Performance In Male Soccer Players Research Articles

Effect of vertical, horizontal, and combined plyometric training on jump, sprint and change of direction performance in male soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of vertical (VPT), horizontal (HPT) and combined vertical and horizontal (V+HPT) plyometric training on sprint, jump and change of direction (COD) performance in adult male soccer players. Participants were randomly allocated into VPT (n = 8), HPT (n = 8) and V+HPT (n = 8) groups which undertook eight weeks of PT, executing 100 foot contacts per session, twice weekly. Though demonstrably effective, no specific one of the three applied programmes enhanced performance to a greater extent than another with only the 40 m sprint for the HPT group (mean difference = 0.07 s [HPT] vs. 0.04 s [VPT] and 0.04 s [V+HPT]) and the vertical jump for the V+HPT group (mean difference = 4.5 cm [V+HPT] vs. 4.0 cm [VPT] and 3.25 cm [HPT]) appearing to deviate from a uniform pattern of group level adaptation across the performance tests. A total volume of 100 foot contacts per session, twice per week for eight weeks was sufficient to achieve the observed changes. Though jump and changing direction performance were enhanced, linear sprint performance was largely unchanged and so a more complete and intense programme may have been warranted. No method was superior to another in eliciting changes across these tests and a directionally-specific pattern of adaptation was not apparent.

Mediolateral Postural Sway Velocity as a Possible Indicator of Ground Reaction Force-Derived 180⁰ Turn Performance in Male Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

The main aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between ground reaction force (GRF) derived postural sway and 180° turn performance in soccer players on the axis of dominant and non-dominant legs. Twenty-seven male soccer players (mean age 22.45 ± 2.7 years) from the same league level agreed to participate in the study. The participants underwent GRF-derived postural sway and 180⁰ turn tests using a force plate in separate sessions, with at least 24-hour intervals between sessions. Postural sway was assessed in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions during a single-leg stance, while the 180° turn performance was evaluated through GRF-derived turn time and turn sway. The correlation, multiple regression, and group differences were computed to test study hypotheses. Positive correlations were observed between postural sway measures and 180⁰ turn time for dominant and non-dominant legs (r-range from 0.384 to 0.550). No measure of postural sway was significantly related to the 180⁰ turn sway (p> 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that mediolateral sway velocity explained 30% and 17% of the variance of 180⁰ turn time for dominant and non-dominant legs, respectively. No statistical inter-limb differences were noted for 180⁰ turn and postural sway parameters. The results suggest that improving single-leg postural performance may enhance male soccer players' 180° turn performance. Therefore, unilateral stability in the mediolateral direction should be considered a potential indicator of change of direction-based performances.

Evaluating the Effects of Consecutive Phases of Plyometric Jump Training on Athletic Performance in Male Soccer Players: The Effect of Training Frequency and Volume Manipulations.

Moran, J, Vali, N, Tallent, J, Howe, L, Clemente, FM, Chaabene, H, and Ramirez-Campillo, R. Evaluating the effects of consecutive phases of plyometric jump training on athletic performance in male soccer players: The effect of training frequency and volume manipulations. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1082-1089, 2024-This 14-week, 2-phase study aimed to determine the relative effects of 1 day or 2 days of volume-matched plyometric training on athletic performance (10- and 40-m sprints, change of direction [COD], and vertical jump [VJ]) in male soccer players (phase 1). The objective of phase 2 was to determine the relative effects of higher- and lower-volume plyometric training protocols in maintaining any previously attained increases in athletic performance from phase 1. A randomized parallel-group trial design was utilized. In phase 1, subjects ( n = 24; mean age: 19.5 ± 1.2 years; mean height: 179.7 ± 7.1 cm; mean weight: 69.8 ± 6.9 kg) were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups to receive either 1 day or 2 days of volume- and intensity-matched plyometric training for a 7-week period. For the second 7-week period (phase 2), half of each group was randomized into either a lower-volume or higher-volume plyometric training group. In phase 1, both the 1-day group and the 2-day group attained comparably significant ( p < 0.001) increases in performance in all fitness tests ranging from effect sizes (ESs) ( d ) of 0.4 (95% confidence interval: 0.11 to 0.70) for 10-m sprint to 1.51 (0.42-2.60) for VJ. There were no significant differences between the performance increases in the 2 groups. In phase 2, neither group increased or decreased performance, maintaining all previously attained increases with only trivial ESs observed (-0.02 [-0.58 to 0.53] to 0.11 [-0.38 to 0.61]). Increases in 10- and 40-m sprint speed, COD speed, and VJ height can be achieved and maintained with as little as 1 plyometric training session per week. Sessions can include 120 jumps to induce increases of the reported magnitudes, with 60 jumps to maintain these increases thereafter, in male soccer players.

Effects of plyometric vs. strength training on strength, sprint, and functional performance in soccer players: a randomized controlled trial

Plyometric training (PT) has been shown to have numerous benefits and few harmful effects. This study aimed to compare the effects of PT vs. strength training on muscle strength, sprint, and lower limb functional performance in soccer players. Ninety participants (mean age 22.5 years) were equally and randomly divided into three groups: a plyometric training group (PTG; n = 30), a strength training group (STG; n = 30), and a control group (CG; n = 30). In PTG: bounding, hurdling, and drop jumping exercises were performed. In STG: isometric exercises of knee extension (at 60º knee flexion), quadriceps (in supine), hip adductors (in crook lying), and straight leg raise were performed. In CG: no specific training was given. All interventions were performed for eight weeks. Isometric strength (IS), sprint (ST), and single-leg triple hop (SLTH) tests were outcome measures. The wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for with-in-group analysis, and Kruskal Wallis and Mann–Whitney u tests were used for between-group analyses. In PTG: in comparison to a baseline measurement, IS increased by 8.83% (p < 0.05), ST decreased by 20.14% (p < 0.05), and SLTH increased by 7.78% (p < 0.05). In STG: IS increased by 15.76% (p < 0.05), ST decreased by 30.26% (p < 0.05), and SLTH increased by 12.41% (p < 0.05). In CG: IS increased by 5.72% (p < 0.05), ST decreased by 15.54% (p < 0.05), and SLTH increased by 4.41% (p < 0.05). The greatest improvements were observed in STG, followed by PTG and CG. Strength training was found to be more effective than PT in improving muscle strength, sprint, and lower limb functional performance in male soccer players.

The effect of two sessions of combined jump and sprint training per week on fitness parameters in soccer players. A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined jump and sprint training program, two sessions a week for 6 weeks, on sprinting, change of directions (COD) and jumping performance in semi-professional soccer players. Twenty soccer players were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial (age 20 ± 2 years, body mass 74.3 ± 5.9 kg). Players were randomized into two groups such as training group (TG, n = 10 players) or control group (CG, n = 10 players). Physical tests were performed before and after 6 weeks of training such as sprint 10 m, sprint 30 m, 505-COD test and standing long jump (LJ). The two groups performed the same training except for the combined jump and sprint training performed twice a week by TG. After 6 weeks of training, between-group analysis reported statistical difference in favor of the TG in sprint 10 m (p = 0.015, η2 = 0.295, large), sprint 30 m (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.599, large), in 505-COD (p = 0.026, η2 = 0.154, large), and LJ (p = 0.025, η2 = 0.027, small). These data indicate that combined sprint and jump training, when performed twice a week, for the duration of 6 weeks, in addition to the regular team training, can improve specific physical performance in male soccer players. This study has shown that a volume increment of 10% after 3 weeks of training can be a suitable training dose progression and that a combination of 64-70 jumps and 675-738 m of sprinting training per session can yield benefits in sprint, COD and jump performance.

Effects of 6 weeks in-season flywheel squat resistance training on strength, vertical jump, change of direction and sprint performance in professional female soccer players.

Flywheel resistance training devices (FRTD) is shown effective in improving strength, sprinting, jumping and changes of direction (COD) performance in male soccer players, however, this is not elucidated in female soccer players. We aimed to assess the effect of FRTD on these physical abilities in females soccer players. 24 professional female soccer players (age: 20.4 ± 2.6 years) were randomly assigned to a flywheel training group (FWTG) that trained twice a week for 6 weeks on a rotary inertia device with an initial volume of 3 sets of 6 repetitions and an inertia of 0,025 kg · m-2, increasing intensity and volume or a control group (CG) that did not performed any additional resistance training program. Concentric peak torque of the knee extensors (CONEXT) and flexors (CONFLEX), eccentric peak torque of the knee extensors (ECCEXT) and flexors (ECCFLEX) at 60° · s-1 on an isokinetic dynamometer, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, COD and 30-metres sprint were assessed. Significant time by group interactions were found in CONEXT (p = 0.002; η²p = 0.425), CONFLEX (p = 0.037; η²p = 0.22), ECCEXT (p = 0.002; η²p = 0.43) and ECCFLEX (p = 0.008; η²p = 0.334). No time by group effect was found in CMJ (p = 0.061; η²p = 0.182), COD (p = 0.067; η²p = 0.184) or sprint (p = 0.926; η²p = 4.979 · e-4). In conclusion, 6 weeks of flywheel squat training improved strength (especially eccentric strength) but not soccer-specific abilities such as jumping, changing of direction or sprinting in professional soccer players.

The Three-Level Model of Factors Contributing to High-Intensity Intermittent Performance in Male Soccer Players.

High-intensity intermittent performance in soccer is widely assessed using the yo-yo intermittent recovery level 2 test (YYIR2). This test is usually associated with aerobic-anaerobic performance. However, less is known about the direct or indirect contributions of abilities, including the anaerobic component. This study aims to propose a three-level model of factors contributing to YYIR2 performance, based on the investigation of relationships with aerobic endurance, repeated-sprint ability (RSA), and the linear and change-of-direction speed and power variables. Eighteen soccer players performed the YYIR2, with a 20-m shuttle run test (20mSR), an RSA test with change-of-direction, 5-m and 20-m sprints, and a 505 test, countermovement jump, squat jump, and drop jump. The results showed a significant relationship between the YYIR2 distance and the 20mSR distance (r = 0.721, p = 0.001), as well as with the RSA test mean time (r = -0.594, p = 0.009). In the second level, the 20mSR distance performance was not associated with any of the speed and power variables. However, the RSA test mean time correlated with the 5-m sprint (r = 0.587, p = 0.010), 20-m sprint (r = 0.702, p = 0.001), and 505 test (r = 0.585 p = 0.011) performance. In the third level, the 20-m sprint time was related to the squat jump (r = -0.577 p = 0.012) and countermovement jump (r = -0.768 p &lt; 0.001) heights. In addition to aerobic endurance, this study highlights the importance of the anaerobic component in YYIR2 performance. More specifically, aerobic endurance (52%) and RSA (36%) are the main determinants of YYIR2 performance. Subsequently, the RSA performance is determined by the linear (34-49%) and change-of-direction speed (35%), while the explosive power of lower limbs contributes to sprinting performance (33-59%). Coaches should focus on the development of these abilities to improve the high-intensity intermittent performance of soccer players.

Body Composition in Elite Soccer Players from Youth to Senior Squad.

There is a strong relationship between body composition and performance in male soccer players. This study aimed to display an optimal body height and weight, and body composition profile of male soccer players for four competitive age groups. This cross-sectional study included four groups: U-15 (n = 152), U-17 (n = 154), U-19 (n = 61), and seniors (n = 27). Body height and weight were measured under standard conditions, and the bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) analyzed body composition. On average, soccer players in the U-15 group had significantly lower body height, weight, body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, fat-free mass, total body water and basal metabolic rate than U-17, U-19 and seniors, but a higher percentage of body fat than U-17 and U-19, p < 0.05. In addition, the results show significant non-linear increases in body height, weight and body composition as the age of soccer players increases, with the exception of the percentage of body fat mass, which tends to significantly decrease with age. The main findings of this study are that body fat mass remains stable and similar across all age groups, including in the senior squad.

Analyzing the Magnitude of Interlimb Asymmetries in Young Female Soccer Players: A Preliminary Study.

Although asymmetries in lower limbs have been linked with players’ performance in male soccer players, literature that has been published addressing female soccer is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was twofold: (i) describe the asymmetries of women soccer players during jumping, change-of-direction and range-of-motion tests; and (ii) test possible relationships between asymmetries and injury risk in female soccer players. Sixteen female players (15.5 ± 1.5 years) performed a battery of fitness tests (i.e., jump ability, change-of-direction ability and passive range-of-motion) and muscle mass analysis via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, through which the specific asymmetry index and the related injury risk were calculated. Significant (p < 0.05) lower asymmetries in the change-of-direction test were observed in comparison to those observed in jumping and range-of-motion tests; significant (p < 0.05) lower asymmetries in muscle mass were also reported compared to those found in the change-of-direction and countermovement jump tests. Additionally, increased injury risk for countermovement jump and hip flexion with extended knee range-of-motion (relating to asymmetry values) and for ankle flexion with flexed knee range-of-motion in both legs (relating to reference range-of-motion values), as well as increased individual injury risk values, were observed across all tests. These findings suggest the necessity to implement individual approaches for asymmetry and injury risk analyses.

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

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

Effects of Contrast Strength vs. Plyometric Training on Lower-Limb Explosive Performance, Ability to Change Direction and Neuromuscular Adaptation in Soccer Players.

Hammami, M, Gaamouri, N, Shephard, RJ, and Chelly, MS. Effects of contrast strength vs. plyometric training on lower-limb explosive performance, ability to change direction and neuromuscular adaptation in soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2094-2103, 2019-The aim was to compare the effects of 2 differing 8-week in-season strength training programs (contrast strength training [CST] vs. plyometric training [PT]) on selected performance tests (5 and 40 m sprints, S 4 × 5 m change of direction test, squat jump [SJ] and countermovement jump [CMJ], leg peak power on a cycle-ergometer force-velocity test, 1 repetition maximal half-squat, and electromyographic [EMG] activity of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris muscles during vertical jump tests). Forty male soccer players (age = 15.8 ± 0.4 years; body mass = 58.8 ± 6.3 kg; body height = 1.74 ± 0.06 m; body fat = 10.5 ± 1.9%) were divided between a contrast strength group (CSG, n = 14), plyometric group (PG, n = 14), and control group (CG, n = 12). Both training programs enhanced sprint performance (p < 0.001 in 5 m; p ≤ 0.05 in 40 m) and change of direction test scores (p < 0.001) relative to controls. The plyometric group and CSG increased SJ height relative to the CG, with a slightly greater response in CSG compared with PG (p ≤ 0.05). Most CMJ scores increased significantly in both CSG and PG relative to the CG, with no intergroup differences in training response. Most force-velocity scores increased significantly in the CSG relative to PG and CG. The EMG parameters also increased in the CSG relative to both PG and CG. In summary, most measures of athletic performance in male soccer players were enhanced after CST and PT. However, the improvement of physical performance was better with 8 weeks of CST than with PT. Thus, coaches should be encouraged to include CST as an element of in-season conditioning.

Comparison of Complex Versus Contrast Training on Steroid Hormones and Sports Performance in Male Soccer Players

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a complex versus a contrast training regimen with steroid hormones and the performance of soccer players. MethodsThirty-six professional male soccer players were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: complex training (n = 12; body mass index [BMI], 22.95 ± 1.76 kg/m2), contrast training (n = 12; BMI, 22.05 ± 2.03 kg/m2), and control (n = 12; BMI, 22.27 ± 1.44 kg/m2). Players from the complex and contrast groups were trained for 6 weeks (3 d/wk). The complex group performed 4 different exercises, each composed of strength (80% of 1 repetition maximum [RM]) and power components alternately. The contrast group performed the same strengthening exercises alternately at different intensities (40% and 80% of 1 RM). All players were tested for free testosterone, cortisol, vertical jump, 20-m sprint, and agility T-test at the baseline and after 6 weeks of training. ResultsA 3 × 2 mixed analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in time effect (P ≤ .05), whereas a nonsignificant difference was found in the group effect for all outcome variables. group × time interaction was significant in all the variables (P < .01) except cortisol (P = .28). ConclusionComplex training showed greater improvement in physical performance and free testosterone concentration compared with contrast training, whereas both types of training decreased cortisol concentration in a similar fashion.

The Effect of Standard Strength vs. Contrast Strength Training on the Development of Sprint, Agility, Repeated Change of Direction, and Jump in Junior Male Soccer Players

Hammami, M, Negra, Y, Shephard, RJ, and Chelly, MS. The effect of standard strength vs. contrast strength training on the development of sprint, agility, repeated change of direction, and jump in junior male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 901-912, 2017-The aim was to compare the impact of 2 differing strength training (ST) programs on the athletic performance of junior male soccer players at a critical phase during their competitive season. Participants aged 16.0 ± 0.5 years were randomly assigned between control (C, n = 12), standard ST (n = 16), and contrast strength training (CST, n = 16), each performed twice a week. Athletic performance was assessed before and after the intervention using 8 tests: 40-m sprint, 4 × 5-m sprint (S4 × 5), 9-3-6-3-9 m sprint with 180° turns (S180°), 9-3-6-3-9 m sprint with backward and forward running (SBF), repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), repeated change of direction (RCOD), squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ). The control group's (CG) performance tended to improve in some tests and decrease in others, but these changes were not statistically significant. Both training programs enhanced all sprint performances relative to controls (p ≤ 0.05). The strength training group (SG) and the CST group (CSG) increased significantly in S180°, SBF, and S4 × 5 relative to CG, although the S4 × 5 also increased in CSG relative to SG (p ≤ 0.05). No intergroup difference of RSSA performance was observed. The RCOD parameters increased significantly in CSG relative to both SG and CG (p ≤ 0.05). The SJ and CMJ height increased significantly in both experimental groups (p < 0.000). We conclude that during the competitive season, some measures of athletic performance in male soccer players were increased more by 8 weeks of CST than by ST.

Effects of leg contrast strength training on sprint, agility and repeated change of direction performance in male soccer players.

Contrast training is a popular technique among individuals who are involved in dynamic sports, having as its goal an increase in dynamic muscular performance. It is characterized by the use of high and low loads in the same strength training session. The present investigation aimed to determine the effects of adding 8 weeks of contrast strength training (CSTP) to regular soccer practice in U-17 male soccer players during the competitive season. We hypothesized that CSTP would enhance their performance. Subjects were divided randomly between a control group (CG, N.=12) and a contrast strength group (CSG, N.=19). The 2 groups trained together; controls followed the regular soccer program, which was replaced by a contrast strength training program for the experimental group. Performance was assessed before and after training, using 10 measures: 5-10-, 20- 30-, and 40-m sprints, a 4x5 m sprint (S4x5), a 9-3-6-3-9 m sprint with 180° turns (S180), a 9-3-6-3-9 m sprint with backward and forward running (SBF), a Repeated-Shuttle-Sprint Ability Test (RSSA), and a Repeated Change of Direction Test (RCOD). CSG showed gains relative to controls in 5-m (P<0.000), 10-m (P<0.001), 20-m (P<0.001), 30-m (P<0.05) and 40-m (P<0.05) sprints. There were also significant gains in S180°, SBF, and S4 x 5 agility tests (P<0.01), and all RCOD parameters (P<0.05) except RCOD-FI (P=0.055) but no significant change in any RSSA parameters. We conclude that biweekly contrast strength training can be commended to U-17 male soccer players as a means of improving many important components of athletic performance relative to standard in-season training.

Who runs the fastest? Anthropometric and physiological correlates of 20 m sprint performance in male soccer players

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of 20 m sprint performance with anthropometrical and physiological parameters in male soccer players. A hundred and 81 soccer players from the region of Athens (age 23.4 ± 5.0 yrs, body mass 73.4 ± 7.7 kg, height 180.0 ± 5.9 cm, body fat (BF) 14.4 ± 3.6%), classified into quartiles according to 20 m sprint time (group A, 2.84–3.03 s; group B, 3.04–3.09 s; group C, 3.10–3.18 s; group D, 3.19–3.61 s), participated. Soccer players in group A were younger and had better performance in vertical jumps and in the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT, p < 0.05). Sprint time correlated to age (r = 0.27), body mass (r = 0.23), body height (r = 0.20), BF (r = 0.23), vertical jumps (−0.58 ≤ r ≤ −0.50) and the WAnT (−0.45 ≤ r ≤ −0.30, p < 0.05). In summary, the magnitude of correlations of sprint time with measures of lower limbs muscle strength and power (WAnT and jumps) was larger than with anthropometric measures (body mass and BF).

Mental Rotation Performance in Male Soccer Players

It is the main goal of this study to investigate the visual-spatial cognition in male soccer players. Forty males (20 soccer players and 20 non-athletes) solved a chronometric mental rotation task with both cubed and embodied figures (human figures, body postures). The results confirm previous results that all participants had a lower mental rotation speed for cube figures compared to embodied figures and a higher error rate for cube figures, but only at angular disparities greater than 90°. It is a new finding that soccer–players showed a faster reaction time for embodied stimuli. Because rotation speed did not differ between soccer-players and non-athletes this finding cannot be attributed to the mental rotation process itself but instead to differences in one of the following processes which are involved in a mental rotation task: the encoding process, the maintanence of readiness, or the motor process. The results are discussed against the background of the influence on longterm physical activity on mental rotation and the context of embodied cognition.

Blood rheology and body composition as determinants of exercise performance in male soccer players

The aim of this study was to assess on a large series of soccer players our previous reports on blood rheology and exercise performance. In 99 soccer players (Age 24,17 ± 0,42 yr; weight 75,87 ± 0,89 kg; VO2max 46,86 ± 0,95 mL/min/kg) an exercise test was performed for measuring maximal aerobic capacity and we measured blood viscosity at high shear rate (MT90 viscometer) and RBC aggregation (Myrenne MK1). The French questionnaire developped by the consensus group on overtraining of the French Society of Sports Medicine (SFMS) was also employed. The only hemorheologic statistical determinant of VO2max was hematocrit (Hct r = -0.2439; p = 0.0303). The lactate threshold 2 mmol/l was negatively correlated to M1 (r = -0.43224; p = 0.00847). There was a borderline correlation between the overtraining score at the questionnaire of the SFMS and plasma viscosity (r = 0.3080; p = 0.0532). Therefore, our study confirms that aerobic capacity in this sport is negatively correlated to hematocrit, that RBC aggregation is positively associated with blood lactate accumulation in blood during exercise, and that plasma viscosity is one of the parameters that increase when the athlete is on the edge of the overtraining syndrome. These data are consistent with previous reports about soccer players but caution is needed to extrapolate to other sports.