Performance In Soccer Players Research Articles

Developing a Soccer Player's Performance Index Model for Chinese Professional Football: Integrating Physical Condition, Match Performance and Team Circumstance

The study aims to develop a soccer player’s performance index (SPPI) model for Chinese professional football players by integrating their physical condition, match performance, and team circumstances. The model is intended to identify potential talents and address the challenge of evaluating unknown players in player selection. Moreover, the study found a non-linear relationship between age and SPPI, which suggests that future research on Chinese professional soccer players’ aging curves could benefit from using non-linear models. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable insights for talent identification and player performance evaluation in Chinese professional soccer.

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.

Sequencing Effects of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on Selected Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players: A Randomized Matched-Pairs Trial

BackgroundVarious physical fitness qualities such as muscle strength, speed and endurance are related to soccer performance. Accordingly, the combination of strength and endurance training (i.e., concurrent training [CT]) is an often-encountered training regimen in soccer. Less is known about the effects of CT sequencing on performance in young soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the sequencing effects of strength and intermittent endurance training applied within the same training session (intrasession) on measures of physical fitness and soccer performance in young soccer players.MethodsFifty male adolescent soccer players volunteered to participate in this study which was conducted in the Netherlands in 2019. Players were randomly assigned to a strength-endurance (SE) or an endurance-strength (ES) group in matched pairs based on their countermovement jump (CMJ) performance at baseline. Both groups completed a 12-weeks in-season training program with two weekly CT sessions. Training sessions consisted of 15 min plyometric exercises and 15 min soccer-specific intermittent endurance training. Both groups performed the same training volumes and the only difference between the groups was the CT intrasession sequencing scheme (SE vs. ES). Pre and post intervention, proxies of muscle power (CMJ, squat jump [SJ]), linear sprint speed (30-m sprint test), agility (Illinois test with / without ball), and soccer performance (ball kicking velocity) were tested.ResultsData from 38 players aged 14.8 ± 1.0 years (body height 172.9 ± 8.1 cm, body mass: 57.0 ± 7.2 kg, soccer experience: 8.8 ± 2.8 years, age from peak-height-velocity [PHV]: +1.2 ± 1.0 years) were included. Significant main time effects were found for CMJ (p = 0.002, d = 0.55), SJ (p = 0.004, d = 0.51), the Illinois agility test with ball (p = 0.016, d = 0.51), and ball kicking velocity (p = 0.016, d = 0.51). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for 30-m linear sprint speed (p < 0.001, d = 0.76) with ES showing greater improvements (p = 0.006, d = 0.85, Δ-5%).ConclusionsBoth CT-sequencing types improved performance in the tests administered. The intrasession CT sequencing (SE vs. ES) appears not to have a major impact on physical fitness adaptations, except for linear sprint speed which was in favor of ES.

The Effects of Different Stretching Techniques Used in Warm-Up on the Triggering of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Soccer Players

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different stretching techniques used during warm-up exercises prior to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the explosive lower extremity strength performance of soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 13 male soccer players with an average age of 22.38 ± 1.75, body height of 174.38 ± 3.94, and body mass of 72.30 ± 4.13. To determine the participants’ maximal strength performance, one repeated maximal strength (1-RM) squat exercise was applied. The PAPE protocol was then implemented with a squat exercise consisting of three repetitions at 80% of 1-RM. The warm-up protocols consisted of 5 min of cycling, followed by dynamic stretching, static stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises. These protocols were applied on four different days with a 72 h interval. A vertical jump test was conducted to measure the participants’ explosive strength performance. The research data were analyzed using IBM Statistics (SPSS version 26.0, Armonk, NY, USA) software. The findings of this study revealed statistically significant differences in vertical jump performance values after PAPE among participants based on the different stretching techniques used during warm-up (p = 0.00). In this context, the research concluded that dynamic stretching is the optimal stretching technique during warm-up exercises before PAPE to maximize its effects. On the other hand, static stretching was found to negatively affect performance by absorbing the PAPE effect.

Neurocognitive Performance, Vestibulo-Ocular Function and Postural Control in Youth Male Soccer and Basketball Players of Different Ages

Neurocognitive Performance, Vestibulo-Ocular Function and Postural Control in Youth Male Soccer and Basketball Players of Different Ages

Effects of multiple cold-water immersion during pre-season on recovery performance in under-20 male soccer players: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThis study was designed to evaluate the effects of multiple cold-water immersions performed daily during the preseason period on biochemical, clinical, and neuromuscular aspects of muscle damage of soccer players. MethodsThis two-arm, prospectively registered, randomized controlled trial, blinded to statistician and assessors, was conducted at professional football club facilities. Twenty-three under-20 semi-professionals male soccer players were randomly allocated into cold water immersion group (bathtub with water and ice at 10 °C ± 1 °C for 10 min) or control group (rest for 10 min), every day, after training sessions during a preseason. Primary outcome was change in creatine kinase (CK) concentration, and secondary outcomes were changes in vertical jump performance, strength and perception of recovery at baseline (T0) and after protocol training (T1). ResultsAnalysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) showed a statistically significant time-group interactions for CK concentration, with an average reduction of 280.39 U/L (CI95% = −519.14, −41.64; d = 0.55) in the cold-water immersion compared to the control group. No differences between groups were observed in any other measures. ConclusionMultiple cold-water immersions at 10 °C for 10 min decreases CK concentration but does not change any clinical and neuromuscular markers of muscle damage in soccer players during a 9-day preseason.

Assessment of Performance in Youth Soccer Players: Should We Consider the Maturation Status?

The influence of biological maturity status on talent identification and development in youth soccer has been debated extensively. Alternative methods have thus recently emerged to estimate maturity status, such as the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS), but their relationship with physical capabilities of young soccer players still needs to be determined. The present study investigated the relationships of different PDS-derived pubertal status measures, chronological age, and relative age with selected performance variables in youth soccer. Sixty-one male soccer players were assessed for physical capabilities using field tests for sprinting, vertical jumps (countermovement jump, CMJ), intermittent high-intensity endurance, and repeated sprint ability. Chronological age was defined as the number of days since birth, and relative age was defined in terms of age quarters. PDS-derived measures of puberal status, otherwise, were determined as an average PDS score, a PDS category score, and a pubertal category. Chronological age, relative age, and measures of pubertal status were scarcely related (p > 0.05) to selected measures of soccer performance. Significant correlations were only found between different measures of pubertal status and the variable "work" in the CMJ test (range r = 0.33-0.36; p < 0.01) and between chronological age and CMJ height (r = -0.297; p = 0.02). The present results suggest that physical performance of young soccer players is poorly related to chronological age, relative age, and pubertal status. Potential effects of biological maturity status on physical capabilities may not be easily identifiable in a group of young soccer players narrowed in terms of chronological age and training status.

The impact of different game formats on players’ and team performance in youth soccer competitions

The study aimed to investigate the impact of game formats on the running and technical–tactical performance of young soccer players, as well as on players’ dynamics of spatial occupation during competitions. Eleven players of a U-11 team (11.10 ± 0.39 years old) participated in three competitions specifically designed to analyze the impact of different game formats: 5vs5 (F-5), 7vs7 (F-7) and 11vs11 (F-11). Players’ running performance and dynamics of spatial occupation were analyzed using the GPSs devices from WIMU PRO™ devices (10 Hz). Players’ and team's technical–tactical performance was also analyzed using the Team Sports Assessment Procedure (TSAP) and the Offensive Sequence Characterization System (SCSO), respectively. It was observed that the teams tended to adopt a less direct style in the F-11 ( LpW: F7 vs. F-11 p = 0.001 and F-5 vs. F-11 p = 0.002), with a lower rate of spatial exploration (F-7 vs. F-11 p = 0.001 and &amp;&amp;F-5 vs. F-11 p = 0.001) and lower running demand ( Sprint: F-7 vs. F-11 p = 0.001 and F-5 vs. F-11 p = 0.014; HSR: F-7 vs. F-11 p = 0.001 and F-5 vs. F-11 p = .001). In addition, the F-11 allowed the players to have less involvement during the match (F-7 vs. F-11 p = 0.003; F-5 vs. F-11 p = 0.001), as well as a lower technical–tactical performance (F-7 vs. F-11 p = .003 and F-5 vs. F-11 p = .005). Our results highlight the importance of adjusting the game formats used in youth competitive environments to players’ intrinsic dynamics.

Effects of plyometric training on heading jump performance and motion in collegiate soccer players

Effects of plyometric training on heading jump performance and motion in collegiate soccer players

Effects of Vertical and Horizontal Jumping Asymmetries on Linear and Change-of-Direction Speed Performance of Female Soccer Players

In recent years, along with the remarkable development of women’s soccer, significant attention has been given to the study of asymmetry in lower limbs. However, there is uncertainty about whether and to what extent jumping asymmetries affect the performance of female soccer players. The aims of this study were to examine (a) possible asymmetries in jumping ability and (b) the correlations between asymmetries and performance of female soccer players in 10 m and 30 m speed tests, as well as in change-of-direction speed tests. The study involved 12 adolescent (age: 15.8 ± 0.8 years, body mass: 59.4 ± 7 kg and height: 160.5 ± 5.1 cm) and 10 adult female soccer players (age: 22.3 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 62.2 ± 7.5 kg and height: 165.7 ± 6.1 cm). Pearson’s correlations showed no statistically significant relationships between vertical and horizontal asymmetries and time in 10 m, 30 m and 505 change-of-direction speed tests for adolescent players. In adult players, a significantly high correlation was found between asymmetries in single-leg hop tests (for distance) and time in 505 change-of-direction speed tests (r = 0.68, p &lt; 0.05). Adult players showed higher asymmetry values in vertical and horizontal jump tests, but these asymmetries were not significant (p &gt; 0.05). Practitioners are recommended to implement strength and power training programs, as well as injury prevention protocols, aiming to reduce asymmetries, in order to minimize the risk of injuries, and potentially improve performance of female soccer players in certain fitness tests.

Effect of re-warm-up practices on brain networks and physical performance in soccer players

Objectives: The warm-up (WU) and re-warm-up (R-WU) regimes in many team sports, especially football and competition, plays an essential role in improving physical function and increasing communication between brain networks. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the R-WU on brain networks and physical performance in young soccer players.Methods: After familiarizing the laboratory conditions, twelve young male soccer players (age 18.2± 0.5 years) performed only one WU protocol, which included 25 minutes and two parts of general and specialized warming up in one session. In addition to warming up in the next session, the participant performed an R-WU that included four sets of plyometric movements, five jumps from obstacles to a height of 40 cm, followed by crossing the agile ladder. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 20m speed, and Illinois test were used to evaluate the function of brain networks and physical function.Results: The subjects showed a significant increase in the performance of both speed and agility in the R-WU session compared to the warm-up session (P≤0.01). Also, a positive relationship was observed between the performance of default, executive, and attention networks in the R-WU session compared to the WU session (P≤0.01, P≤0.03). Conclusions. The present study demonstrated that the R-WU program improved the relationship between brain networks and physical function in soccer players.

Combined effects of speed-endurance and speed training on speed performance in youth soccer players

Combined effects of speed-endurance and speed training on speed performance in youth soccer players

The effect of plyometric training program on agility, jumping, and speed performance in young soccer players

Background and Study Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a 6-week plyometric training program on agility, vertical jump, squat jump, and speed performance in soccer players. Material and Methods. A total of 26 male soccer players actively playing for Ankara Batıkent Kartal Sports Club participated in the study as volunteers. The players had an average age of 15.04 ± 0.16 years, an average height of 172.48 ± 5.14 cm, and an average body weight of 62.65 ± 0.38 kg. Data on the players' gender, age, body weight (kg), height (cm), body mass index (BMI), agility, vertical jump (cm), squat jump, and 30 m speed were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 software. The normality of the data was examined using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Paired samples t-test was used to determine within-group differences, and independent samples t-test was used to determine differences between groups. A statistical significance level of p &lt; 0.05 was considered for all evaluations. Results. The plyometric training program was effective in improving agility, vertical jump, squat jump, and speed performance in the experimental group. There was a significant difference in agility and 30 m speed values in the pre-test and post-test evaluations of the Control group, but no difference was observed in vertical jump and squat jump values. Additionally, in the pre-test and post-test comparison between the experimental and control groups, a significant difference was observed in agility, vertical jump, and squat jump values. However, no significant difference was found in 30 m speed values. Conclusions. That plyometric training program is effective in improving agility, vertical jump, squat jump, and 30 m speed values.

Performance of soccer players under acute physical fatigue: An approach based on cognitive, tactical and physical aspects

This study aimed to verify whether peripheral perception, tactical behaviour, and physical performance are influenced by acute physical fatigue in soccer players. The study included 24 trained soccer players (18.6 ± 1.5 years) from two Brazilian clubs. The TSAFT90 test was used to induce acute physical fatigue. The results showed that physical fatigue did not affect peripheral perception (p = 0.360). Regarding tactical behaviour, improved efficiency was observed for the principles of offensive coverage (p = 0.029), width and length with the ball (p = 0.044), and concentration (p = 0.008). On the other hand, a reduction was observed in the number of tactical actions of offensive coverage (p = 0.020) and recovery balance (p = 0.042). Also, improved accuracy in the principles of defensive balance (p = 0.009), recovery balance (p = 0.021) and defensive unity (p = 0.003) occurred under physical fatigue. A reduction in the physical performance outcomes total distance covered (p < 0.001), average speed (p < 0.001), sprints (p = 0.029), number of accelerations (p = 0.008) and decelerations (p = 0.008) were also detected. The internal (p < 0.01) and external (p < 0.01) workload was higher under physical fatigue. Overall, acute physical fatigue did not influence peripheral perception. However, physical performance was reduced under fatigue, the perceived effort increased, and tactical behaviours were affected by decreasing tactical actions performed near the ball, increasing errors in defensive movements in the lateral corridors and the last defensive line, and improving offensive tactical actions performance.

The Relationship Between Functional Movement Screening and Joint Range of Motion, Y-Balance Test and Countermovement Jump in Amateur Soccer Players

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a functional movement screening (FMS) test and joint range of motion (ROM), balance (YBT), and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in amateur soccer players. A study was conducted with 25 male amateur soccer players to assess their physical abilities using various tests. The tests included FMS, YBT, CMJ, ROM for shoulder extension, hip abduction, hip external rotation, and ankle dorsi/plantar flexion. Pearson’s correlation test was used to examine the association between the variables. A significant positive correlation between the FMS and CMJ (r=0.424, p

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&amp;gt; 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.

Effects of a Low Dose of Orally Administered Creatine Monohydrate on Post-Fatigue Muscle Power in Young Soccer Players.

The use of creatine monohydrate (Cr) in professional soccer is widely documented. However, the effect of low doses of Cr on the physical performance of young soccer players is unknown. This study determined the effect of a low dose of orally administered Cr on muscle power after acute intra-session fatigue in young soccer players. Twenty-eight young soccer players (mean age = 17.1 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to either a Cr (n = 14, 0.3 g·kg-1·day-1 for 14 days) or placebo group (n = 14), using a two-group matched, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Before and after supplementation, participants performed 21 repetitions of 30 m (fatigue induction), and then, to measure muscle power, they performed four repetitions in half back squat (HBS) at 65% of 1RM. Statistical analysis included a two-factor ANOVA (p ˂ 0.05). Bar velocity at HBS, time: p = 0.0006, ŋp2 = 0.22; group: p = 0.0431, ŋp2 = 0.12, time × group p = 0.0744, ŋp2 = 0.02. Power at HBS, time: p = 0.0006, ŋp2 = 0.12; group: p = 0.16, ŋp2 = 0.06, time × group: p = 0.17, ŋp2 = 0.009. At the end of the study, it was found that, after the induction of acute intra-session fatigue, a low dose of Cr administered orally increases muscle power in young soccer players.

Does Short-Term Speed Endurance Soccer Training Improve Physical Performance?

Objectives. This study is aimed at analyzing the impact of short-term Speed Endurance Soccer Training (SEST) training on the physical performance of young soccer players. Materials and methods. The true experiment method was used in this study. The study population comprised a total of 122 individuals. Furthermore, by using random sampling techniques, a sample of 30 persons was selected with an average age of 15.2 ± 0.81 years, height 168.1 ± 4.82 cm, weight 57.85 ± 11.93 kg, and BMI 20.34 ± 3.37. Physical performance instruments included the Running Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), Yo-Yo intermittent test level 1, 20-meter sprint, and standing broad jump test. The study used the paired t-test to evaluate the effect of each group and the independent samples t-test to compare the improvement in the experimental (SEST) and control groups. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results. The paired t-test showed significant differences between the pretest and post-test in the SEST group in anaerobic (p = .000, Δ% = 8.4), aerobic (p = .000, Δ% = 7.48), and speed (p = .000, Δ% = 3.39) capacities. Meanwhile, there were no considerable differences in the variables for the control group. According to the independent t-test results, a significant difference in effect between the SEST group and the CTRL group was revealed. The SEST group demonstrated marked differences in anaerobic, aerobic and speed variables with a p-value = 0.000. Conclusions. The study reveals that short-term Speed Endurance Soccer Training contributes to enhancing the physical performance of soccer players. However, caution should be exercised regarding the potential risk of hamstring injury in individuals with unprepared muscles.

The Effects of Fatigue on Landing Performance in Young Female Soccer Players

Objectives. Jumping and landing constitute two movements that are used with a very high frequency in all sports and are two skills that have received a lot of attention in the literature because of their relationship with injury risk. The aim of this study is to analyze the following aspects: (a) to determine whether fatigue negatively affects landing technique after a jump, and (b) to test whether different metabolic and neuromuscular exercises have an effect on the landing technique. Materials and methods. The sample is composed of young female soccer players Under 14 (n = 29, 13.06 ± 1.27 years, 47.8 ± 2.6 kg; 143.2 ± 3.4 cm). Before and after two training protocols aimed at determining the state of fatigue (functional agility short-term fatigue protocol, and RSA protocol), landing technique was assessed using the Landing ErrorScoring System (LESS). Results. The LESS assessment for the pre-fatigue and post-functional agility short-term fatigue protocol conditions showed a value of 6.78 ± 0.81 and 8.74 ± 0.77 respectively (p &gt; 0.001, ES: 1.39). The LESS assessment for the post-RSA protocol condition was 8.52 ± 0.87; this score was statistically significantly higher than the pre-fatigue condition (p &gt; 0.001, ES: 1.24). Conclusions. Intensive exercise, both neuromuscular and metabolic, appears to have an effect on the landing technique of young female soccer players.

Effects of mid-season camp period loading on sports injury anxiety and physical performance of professional male soccer players

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of 3-week mid-season camp period loading on sports injury anxiety level and physical performances of professional male soccer players. MethodsThirty-four male soccer players [mean age 21.76 (3.42) y] were included in the study. Sports injury anxiety level with the Sports Injury Anxiety Scale, quadriceps muscle strength was assessed with the digital hand dynamometer, flexibility was assessed with the sit-and-reach test, dynamic balance was assessed with the Y balance test, power was assessed with the single-leg jump test, agility was assessed with the t-test, and sprint was assessed with the 20-m sprint test. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the pretest and posttest values of Sport Injury Anxiety Scale scores (p = 0.657). A significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest values of quadriceps muscle strength and dynamic balance (p = 0.040, p = 0.048, respectively). There was no significant difference between the pretest and posttest values of flexibility, single-leg jump, agility, and sprint (p = 0.289, p = 0.128, p = 0.064, p = 0.471, respectively). ConclusionThe 3-week mid-season camp period loading improved quadriceps muscle strength and dynamic balance, but did not affect the sports injury anxiety level, flexibility, jumping performance, agility, and sprint. The results should be considered by sports professionals. It is recommended that further studies be conducted on the effects of different camp period contents, durations and loads in regions with different physical conditions (sea level, high altitude, etc.).