Professional Female Soccer Research Articles

On Your Mark, Get Set, Choose! A Randomized Cross-Over Study Comparing Fixed and Self-Selected Rest Periods in Interval Running Among Professional Female Soccer Players

BackgroundStudies on rest durations during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) often compare fixed and self-selected (SS) rest allocation approaches. Frequently, the rest duration under SS conditions is unlimited, leading to inconsistent total rest durations compared to fixed rest conditions. To address this limitation, we recently compared fixed and SS rest conditions during cycling HIIT sessions, while keeping the total rest duration equivalent. However, our protocol required athletes to divide a long total rest duration (720 s) across nine intervals, which may have been overly cognitively demanding. The current study aimed to explore the effects of the SS approach with a simplified rest allocation task on performance, physiological, and psychological outcomes.MethodsFollowing a familiarization session, 24 professional female soccer players completed two running HIIT sessions on a non-motorized treadmill. Each session consisted of twelve 15 s intervals, divided into three blocks, with the goal of maximizing the distance covered. In both conditions, the between-interval rest duration per block amounted to 270 s. In the fixed condition, the rest was uniformly allocated to 90 s between each interval, whereas in the SS condition, the athletes chose how to allocate the entirety of the 270 s of rest. We compared the following outcomes: distance, heart rate, perception of fatigue, effort, autonomy, enjoyment, boredom, and athletes’ preferences. Outcomes were compared using aggregated measures via paired univariate tests, and across the intervals via mixed-effects models.ResultsWe observed comparable results in most outcomes with the exception of higher autonomy (1–15 points) in the SS condition (mean difference = 2.1, 95%CI (0.9, 3.3) points) and a negligibly higher heart rate in the SS condition when comparing the observations across intervals (estimate = 2.5, 95%CI (0.9, 4.2) beats × min−1). Additionally, participants chose to rest for longer durations as the block progressed. Finally, the majority of participants (65%) favored the SS condition.ConclusionThis study further solidifies that SS and fixed approaches with matched total rest durations result in similar performance, physiological, and psychological responses. This effect persists even when the total rest duration required to be allocated is relatively short. Therefore, coaches and trainees can choose either approach based on their preferences and training goals.

Does microcycle length influence the external and internal load in professional female soccer players?

Does microcycle length influence the external and internal load in professional female soccer players?

Physiological response in professional female soccer players

The aim of this study was to describe the physiological characteristics and energetic requirements of small-side games (SSG) in female players by means of ambulatory gas exchange measurements using a breath-by-breath (B × B) approach. Eight female professional soccer players participated in this study. This study was divided into two sessions: laboratory exercise testing and SSG field testing. Both tests were performed using simultaneous gas exchange measurements. The incremental ramp exercise test was performed using portable metabolic carts breath by breath (B×B) and a treadmill, to measure the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximum heart rate (HRmax) of each player. In the SSG field test, the metabolic carts (B×B), was used during SSG to measure oxygen uptake (VO2), average heart rate (HRave), breath frequency (fB), minute ventilation (VE), energy expenditure (EE), and heart Rate and O2 Pulse (VO2/HR). Activity profiles were assessed by professional technical coaches (n = 2). A total of 152 passes were included in the four-a-side SSG analysis. Specifically, 85.53% of the total passes were categorized as successful passes and 14.47% were categorized as failed passes. VO2 during SSG was 83.90% of the VO2max, and HRave during SSG was 84.42% of the HRmax. The independent t-test showed a difference between blood lactate levels post-SSG and blood lactate after the incremental ramp-like exercise [p = .001; F = 97.294]. Four-a-side SSG have sufficient physiological demands for female players, characterized by achieving the minimum standard of physiological response with maximum aerobic capacity.

Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Female Professional Soccer Players by Category and Specific Position: A Comparative Study with a Control Group.

Urinary incontinence (UI) significantly impacts quality of life, with varying prevalence in women depending on factors such as age, childbirth, and type of sport practiced. This study compared the prevalence, types, and severity of urinary incontinence (UI) between professional female soccer players and sedentary students, analyzing its relation to playing position and competitive level. A descriptive, observational, and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, assessing the prevalence, severity, and types of UI among 235 nulliparous professional female soccer players (experimental group, EG) and 252 sedentary female students (control group, CG). Data were collected using the short version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF). Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact test to compare prevalence rates. The findings revealed that 35% of soccer players and 31% of sedentary students reported experiencing UI. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was the most prevalent type in both groups, affecting 26% of soccer players and 14% of sedentary students, while mixed UI was more frequent among sedentary women (17%) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in UI prevalence based on playing position or competitive level (p ≥ 0.05). However, female soccer players exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of UI during physical exertion or exercise compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.001), suggesting that high-impact sports may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Additionally, 23.8% of soccer players reported mild-to-moderate UI severity. Female soccer players showed higher UI prevalence during exercise, underscoring the need for targeted interventions like pelvic floor training.

Assessing the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in physical tests and morphological measurements in professional female soccer athletes

ObjectivesTo analyze the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in vertical jump, T-test, isokinetic peak torque, and muscle volume in professional female soccer players. MethodsSixteen female soccer players participated in the study (22.7 ± 3.5 years, 60.4 ± 12.7 kg, 164.2 ± 8.7 cm). The following tests were applied; the unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), T-test (agility), peak torque of concentric knee extensor (PT_Con_Q), concentric and eccentric knee flexor (PT_Con_H; PT_Ecc_H), and muscle volume of quadriceps (MV_Q) and gastrocnemius (MV_G). The interlimb asymmetry magnitude was calculated as the percentage difference between the stronger and weaker limbs. For the direction of asymmetry, a negative sign (−) was assigned when the non-dominant lower limb was the stronger one, and a positive sign (+) when the dominant lower limb was the stronger one. ResultsThe asymmetry (%) values varied from 0.7 to 11.9%, with the highest values of asymmetry found in the CMJ, PT_Con_Q, PT_Con_H, and PT_Ecc_H tests. Moderate levels of agreement were observed for CMJ - Vol_G (K = 0.53; 75% agreement); PT_Con_Q - PT_Con_H (K = 0.48; 75% agreement); T-test - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.43; 68.7% agreement). Fair levels of agreement were found between the T-test - Vol_Q (K = 0.21; 62.1% agreement); PT_Con_Q - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.36; 68.8% agreement); and PT_Con_H - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.31; 68.8% agreement). ConclusionsWe concluded that of greater asymmetries in the vertical jump and isokinetic torque tests. The direction of the asymmetry seems highly variable, however, the isokinetic tests showed greater agreements with the other tests.

Ventilatory thresholds in professional female soccer players.

This study investigated the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) along with the corresponding heart rates, velocities and % of V̇O2 max at which these thresholds are reached in professional female soccer players. It also examined positional differences in the aforementioned parameters. Thirty-three professional players from two teams (age range 18-31 years) were recruited. The players underwent maximal exercise testing on the treadmill for the detection of VT1 (V̇E versus V̇O2 plot) and VT2 (V̇E versus V̇CO2 plot). The test began at a speed of 6km/h and was increased by 2 km/h every 3.15 minutes, with the inclination constant at 1%. Results indicated that the players had an average V̇O2 max of 50.24 ml·kg- 1.min- 1. VT1 (% max) and VT2 (% max) were shown at 72.87% and 91.26% of V̇O2 max, respectively. The respective velocities at VT1 and VT2 were indicated at 10.85 km/h and 12.91 km/h, respectively, while the average VV̇O2 max was 14.61 km/h. The average heart rates at VT1, VT2 and V̇O2 max were 159.33, 185.15 and 192.85 beats per minute, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of variance ANOVA indicated significant differences in velocity at V̇O2max. This study provides important normative data regarding the ventilatory thresholds of female soccer players.

Injury surveillance in Spanish professional female soccer players: A three-season retrospective study

IntroductionDespite the popularity of soccer at the male elite level, data on the incidence of injuries in female players are limited. The study aimed to evaluate the injury incidence and rates in female soccer players in a professional setting over 3 consecutive seasons. MethodsData compiled from 71 elite female players with different playing positions and belonging to the same team were analyzed. The location and severity of injuries were reported according to international consensus statements on the process of conducting epidemiological studies in professional soccer. The injury incidence rate (IIR) for matches and practices and the rate ratio (RR) were calculated, and time-loss injuries during the season were also recorded. ResultsA total of 53 injuries were documented, with an overall IIR of 1.08 injuries per 1000 h and an overall rate ratio of 0.61. The lower limbs were the most affected region (86,8 %). The majority of these injuries occurred around the thigh and knee and were predominantly traumatic, with markedly higher rates of injury during match play (2.78 injuries per 1000 h) when compared to injury incidence during training (0.79 injuries per 1000 h). Traumatic injuries accounted for 48 (91 %) and 24 (45,3 %) were indirect contact injuries. Reinjuries amounted to 15 % of total injuries and August was the predominant month for injury, being goalkeepers the least injured players (13.2 %). ConclusionsFemale professional soccer players displayed injury incidence rates and patterns comparable to those of male players. This study provides epidemiological information that will help to inform future injury surveillance studies and the development of prevention strategies to reduce the number of injuries in elite female soccer players, focusing specifically on thigh and knee regions. All match involvements should be considered when exploring associations between the type of exposure and injury risk.

Test–Retest Reliability of Concentric and Eccentric Muscle Strength in Knee Flexion–Extension Controlled by Functional Electromechanical Dynamometry in Female Soccer

In the field of sports performance, sports medicine, and physical rehabilitation, there is a great interest in the development of protocols and reliable techniques and instruments for the evaluation of strength produced by athletes. In the last ten years, women’s football has increased its popularity and participation in numerous countries, which has contributed to players developing more professionally and requiring more specific muscle strength training to improve their performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the absolute and relative test–retest reliabilities of peak muscle strength in knee flexion (FLE) and extension (EXT) controlled using a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) in a group of seventeen professional female soccer players (age = 18.64 ± 0.62 years; weight = 54.72 ± 7.03 kg; height = 1.58 ± 0.04 m; BMI = 21.62 ± 2.70 kg/m2). Peak muscle strength was measured with knee flexion (FLE) and extension (EXT) movements at a speed of 0.4 m·s−1 unilaterally in a concentric phase (CON) and an eccentric phase (ECC). No significant mean differences were found in the test–retest analysis (p &gt; 0.05; effect size &lt; 0.14), and high reliability was reported for peak muscle strength assessments in both the CON (ICC) = 0.90–0.95) and the ECC (ICC = 0.85–0.97). Furthermore, stable repeatability was presented for extension in the CON (CV = 7.39–9.91%) and ECC (CV = 8.65–13.64). The main findings of this study show that peak muscle strength in knee flexion and extension in CON and ECC is a measure with acceptable absolute reliability and extremely high relative reliability using the FEMD in professional female soccer players.

High-intensity resistance training and collagen supplementation improve patellar tendon adaptations in professional female soccer athletes.

We investigated whether 10 weeks of pre-season soccer training (including high-intensity resistance exercise) with hydrolysed collagen (COL) supplementation would confer greater changes in patellar tendon (PT) mechanical and material properties compared with placebo (PLA) in professional female soccer athletes. Eleven athletes from the first team squad of a Football Association Women's Championship soccer club volunteered to participate in this study (age, 25.7±4.2 years; height, 1.68±0.04m; mass, 64.0±4.6kg). Participants were pair-matched for baseline knee extensor maximum isometric voluntary contraction torque, age, height and mass and were randomly assigned to the COL group (n=6) or PLA group (n=5). Participants were given 30g COL or energy-matched (36.5g maltodextrin and 8.4g fructose) PLA, plus 500mg vitamin C before each training session, which consisted of high-intensity lower-limb resistance exercise, plyometric or pitch-based exercise 3 days/week for 10weeks during the pre-season period. We assessed knee extensor maximum isometric voluntary contraction torque and PT properties using isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasonography before and after the intervention. The PT stiffness [COL, +15.4%±3.1% (d=0.81) vs. PLA, +4.6%±3.0% (d=0.32), P=0.002] and Young's modulus [COL, +14.2%±4.0% (d=0.65) vs. PLA, +3.4%±2.8% (d=0.15), P=0.004] increased more in COL than in PLA. There was a main effect of training on PT cross-sectional area (P=0.027), but no interaction effect (P=0.934). To conclude, 10 weeks of pre-season soccer training (incorporating high-intensity resistance exercise) with 30g COL increased PT stiffness and Young's modulus more than training alone in professional female soccer athletes. This has positive implications for improving athletic performance and mitigating injury risk.

How Match-Related Variables Influence the Physical Demands of Professional Female Soccer Players during the Regular Season.

To investigate how contextual or environmental factors may influence the athletic performance of female soccer players during competitions, this study aimed to assess the impact of match-related variables (playing surface; opponent levels; opponent result trends; match status, and match outcomes) on the athletic performance of professional female soccer athletes. Seventeen athletes (25.5 ± 4.3 years of age) from the same team competing in the Italian second division were divided into two groups according to their roles and athletic characteristics: Group A (central defenders and forwards) and Group B (right/left full-backs and midfielders). Total distance (TD) and sprint distance (SD); high-speed running (HSR), acceleration (ACC), and deceleration numbers (DEC); average and maximal heart rate (HR_avg; HR_max); and match-related factors were collected during the 22 regular season matches. A T-test and ANOVA were used to calculate the differences between groups in GPS and HR variables and the effects of match-related factors, respectively. Results showed higher running performance in the B group compared to the A group during matches. Increased ACC number was seen in matches played on artificial turf; winning was associated with decreased HR_max and increased DEC number. Athletes covered higher TD reaching lower HR_max when playing against lower-ranking opponents while matches lost/drawn resulted in higher HSR. High HRs (max and avg) were found when playing against a team with a positive performance trend. In summary, match-related factors and opponents' characteristics can affect athletic performance in female soccer athletes. These factors should be considered during in-seasonal training to personalize match preparation and optimize athlete performance.

Characteristics of physical performance in professional female soccer athletes during a national competition

Objectives: Identify the descriptive characteristics of physical performance in different positions, compare physical performance between the first and second half of the match, and determine the association between physical performance variables in professional female soccer athletes during a national competition. Method: Fourteen professional women's soccer players participated in the study. Data from fifteen matches of the A1 division of the 2023 Brazilian Championship were collected using GPS devices. Athletes who participated in at least one complete match during the championship's classificatory phase were included. Results: The forwards and midfielders have covered greater distances at high and low intensity and maintained a higher average speed than the other positions. However, all positions have reached similar maximum speed values (25.9 ± 1.9 km/h). Significant differences were found between the first and second halves favourable to the first half for total distance (Δ = -9.7%; p = .002), distance per minute (Δ = -7.8%; p = .010), and sprint distance (Δ = -11.4%; p = .000), but not for maximum speed (Δ = -0.4%; p = .728). Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated associations between physical performance variables ranging from 0.567 to 0.850. Conclusions: Based on a descriptive analysis, it is suggested that different positions of professional female soccer athletes presented different physical demands during the competition. Lower performance was observed in the second half compared to the first for total distance, distance per minute, and sprint distance, but not for maximum speed. Moderate to high associations were also observed between physical performance variables.

Anthropometric and Body Composition Changes during Pre-Season of Spanish Professional Female Soccer Players According to Playing Position.

In professional soccer, body composition analysis is crucial to assess preparation and optimize performance. Different playing positions have different physical demands, which can lead to variations in body composition. However, there are few studies on women's soccer that consider the playing position. This study aims to fill that gap by examining position-specific differences in anthropometric and body composition characteristics among Spanish professional female soccer players at the beginning and end of pre-season. Furthermore, it investigates the possible changes during the pre-season period between positions and correlates the data obtained from anthropometric equations with bioimpedance (BIA) measurements. Thirty-four female soccer players: 8 midfielders, 12 defenders, 11 forwards, and 3 goalkeepers (age: 23.06 ± 4.29 years, height: 164.15 ± 5.84 cm, weight: 58.39 ± 6.62 kg, and ∑6 skinfolds: 74.57 ± 18.48 mm) completed the study that lasted 4 weeks (pre-season) where they were measured anthropometrically and by bioimpedance twice. Goalkeepers showed greater wingspan (176.60 ± 7.06 p < 0.05) compared to other positions. Regarding differences during pre-season, midfielders had the greatest decrease in ∑6 skinfolds compared to other positions (∆ -12.10 ± 5.69 p < 0.05). There was a correlation of % fat between Faulkner's equation and BIA (Pearson's r = 0.817). It seems that there are no significant differences in terms of positions and body composition, except for the wingspan and ankle diameter. During pre-season, midfielders are the ones who improve their body composition the greatest. The anthropometric equation for body fat that shows the highest correlation with BIA is Faulkner's equation, followed by Durnin's equation.

The Effect of Hamstring Eccentric Strength and Asymmetry on Acceleration and Vertical Jump Perfor-mance in Professional Female Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between eccentric hamstring muscle strength and acceleration and vertical jump in professional female soccer players. Twentieth professional female soccer players actively playing soccer participated in the study voluntarily with age (arithmetic mean±standard deviation) 18.31±5,97. The NORDBORD device was used to measure the participants' hamstring eccentric force output, the Smartspeed™ Contact Mat was used for vertical jump performance and the FUSIONSPORTS Smartspeed™ PRO photocell (Fusion Sport, Queensland, Australia) was used for 0-20m sprint performance measurements. When the relationship between eccentric hamstring strength parameters, vertical jump and sprint performance of the participants was analyzed, no significance was found. It is seen that there is a negative relationship between VJ and 0-5m at a moderate level (r=-586, p=.022) and a negative relationship between VJ and 0-20m at a high level (r=-.793, p=-.000). Since the studies examining the relationship between Hamstring Strength and Sprint performance are limited in number, it is not possible to reach a definite conclusion, more comprehensive and more studies are needed. Key words: Hamstring, Eccentric, Sprint, Acceleration, Vertical Jump, Football players.

Analysis of Peak Locomotor Demands in Professional Female Soccer Players: An Approach Based on Position and the Day of the Microcycle

Analysis of Peak Locomotor Demands in Professional Female Soccer Players: An Approach Based on Position and the Day of the Microcycle

Talent development in female soccer: Developmental activities of professional players in England

ABSTRACT The activities soccer players engage in during their formative years are thought to significantly contribute to the acquisition of expert performance. Whilst this area has seen great interest in male players, there has been little research in females. The study examined developmental activities engaged in by professional female soccer players in England. 56 female soccer players that had either progressed to professional status in adulthood (professional), or did not (ex-academy), completed the Participant History Questionnaire. Professional players started engaging in soccer at an earlier age than their ex-academy counterparts, resulting in greater engagement in practice and play during childhood. During adolescence, professional players engaged in higher amounts of practice than ex-academy players. Engagement in competition and practice was rated as high in physical and cognitive effort by all, yet ex-academy players reported higher levels of physical effort during early adolescence, and cognitive effort during late adolescence. Findings provide an illustration of the talent pathways of professional female soccer players in England and may inform future talent development systems. Large interindividual variation in soccer-specific and other-sport activity data highlight the importance of further understanding the environments of individual soccer nations and their potential impact on the talent identification and development processes.

Analysis of the differences in body composition and physiological profiles of professional female sub-junior soccer players of Manipur: An observational study

Background: This study aimed to analyze body composition and certain physiological profiles in professional women sub-junior soccer players of Manipur during their playing season. Method and Materials: Twenty-seven players from the Manipur sub-junior soccer team playing in local league games participated in this study. They were assessed using the variables body fat mass (BFM), soft lean mass (SLM), fat-free mass (FFM), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW) through the sophisticated state of the art impedance bioanalyzer (Chorder, USA) and also cholesterol and lactate threshold. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in anthropometric indicators and body composition parameters (Glycogen mass, Muscle mass, BCM, BCM/FFM%, Total Mineral Mass, TBW, ICW, ICW%, ICW/FFM%), body-fat percentage, relative V̇O2max, cholesterol and lactate levels and fat mass with respect to field positions. Results: There were no significant differences between playing positions in the variables of body weight, height, age, or professional experience (P&gt;0.05). However, forward-position players showed lower values of fat-free mass in relation to other playing positions, and they are lower and lighter with regard to the goalkeepers (P&lt;0.05). There are qualitative and quantitative alterations between assessed positions and the correct use of these individual differences on behalf of the team can contribute to the sportive success. Relative BCM, ECM/BCM, BCM/FFM, cholesterol, lactate threshold, and BCMI need wide-scale application in team sports. Conclusion: It can be concluded that size and body composition are important when analyzing soccer players according to their position, despite the appearance of only minor differences between them.

Soccer above all? Analysis of academic and vocational education among female soccer players in the German women's Bundesliga and 2nd women's Bundesliga.

Career-related (financial) reasons as well as advantages in terms of expanding social support systems, promoting a balanced lifestyle and personal development suggest that female soccer players should pursue academic or vocational education in parallel to elite sport. However, dual careers are fraught with challenges, mainly due to simultaneity in time and the associated conflicting goals. The aim of this article is to analyze the vocational or academic educational careers of professional female soccer players. To generate the data, an online survey was conducted among soccer players in the German Women's Bundesliga and 2nd Women's Bundesliga. A total of n = 200 questionnaires (German: n = 191; English: n = 9) were included in the analysis, which corresponds to approx. 29.6% of the population addressed. 90.6% of the players are pursuing or have already completed academic or vocational education. The majority (71.2%) of female soccer players choose to study. 81.8% of players report no impact or even a positive impact of soccer on their performance in academic or vocational education. Willingness to pursue and complete academic or vocational education is influenced by membership of the A-National Team, time spent playing soccer, form of school-leaving qualification, nationality and age. This study increases the visibility of professional women's soccer as an object of analysis in sports science research, follows up on demands for a more athlete-centered approach and generates further insights for research and practice with regard to the success of dual careers in elite sport.

Menstrual Cycle and Situational Match Variables: Effects on Well-Being in Professional Female Soccer Players

ABSTRACT Purpose: We examined whether the situational match factors (location, result, and opposition quality), as well as playing position and menstrual cycle phase, influenced self-reported well-being in female soccer players. Methods: Twenty-two professional players (25 ± 5 years) from a squad in the Women’s Super League in England self-reported their menstrual cycle phase via an online survey, and their soreness, sleep, stress, mood, and fatigue on a 1 (positive) to 5 (negative) scale on the morning of match day (MD) and for the next 3 days (referred to as MD + 1, MD + 2, MD + 3, respectively). Data was collected for 26 matches across the 2021–2022 season. Session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) and total distance covered (measured with GPS) were measured on match and training days. Results: Menstrual cycle phase and the situational match factors had no influence on distance covered during matches and sRPE (p > .05). Sleep was worse on MD + 1 (p < .001; g = 1.59) and MD + 2 (p = .005; g = 0.98) after away matches. Stress and mood were > 28% worse after playing top vs. mid and bottom table opposition at MD + 1, and significantly worse when losing compared to winning and drawing (p > .05). Playing position and menstrual cycle phase has no influence on self-reported well-being (p > .05). Conclusion: Sleep quality was worse after away matches and losing matches negatively affects stress and mood for 2 days post-match, but menstrual cycle phase does not influence post-match well-being.

Assessment Of Energy Availability In A Professional Female Soccer Team

Assessment Of Energy Availability In A Professional Female Soccer Team

Lower Limb Anthropometric Profiling in Professional Female Soccer Players: A Proof of Concept for Asymmetry Assessment Using Video Analysis.

The objective was to evaluate the clinical joint and limb measures in professional female soccer players. The study was a cross-sectional observational design. It was a preseason clinical setting. The inclusion criteria were outfield professional female soccer players, based in the UK, competing in the highest English league. The exclusion criteria included players who had had surgery in the last six months or had missed a single training session or match due to injury in the previous three months. In terms of the outcome measures, the dependent variables were the true limb length, ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion and extension, hip flexion, extension, internal rotation and external rotation, and straight leg raise measured using video analysis software. Additionally, passive clinical knee and ankle stability tests were conducted. The independent variables were leg dominance and playing position (defender, midfielder, and attacker). For the results, all the ROM measurements demonstrated limb symmetry (p = 0.621). However, there were significant main effects of the playing position on the ankle dorsiflexion and hip internal rotation, with defenders demonstrating a significantly reduced range of motion in comparison to midfielders and attackers. A notable finding from the bilateral passive stability measures was that 38.3% of players exhibited ankle talar inversion instability when using a talar tilt. In conclusion, bilateral differences do not appear to be apparent in this population; however, positional differences may occur in the ankle and hip range of motion measures. A high proportion of this population may present with passive ankle inversion instability. Future research should consider whether this leads to a higher risk of injury in this population.