevention on male college soccer players

In soccer, the hamstring is one of the most common injury portions. Among the various interventions, it can be assumed that modification of sprinting movement is directly helpful in hamstring injuries. The acute effects of sprinting interventions would be useful for pre-match interventions if they were immediate. The present study aimed to clarify the acute effects of sprint training for hamstring injury prevention on a collegiate soccer player. A total of twenty–seven male collegiate soccer players participated in the present study. Participants performed a 30 m sprint test as a pre-test after warming up. Subsequently, an hour-long sprint training session, targeting the modification of movements associated with hamstring injuries, was conducted, followed by a post-test involving a 30 m sprint. From these trials, 30 m time and kinematic variables associated with a hamstring injury; trunk angle, thigh angle and shank angle, were computed. The results revealed a significant positive modification in the trunk angle between the pre-test and post-test sessions. However, no marked differences were observed in 30 m time and other kinematic data. Therefore, sprinting modification was shown to have an acute effect on improving trunk angle without affecting the running speed.

Dynamic adjustment of submaximal effort soccer side-foot kicks

ABSTRACT We aimed to illustrate kicking leg dynamics during submaximal effort soccer side-foot kicks. Side-foot kicks with three effort levels (50, 75 and 100% effort levels based on maximal effort) of eight male university soccer players were captured (500 Hz) while initial ball velocities were monitored simultaneously. Systematic regulation in joint kinetics (angular impulses) was clearly demonstrated for hip flexion and knee extension moments thereby supporting the interpretation that the final foot velocity is controlled in a context of a planar, sequential segmental system. Out of the thigh-shank plane motion (hip external rotation moment) was also found to be systematically adjusted. Kinematic contributions of knee extension angular velocity to the final foot velocity increased significantly in the maximal effort while that of hip external rotation reduced significantly, coinciding with a more straightforward approach-run. The adjustable range of the foot-ball interaction was found to be rather smaller in side-foot kicks. However, significantly smaller ball/foot velocity ratios in the two submaximal conditions suggested ankle joint fixation was manipulated towards ball impact. Players and coaches ought to recognise that the intensities of side-foot kicks were regulated by the motions within and without the thigh-shank plane alongside several kinematic changes.

Comparison of soccer instep kicking kinematics with and without elastic taping

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to determine the effect of elastic taping on soccer instep kicking kinematics. Fifteen male university soccer players performed maximal instep kicking with and without Y-shaped elastic taping on the skin surface of the rectus femoris muscle. Their kicking motions were captured at 500 Hz using a motion capture system. The thickness of the rectus femoris muscle was measured using an ultrasound scanner prior to the kicking session. The thickness of the rectus femoris muscle and kicking leg kinematics in both the conditions were compared. The thickness of the rectus femoris muscle increased significantly after elastic tape application. In conjunction with this change, kinematic variables of the kicking leg, such as peak hip flexion angular velocity and knee and foot linear velocities significantly increased. However, there was no change in the knee extension angular and hip linear velocities. The elastic tape application caused deformation of the rectus femoris muscle and improvement of the instep kicking performance. The study findings provide a new insight on the effect of elastic taping on dynamic sports performance, such as in soccer instep kicking.

Lower-Extremity Kinematics of Soccer Players with Chronic Ankle Instability during Running: A Case-Control Study

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of lower-extremity kinematics during the running of soccer players with chronic ankle instability (CAI) in comparison to those without CAI. Twenty-two male college soccer players participated in this study. Twelve players were assigned to the CAI group and ten players to the non-CAI group, and players were diagnosed according to the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Kinematic data of the hip, knee, ankle, foot, and ground reaction force components during the stance phase of running were obtained using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The results revealed that soccer players with CAI who landed with ankle inversion and other characteristic kinematics in their lower extremity during the stance phase of running were similar to those without CAI. These results show that running kinematics in soccer players are not affected by the presence or absence of CAI. Future studies based on the results of this study may contribute to the analysis of the risk of developing CAI during soccer and may also help prevent lateral ankle sprains.

Futsal playing surface characteristics significantly affect perceived traction and change of direction performance among experienced futsal players

ABSTRACT We aimed to clarify the effect of different futsal playing surface structural properties on the resultant change of direction (COD) performance, perceived traction and frictional properties. Twenty experienced male university soccer players performed a COD slalom-course test and perceived traction evaluation on three different types of playing surfaces (area-elastic: AE, point-elastic no.1: PE1 and point-elastic no.2: PE2). Frictional properties of these surfaces were mechanically evaluated against a futsal shoe, using a hydraulic moving force platform, and expressed as available friction coefficient (AFC). In the COD performance test, the participants performed significantly better on the point-elastic surfaces (PE1 and PE2) when compared to the area-elastic surface (AE) (p < 0.05). Also, the PE2 surface was found to have the highest perceived traction (p < 0.001). The findings suggest that the relatively higher (4%) AFC explains the improvement in performance and traction perception on the PE2 surface. In this study, we successfully demonstrated that the structural difference (AE or PE) of futsal playing surface has a significant impact on the COD performance of experienced futsal players and their perceived level of traction (PE2) and the frictional properties.

Differences in lower leg kinetics of soccer instep kicking between female and male players

ABSTRACT We aimed to clarify the difference in lower leg segment kinetics of soccer instep kicking between female and male players. Instep kicking motions of seven female and seven male university soccer players were captured at 500 Hz. Lower leg angular velocity, knee joint moment and the interaction moment acting on the lower leg were calculated. Discrete variables were compared using two sample-t-test, and statistical parametric mapping were used to compare the time-series changes between the two groups. Although female players maintained a comparable magnitude of lower leg angular velocity, they exhibited significantly lower knee extension moment in the latter part of kicking and significantly smaller forward angular impulse due to that moment. In contrast, female players were found to have a comparable magnitude of angular impulse due to forward component of interaction moment to that of male players. Eventually, female players come to have significantly larger ratio of angular impulses (forward interaction moment/knee extension moment) than male players. It can be considered that the forward component of interaction moment acting on the lower leg of female players may compensate their reduced exertion of knee extension moment, thereby achieving a comparable lower leg angular velocity to that of male players.

Biomechanical Characteristics of the Support Leg During Side-Foot Kicking in Soccer Players With Chronic Ankle Instability

Background:Chronic ankle instability (CAI) in soccer players can increase the risk of recurrent ankle varus sprains and damage the articular surface of the ankle joint, thus increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. It is important to understand the biomechanical characteristics of the support leg during kicking in soccer players with CAI.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to clarify the kinematics of the kicking motion of soccer players with CAI. It was hypothesized that at the point before ball contact when the support leg makes flat-foot contact with the ground, soccer players with CAI will land with ankle inversion in the support leg during a side-foot kick compared with players without CAI.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:The study cohort included 19 male college soccer players (mean age, 20.5 ± 0.9 years) with greater than 8 years of soccer experience who were recruited from August 2019 to March 2020. Of these athletes, 10 had CAI and 9 had no CAI in the support leg, as diagnosed according to the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Kinematic data for the trunk, hip, knee, and foot of the support leg during a side-foot kick were obtained using a 3-dimensional, motion-analysis system. The Mann-Whitney U test or Student t test was selected to identify differences in variables between the CAI and non-CAI groups.Results:There were no significant differences in physical characteristics between the CAI and non-CAI groups. At the point when the support leg made flat-foot contact with the ground, the players with CAI had more eversion of the hindfoot with respect to the tibia (-28.3° ± 12.1° vs -13.9° ± 14.2°; P = .03), a more varus alignment of the knee (26.0° ± 10.7° vs 13.7° ± 10.5°; P = .03), and a lower arch height index (0.210 ± 0.161 vs 0.233 ± 0.214; P = .046) compared with non-CAI players.Conclusion:Significant differences between players with and without CAI were seen in the support leg kinematics at flat-foot contact with the ground during the kicking cycle.Clinical Relevance:The biomechanical alignment of the support leg during a side-foot kick in players with CAI may reflect a subconscious attempt to avoid inversion of the foot and further ankle sprains.

The Characteristic of Dynamic Balance Ability and Hip Flexibility in Soccer Players with a History of the Groin Pain: A Preliminary Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristic of hip flexibility and dynamic balance ability in the soccer players with the groin pain. The study consisted 17 male college soccer players. All participants were divided into the Groin Pain (GP) group and non-GP group, according to a history of the groin pain. Hip passive Range of Motion (ROM) test and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) was conducted in all participants. The Mann–Whitney U test or Student’s t-test was selected to identify differences in hip ROMs and results of the mSEBT in kicking keg and supporting leg between groups. Hip abduction angle of kicking leg in the GS group were smaller than that in the non-GS group in the kicking leg (p &lt; 0.05). There were no differences in other hip ROMs between groups (p &gt; 0.05). There was no difference in results of the mSEBT between groups in both legs (p &gt; 0.05). Our results were newly revealed that soccer players with the groin pain had poor hip abduction range of motion in comparison with those without the groin pain. This finding suggested that a poor hip abductor range of motion may affect the kicking biomechanics in soccer players with the groin pain.

Effects of sodium pyruvate supplementation on repeated sprint exercise performance and recovery in male college soccer players: a randomized controlled trial.

Sodium pyruvate (PYR) has been reported to improve aerobic metabolism and attenuate metabolic acidosis. Aerobic capacity and the ability to remove hydrogen ions affect the recovery from repeated high intensity activities. However, the effects of PYR supplementation on repeated sprint exercise (RSE) performance have not been elucidated. This study explored the effects of PYR ingestion on RSE ability and recovery. A total of 14 male soccer athletes (aged 20±2 years) participated in this double-blinded crossover study. The subjects completed two experimental sessions after randomized ingestion of either PYR or the maltodextrin placebo (PLA) for 1 week. At each session, participants completed high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and RSE 60 minutes after supplementation. Additionally, acid-base parameters in venous blood, energy system contributions, and power output were assessed. Compared to PLA, PYR supplementation significantly increased the relative peak power output (PPO) of the first (P=0.034) and fifth (P=0.043) sprints, and the relative mean power output (MPO) of the fifth sprint (P=0.026). In addition, the mean PPO (P=0.031) and MPO (P=0.033) of sprints 1-6 were significantly elevated after PYR supplementation. After PYR administration, the phosphagen energy system [adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-phosphocreatine (PCr)] resynthesis of the fourth (P=0.034) and the overall recovery periods during HIIE (P=0.029) were higher than PLA administration. Additionally, the ATP-PCr resynthesis of the first (P=0.033) and fifth (P=0.019) recovery periods, and the mean of the six recovery periods during RSE (P=0.041) were increased in the PYR group compared to the PLA group. Furthermore, participants on the PYR regimen had higher blood pH, HCO3-, and base excess at pre-HIIE, post-HIIE, and pre-RSE (all P<0.05) compared to participants receiving PLA. PYR supplementation enhanced RSE performance, and the improvement may be attributed to accelerated restoration of the acid-base balance and ATP-PCr regeneration. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100053936.

The Relationship among Authentic Leadership, Trust in Coach, and Group Cohesion of College Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship among players’ perceptions of authentic leadership, trust in coach, and group cohesion. Male college soccer players responded to questionnaire items about these three factors. A total of 249 survey data were analyzed by structural equation modeling. Authentic leadership had a significant positive relationship with trust in coach and group cohesion; trust in coach had a significant positive relationship with group cohesion; and trust in coach was a mediator in the relationship between authentic leadership and group cohesion. These findings suggest when coaches are authentic leaders, athlete and team outcomes may benefit.

Hip Flexibility and Dynamic Balance Ability in Soccer Players with Functional Ankle Instability

The prevention of recurrent ankle sprain and functional ankle instability in soccer players is essential. This study clarified hip joint mobility and dynamic balance ability in soccer players with functional ankle instability. This case–control study included 17 male college soccer players. All participants were assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and were divided into chronic ankle instability (CAI) and non-CAI groups for each of their dominant and nondominant legs. Bilateral passive hip range of motion (ROM) was assessed and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) was measured for each leg. In the dominant leg, the reach in the posterolateral direction in the CAI group was significantly less than that in the non-CAI group. Hip internal rotation angles in the dominant leg in the CAI group were greater than those in the non-CAI group; however, no significant correlations with the three directions of mSEBT were observed. In the nondominant leg, mSEBT and hip ROMs did not show any significant differences between groups. The dominant leg in soccer players with CAI had poor dynamic balance ability while reaching posterolaterally. However, acquiring hip flexibility may not be necessary to improve the dynamic balance ability. These findings may help develop future research.

Effects of Cool-Down Exercise and Cold-Water Immersion Therapy on Basic Fitness and Sport-Specific Skills among Korean College Soccer Players.

Background:We aimed to examine the effects of cool-down exercise and cold-water immersion therapy on agility, speed, power, balance, and sport-specific skill performance in college soccer players, and to provide baseline data for the development of effective recovery programs.Methods:In August 2020, 21 male college soccer players in Seoul, Korea, were randomly divided into the following groups: control group (CG, n=7), cool-down exercise group (CDG, n=7), and cool-down exercise plus cold-water immersion group (CDCWG, n=7). Agility, speed, power, balance, and sport-specific skill performance were assessed before and after the intervention.Results:No significant differences in Southeast Missouri (SEMO) Agility Test, 20-m sprint test, vertical jump test, or Y-balance test (right) were observed among the groups; however, there was a significant effect of time (P<0.05) and a significant time × group interaction (P<0.05). Significant effects of time (P<0.001), group (P=0.043), and a time × group interaction (P=0.009) were observed in the Y-balance test (left). There were no between-group differences in the 22-m dribble test, shooting test (left), or shooting test (right); however, there were significant effects of time (P<0.05) and significant time × group interactions (P<0.05). No significant effects of group or time × group interactions were observed for the kicking test (left or right); however, there were significant effects of time (P<0.001).Conclusion:Addition of cold-water immersion therapy to a recovery program including cool-down exercise can promote recovery of basic and sport-specific abilities among college soccer players.

Examining Internal and External Physical Workloads Between Training and Competitive Matches Within Collegiate Division I Men's Soccer.

Anderson, T, Adams, WM, Martin, KJ, and Wideman, L. Examining internal and external physical workloads between training and competitive matches within collegiate Division I men's soccer. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3440-3447, 2021-A direct analysis comparing differences in the demands of competition relative to in-season training in Division I collegiate soccer players has yet to be reported. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to compare the absolute and relative internal and external workloads measured during training with competitive matches. Twenty-six male college soccer players were monitored over 2 consecutive seasons using a GPS and heart rate (HR) telemetry system. Differences between outdoor training sessions and competitive matches were analyzed for internal and external absolute and relative training workloads. Differences in training workloads between the 3 days before a match were also analyzed. Absolute time in HR zone 4 (80-89% of HRmax) and 5 (90-100% of HRmax); accelerations in zone 1 (0.50-0.99 m·s-2), zone 2 (1.00-1.99 m·s-2), and zone 3 (2.00-2.99 m·s-2); all negative acceleration zones; training load; and estimated energy expenditure were greater in competition than training (p < 0.05). By contrast, when comparing training and competition values using metrics relative to session duration, relative workload in trainings were greater than competition for HR zone 1 (50-59% of HRmax), zone 2 (60-69% of HRmax), zone 3 (70-79% of HRmax), and zone 4 (80-89% of HRmax) and all acceleration and negative acceleration zones. In addition, absolute training workloads were generally greatest 3 days prior (p < 0.01), but not different 2 days before the competitive match. Absolute physical workloads of competition are significantly greater than those achieved during training; however, these differences and impact on the physical condition of players are mitigated by the greater relative workloads achieved during training. These results provide meaningful metrics that may lead to insights into proper conditioning and in-season workload management for Division I collegiate soccer programs.

The Association Between Biomarkers Of Resilience And Readiness With Fitness Changes In College Soccer Players

The free testosterone to cortisol ratio (fTC) and heart rate variability (HRV) indices have been independently proposed as objective biomarkers of physiological resilience and readiness, respectively. It is hypothesized that individuals that enter a training period with high resilience and readiness would have a greater positive response to the training. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between fTC and HRV with fitness changes in division I male college soccer players. METHODS: Two division I teams were recruited to participate in this study. Participants completed an orthostatic HRV challenge (supine, sitting, standing) and provided blood samples prior to the 6-week Spring training period. The HRV indices of root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and high frequency power (autoregressive, normalized; HF) were calculated in all postural conditions. Blood samples were assayed for free testosterone and cortisol using competitive binding ELISAs. Participants completed the yo-yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR) before and after the 6-week training period and the absolute increase in distance (m) achieved during the YYIR represented the change in fitness (YYIRΔ). Separate linear regression models tested the association of fTC and all HRV indices and their interactions with YYIRΔ. All predictors were first centered and scaled and alpha level was set at p < 0.05 for all models. RESULTS: Participants (n = 21, age = 19.5 ± 1.0 years, height = 179.0 ± 6.4 cm, weight = 76.9 ± 9.4 kg, body fat = 12.6 ± 4.3 %) from the two teams did not differ in YYIRΔ (mean ± SD = 438 ± 212, p = 0.64). A significant association with YYIRΔ was observed for the interaction between fTC and HFsitting (F(3,17) = 4.31, β = 4.92,p = 0.02, R2 = 0.33). No other indices or interactions were significantly associated with YYIRΔ. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HRV and fTC represent potential objective pre-training biomarkers capable of identifying athletes that will be most responsive to individualized fitness and conditioning programs. Further research is necessary to confirm the utility of these specific objective biomarkers in larger cohorts and across multiple training situations.

Use of Heart Rate Monitoring to Manage Training Loads and Assess Injury Risk in Male University Soccer Players

Introduction: Injuries are a common occurrence in team sports and have negative consequences on team success. As sudden increases and decreases in training loads increase injury likelihood, monitoring training loads is essential. The acute:chronic workload ratio has been established as a useful tool for identifying periods of increased injury likelihood. Markers such as the session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) and GPS-based indices are commonly used variables when calculating acute:chronic workload ratios. To date no work has been presented involving heart rate-based measurements. The goal of this research project was to investigate the use of heart rate monitoring to manage training loads and assess injury likelihood in university soccer players. Methods: Training load measures from fourteen university male soccer players were collected over a period of seven weeks. Three heart-rate based measurements were monitored including Bannister’s TRIMP, Morton’s TRIMP and Stagno TRIMP. sRPEs were also measured and acute:chronic workload ratios were calculated for each monitored variable. A total of 256 individual training observations were collected from 22 training sessions with a mean duration of 85 minutes. Results: Results demonstrated that using the acute:chronic workload ratio for heart rate-based training loads such as Bannister’s Training Impulse accurately explained variation in injury likelihood (R2 =0.86-0.89). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that monitoring of acute:chronic workload ratios using HR indices such as Bannister’s TRIMP or Stagno TRIMP appears to be a practical method to assess injury likelihood in male university soccer players.

Hip Abductor Muscle Strength Deficit as a Risk Factor for Inversion Ankle Sprain in Male College Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background:Previous studies have attempted to determine whether certain risk factors can predict the occurrence of inversion ankle sprains in male collegiate soccer players. However, no consensus has been reached on the predictive risk factors of inversion ankle sprain in this population.Purpose:To identify risk factors for inversion ankle sprains among male collegiate soccer players.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Included were 145 male collegiate soccer players in Japan who were assessed during a preseason medical checkup for potential risk factors of inversion ankle sprain. The preseason assessment included anthropometric measurements, joint laxity and flexibility, muscle flexibility, muscle strength, and balance ability, with a total of 33 variables. The participants were monitored during the 2019 season for inversion ankle sprains as diagnosed by physicians.Results:A total of 31 inversion ankle sprains in 31 players (21.4%) occurred during the season. Only the measured isometric hip abductor strength was significantly lower in injured players as compared with uninjured players. Logistic regression analysis revealed measured hip abductor muscle strength deficit as a significant risk factor for inversion ankle sprain (odds ratio, 0.978 [95% CI, 0.976-0.999]; P = .05).Conclusion:Hip abductor strength deficit was a risk factor for inversion ankle sprain in the study population. This finding could be useful for the prevention of inversion ankle sprains in male collegiate soccer players.

Shifting the Paradigm: A Constructivist Analysis of Agency and Structure in Sustained Youth Sport Participation.

To examine the impact of the relationship between agency and structure on sustained participation in youth sport, semi-structured interviews were conducted with male college soccer players. The participants' accounts (N = 20) of their youth careers were analyzed through the lens of Structuration Theory (ST) framed in a constructivist paradigm. ST supports the significance of the recursive relationship between agent and structure in-context in the co-construction of experiences, and provides a framework for analyzing effects of compounding experiences gained across time and space as they influence sport continuation. Clarity of expectations imposed in-context and the athlete's perceived impact on the structure evidenced, through deductive thematic analysis, as the most salient determinants of the perceived valence of the youth sport environment. The agent's perceived holding of authoritative resources across time and contexts was a critical dimension of the participants' continuation in youth sport, substantiating ST as a theoretical lens, situated in a constructivist paradigm, that might add depth to understanding patterns in participation and attrition.

Inter-unit reliability of IMU Step metrics using IMeasureU Blue Trident inertial measurement units for running-based team sport tasks

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the inter-unit reliability of IMU Step biomechanical load monitoring metrics using IMeasureU Blue Trident inertial measurement units in tasks common to running-based team sports. Knowledge of variability between units is required before researchers and practitioners can make informed decisions on “true” differences between limbs. Sixteen male college soccer players performed five running-based tasks, generating 224 trials and 17,012 steps. Data were analysed for each task and for the whole session, investigating six IMU Step metrics: step count; impact load; bone stimulus; and low, medium and high intensity steps. Inter-unit reliability was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.90) for 21 out of 26 metrics, and good (0.83 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.86) for all other metrics except for Yo-Yo impact load (ICC = 0.79) which was acceptable. These findings confirm the inter-unit reliability of IMU Step metrics using IMeasureU Blue Trident inertial measurement units for running-based team sports. Now that inter-unit variability has been quantified, researchers and practitioners can use this information when interpreting inter-limb differences for monitoring external biomechanical training load.