Football Research Articles

Women’s football in Türkiye from the perspectives of female footballers on the field

ABSTRACT Women’s football in Türkiye, like in other parts of the world, is a relatively new sport branch. Women began playing football later than men, and the fact that it is a branch in which men are more interested and visible, has caused certain issues in women’s enthusiasm in this sport. The phenomenology approach was utilized to investigate the challenges faced by Turkish female football players in this study. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview form and face-to-face interviews in this research. When the research findings were assessed, female footballers who took part in the study indicated that they had problems with ‘gender discrimination’, and they stated that the most significant problem faced by female footballers in Türkiye was ‘not being valued’. According to the conclusions of this study, it has been concluded that certain female footballers in Türkiye face gender discrimination, are undervalued, lack material and moral assistance, lack media support, and are unprofessional.

Effects of the FIFA 11+ kids program on hip and knee muscle torque in soccer players of different age groups: a prospective quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT This study compares the effects of the FIFA 11+ Kids program on lower limb isometric torque among young soccer athletes. Sixty-six male soccer athletes (aged 6–14 years) were allocated for convenience into three groups of different ages: G1 = 12–14 years, G2 = 9–11 years, and G3 = 6–8 years, on whom muscle assessments of isometric knee flexor and extensor torque and of isometric hip abductor and adductor torque were conducted before and after 8 weeks of the intervention. There was an increase in knee extensor torque (p < 0.001) in G1 and G2 and in knee flexor torque in G1 and G3 (p < 0.05) after the intervention, as well as an increase in hip abductor torque in G3 (p = 0.012). Further observations include an increase in hip adductor torque among all groups (p < 0.05) and in time-to-peak knee extensor torque in G1 (p = 0.005), as well as a decrease in time-to-peak knee extensor and hip adductor torque in G3 (p < 0.05) and in time-to-peak knee flexor torque in G2 (p = 0.022). As such, the FIFA 11+Kids program may produce a positive effect on knee extensor/flexor torque and hip abductor/adductor torque in young soccer athletes of different age groups, with an even greater effect when applied early (6–8 years).

The Association Between Age of First Exposure to American Football at a Young Age and Later-Life Health Issues in Healthy, Community-Dwelling Adults.

Younger age of first exposure (AFE) to American Football (football) is associated with later-life health problems among former professional athletes in several studies; however, studies examining amateur (i.e., nonprofessional) athletes are less clear. In a cohort of former amateur American Football players, this study assessed whether AFE to football was associated with: (1) psychiatric and neurobehavioral symptoms, (2) cognitive difficulties, (3) general health problems, (4) motor symptoms, and (5) functional status. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using the ResearchMatch platform. The key independent variable was age of first exposure to football (AFE < 12 versus AFE ≥ 12). Main outcomes included depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorders-7; GAD-7), cognitive difficulties (British Columbia Cognitive Complaints Inventory; BC-CCI), Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) score, and prevalence of other health problems. Multivariable regressions were assessed for associations between AFE and outcome variables. In total, 107 male participants with exposure to football (mean age: 60.6 ± 15.1 years) reported an average of 4.2 ± 2.7 years of exposure to football, with an average AFE of 11.7 ± 3.1 years. In multivariable analyses, AFE < 12 was not a significant predictor of PHQ-9 (unstandardized beta,B: 0.51, standard error, SE: 1.25, p = 0.682), GAD-7 (B: 0.09, SE: 0.95, p = 0.926), NSI (B: - 0.56, SE: 2.93, p = 0.850), or BC-CCI (B: - 0.65, SE: 0.77, p = 0.403). However, more prior concussions were associated with worse PHQ-9 (B: 0.44, SE: 0.10, p < 0.001), GAD-7 (B: 0.33, SE: 0.07, p < 0.001), NSI (B: 1.04, SE: 0.23, p < 0.001), and BC-CCI scores (B: 0.26, SE: 0.06, p < 0.001). AFE < 12 did not predict general health problems or independent functional status. AFE to football was not associated with adverse psychiatric, cognitive, neurobehavioral, or general health outcomes among young, former amateur American Football players. However, more lifetime concussions were associated with adverse cognitive and psychiatric health outcomes. Future studies should examine similar outcomes in older cohorts with more comorbidities to further minimize potential confounding between general health and lack of later-life symptoms.

Association Between Spinal Curvature and Mobility and Balance Abilities in Young Soccer Players.

Understanding the relationship between balance, spinal curvature, and mobility in young soccer players is important for optimizing performance and preventing injuries. The aim was to examine the association between balance abilities and spinal curvature and mobility in young soccer players. Forty-two male elite soccer players (mean age: 16.38 ± 1.10 years, mean Body Mass Index: 20.80 ± 1.34kg/m2, years of experience: 6.4 ± 1.6) were enrolled. Balance assessments were performed using Computerized Posturography (ProKin 252, Tecnobody, Dalmine, Italy). Static balance assessments were performed in a unipedal and bipedal stance either with the eyes open or closed. Limits of Stability (LOS) were tested to measure dynamic balance. Spinal curvature, inclination, and mobility were assessed using HocomaValedo® Shape (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). There was a significant correlation between thoracic kyphosis angle and LOS and bipedal static balance (r = -0.333, r = 0.323; p < .05, respectively). Furthermore, significant moderate correlations were observed between lumbar and thoracic mobility measurements and LOS and static balance parameters on unipedal stance (r = 0.355 to 0.482, p < .05). No correlation was found between spinal curvature and spinal mobility, and other balance parameters (p > .05). There is a significant association between spinal curvatures, spinal mobility, and balance abilities in young soccer players. Sports professionals should consider this relationship as it may reflect the response of the postural control system to altered spinal curvature and mobility in young soccer players within the maturation period.

Acute effects of diagonal mobilization and Nordic hamstring curls on the physical performance in youth soccer players

Acute effects of diagonal mobilization and Nordic hamstring curls on the physical performance in youth soccer players

Associations of Tackling Characteristics, Player Position, and Head Contact Risk During Game Play in College Football.

Sport-related concussion is a common injury among National Collegiate Athletic Association football athletes. Beginning with the 2016 season, Ivy League Conference coaches voted to ban player- on-player tackling from all in-season practices. BLINDED have enforced a no-tackle approach in practices since 2010. To examine the association between tackling technique and head contact risk, and compare base rates of techniques used in the 2016 season between an Ivy League team with a longstanding no- tackle practice policy vs. the rest of the league. Cross-sectional study. Ivy League College Football Conference. Two-hundred-thirty-seven Ivy League defensive football players that participated in the 2016 season. Tackles (N=3,701) across 237 Ivy League defensive football players in the 2016 season were coded based on predetermined classifications, which were combined to create unique tackle combinations/techniques. Associations among tackling techniques, head impact risk, and team (BLINIDED vs. other Ivy League teams) were evaluated using logistic regression, yielding odds ratios (OR) for head contact. Low-risk tackle characteristics for head contact during a tackle were neutral neck position (OR=0.1), back contact area (OR=0.3), pursuing momentum (OR=0.5), and quarterback sack momentum (OR=0.3). Low-risk tackle techniques were high-back-neutral (OR=0.1), low-back-neutral (OR=0.2), and medium-back-neutral (OR=0.1). High-risk tackle characteristics were flexion (OR=14.2) and extension (OR=3.8) neck positioning, front contact (OR=2.2), blowup (OR=2.5), and cut (OR=3.0). High-risk tackle techniques included low-side-flexion (OR=4.9), low-front-flexion (OR=9.9), medium-side-flexion (OR=15.5), and medium-front-flexion (OR=11.4). Relative to BLINDED, other teams demonstrated higher odds of using high-risk techniques (low-side-flexion OR=3.5; low-front-flexion OR=3.9; medium- side-flexion OR=6.3; medium-front-flexion OR=2.3) and reduced odds of using low-risk tackle combinations (high-side-neutral OR=0.4; high-back-neutral OR=0.6; medium-side-neutral OR=0.8). Tackling techniques are associated with head contact risk, and by extension, player safety. BLINDED, who have a longstanding policy of practicing without player-on-player tackling, showed reduced use of high-risk tackling techniques.

Profiling of Physical Qualities of Highly Trained Portuguese Youth Soccer Players

Background: A comprehensive understanding of variations in physical attributes both between and within young players is crucial for accurately identifying talent based on physical performance. This study aimed to compare maximum strength, jump, and sprint test results among young soccer players from different age categories and playing positions. Secondarily, this study aimed to analyze the association between maximum strength, jump, and sprint performances. Methods: A total of 103 players were categorized as U23, U19, U17, and U16. The players were placed into these age categories based on their football abilities. All participants completed standardized warm-ups, and testing procedures followed protocols established in previous studies. Results: Significant differences were found between age categories regarding the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (p &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.33), Countermovement Jump (CMJ) (p &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.50), Squat Jump (SJ) (p &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.29), and sprint (p &lt; 0.001; n2p = 0.30) tests. No significant differences were detected in Broad Jump results between age categories. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in any physical capacities between playing positions. Furthermore, significant moderate-to-strong correlations (r = 0.30–0.86) were observed between all physical tests. Conclusions: Age categories can distinguish soccer players’ performance in different physical tests while no differences were observed between playing positions. Similar magnitude correlations were observed across all tests with only the CMJ and SJ being strongly correlated. Coaches and strength and conditioning professionals should apply a variety of tests to assess different physical qualities since they have different patterns between age categories.

Early versus standard return to play following ACL reconstruction: impact on volume of play and career longevity in 180 professional European soccer players: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPatients typically follow a 7–9-month return to play (RTP) protocol following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); however, much of these data have been based on non-elite athletes. The purpose of this study is to understand whether professional soccer players returning to competition < 6-months following ACLR will have an increased risk of graft failure, play fewer seasons postoperatively, and have lower volume of play compared with those returning > 6 months. Materials and methodsA total of 180 male professional European soccer players were enrolled and underwent ACLR with a single surgeon between April 2008 and December 2016 and returned to sport < 6 months (early RTP group, n = 92) or > 6 months (standard RTP group, n = 88). Time from intervention to RTP (days), same season returns, total games and average minutes played in return season, seasons played after surgery, and playing status were recorded. ResultsThe early RTP group returned to soccer sooner (142.8 ± 21.4 days) than the standard RTP group (276.2 ± 118.9) (p < 0.01), and more players returned the same season as the injury in the early RTP group (n = 55/92, 62.5%) than the standard RTP group (n = 18/88, 20.5%) (p < 0.01). The difference in average minutes per game in the first season back was not statistically significant (early RTP, 56.7 ± 22.3 min; standard RTP 49.9 ± 29.8 min, p = 0.094). The early RTP group had significantly longer careers following ACLR (5.7 ± 2.2 seasons) than the standard RTP group (4.7 ± 2.4 seasons) (p = 0.005). The early RTP group sustained more reruptures (n = 4, 4.4%) than the standard RTP group (n = 1, 1.1%). ConclusionsProfessional European soccer players returning to competition < 6 months following ACLR did not have poorer outcomes than those who returned > 6 months despite the fact that there were three more failures. However, the early RTP group players were more likely to return during the same season, had longer careers after ACLR, and played a similar number of games and minutes per game, but had more graft failures.Level of evidenceRetrospective cohort study level IV.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered according to prot. Professionisti_OSS_22.Graphical

Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Carbohydrate Intake in Young Male Elite Football Players: Insights from a Case Study of HNK Hajduk Academy

Background: Proper nutrition is crucial for optimizing performance and recovery in elite young football players. This study aimed to assess sports nutrition knowledge, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), and carbohydrate intake across different training phases, evaluating their relations with match performance. Methods: Thirty-three male HNK Hajduk academy players (15–19 years) completed a nutrition questionnaire and a seven-day food diary, while performance metrics were analyzed using GPS tracking. Results: The results showed that sports nutrition knowledge was generally low (43.0 ± 17.0%), with significant misconceptions about carbohydrate fueling strategies. Players significantly overestimated their MD adherence, with a self-reported KIDMED index (6.06 ± 2.41) notably higher than the corrected score derived from food diaries (4.21 ± 2.53, p &lt; 0.001). Carbohydrate intake was suboptimal on match-related days (3.64 g/kg on match day, 4.45 g/kg on the day before), failing to meet the recommended minimum of 6 g/kg per day. Regression analysis predicted that energy (β = 0.83; p = 0.02) and carbohydrate intake (β = 0.69; p = 0.03) on match day significantly predicted distance covered per minute, with a positive relationship observed for both outcomes, highlighting its impact on endurance. However, no significant relationship was found between carbohydrate intake and maximum sprint speed. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for structured nutrition education within football academies to enhance players’ dietary habits and performance outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal interventions to assess how improved nutrition knowledge influences dietary adherence and athletic performance over time. Although knowledge of sports nutrition is fundamental, practical training and education to improve dietary competencies are crucial for athletes to effectively apply this knowledge in daily training and match preparations.

Melatonin Secretion and Impacts of Training and Match Schedules on Sleep Quality, Recovery, and Circadian Rhythms in Young Professional Football Players

Melatonin Secretion and Impacts of Training and Match Schedules on Sleep Quality, Recovery, and Circadian Rhythms in Young Professional Football Players

Assessment of Electrolyte Profiles and Kidney Function in Footballers at Rivers State University.

Background: Exercise leads to progressive loss of water and electrolyte from the body as sweat is secreted to promote heat loss and cool the body. Prolonged exercise could lead to alteration in electrolyte concentrations and this could negatively affect physiological processes. This study was aimed at assessing urine specific gravity, renal function and electrolyte disturbances among football players training at the football field in Rivers State university. A total of one hundred (100) footballers training at different football pitch in Rivers State University were involved in the study after prior informed consent was gotten from them. Blood samples were collected from all the subjects prior to the exercise from antecubital veins while post-exercise blood samples were collected within 5 minutes after the exercise. The blood samples were processed and analyzed for serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine using standard spectrophotometric methods, while the anion gap was calculated from the value of serum electrolytes obtained. Urine samples were also collected pre- and post- exercise and analyzed for specific gravity using the combi-10 lateral dipstick. Data was statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Results show no significant difference in mean concentrations of serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3-), anion gap, urea and creatinine levels in pre exercising subject’s samples when compared with the post exercising samples (P&gt; 0.05). However, the mean levels of the urine specific gravity increased significantly in post exercise period when compared with the pre exercising condition (P &lt; 0.05). The findings of this work suggest that footballers have normal renal function, however they are dehydrated after one and half hour of soccer as seen in their elevated urine specific gravity. Players are therefore encouraged to increase fluid intake after soccer to maintain adequate hydration status necessary for optimal physiological processes.

From Gut to Skeletal Muscle: Synergistic Effects of Probiotics and Spirulina Supplementation on Soccer Players' Performance and Body Composition.

Nutritional strategies are critical for optimizing soccer players' performance and body composition. Spirulina, a protein-rich plant-based supplement, and probiotics offer individual benefits. However, their combined effects remain underexplored. This study investigated the effects of co-supplementation with spirulina and probiotics on body composition, isokinetic, isometric strength, and performance metrics in male soccer players. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, forty soccer players were randomly assigned to four groups: placebo (PLA), probiotics (PRO), spirulina (SPI), and combined probiotics-spirulina (PRO + SPI). The PRO group received two probiotic capsules (a total dose of 4.5 × 1011CFU) daily, with breakfast and dinner. The SPI group consumed two 1-g spirulina tablets twice daily (2g total), with breakfast and dinner. The PRO + SPI group received both supplements in the same dosing regimen, while the PLA group consumed starch-based placebo capsules. Over eight weeks, participants followed identical training regimens. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body composition (weight, BMI, fat percentage, fat weight, muscle weight), performance metrics (vertical jump, agility, speed, anaerobic sprint tests), and isokinetic and isometric knee strength tests. Statistical analyses utilized repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The PRO + SPI group demonstrated more significant reductions in weight (P = 0.012) and fat weight (P = 0.001) compared to the PLA group, while the SPI group showed a significant reduction in fat percentage (P = 0.034). Agility scores improved significantly in the PRO + SPI group compared to the PLA (P = 0.001) and SPI (P = 0.004) groups. Isokinetic performance metrics, including average power during knee extension at 60°/s and 180°/s, improved significantly in the PRO + SPI group compared to the PLA group (P = 0.018 and P = 0.009, respectively). Similarly, the PRO and SPI groups outperformed the PLA group in isokinetic measures such as absolute peak torque at 60°/s (P = 0.032) and 180°/s (P = 0.006). Also, maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) improved significantly in the PRO and SPI groups compared to the PLA group (P = 0.001 for both). From gut to skeletal muscle, spirulina, and probiotic co-supplementation significantly enhanced body composition, reduced weight and fat mass, and improved agility and isokinetic strength compared to placebo or individual supplementation. These results emphasize the synergistic potential of this nutritional strategy for optimizing athletic performance and recovery, warranting further investigation across diverse athletic populations.

Fuel-90: validation of a questionnaire to assess players’ knowledge of carbohydrate guidelines for soccer

Abstract Purpose Professional soccer players typically under-consume carbohydrate in relation to contemporary guidelines, where their dietary behaviors may, in part, be underpinned by lack of knowledge. Accordingly, we aimed to develop and validate a novel and time-efficient questionnaire for use with professional soccer players to assess soccer players’ knowledge of the current carbohydrate guidelines. Method The Fuel-90 questionnaire was developed by research-active practitioners, based upon the 2021 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) expert group statement on nutrition in elite soccer. The Fuel-90 questionnaire comprised 25 multiple choice questions divided into 5 sub-sections, assessing: (1) Fueling Fundamentals, (2) Match Day-1, (3) Pre-match Meal, (4) In-match fueling and (5) Post-match Recovery. The questionnaire was administered to 62 professionally Sport and Exercise Nutrition registered practitioners (SENR), 186 professional male adult soccer players from the English Premier League and Championship (PRO) and 145 recreational male adult soccer players (REC) (n = 393). Of the 186 professional soccer players, 31 completed a second questionnaire within 21 days of their first completion. Results: Construct validity was confirmed by significant differences in Fuel-90 score between the three groups (SENR: 24 ± 2; 96 ± 6% &gt; PRO: 15 ± 4; 59 ± 17% &gt; REC 13 ± 4; 51 ± 14%; (p &lt; 0.005). Fuel-90 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0⋅86). Fuel-90 questionnaire was established (r = 0.74; p &lt; 0.001), with no significant learning effect between test (17 ± 4) and re-test (18 ± 4; p = 0.295). Conclusion The Fuel-90 questionnaire presents a valid, reliable, and practical tool for practitioners to assess professional soccer players’ knowledge of current carbohydrate guidelines, thereby providing an initial framework to tailor subsequent education and nutrition interventions.

The impact of Mood on Sports Flow State in football players: a chain mediating model of Psychological Resilience and Achievement Motivation in Competition

ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between Mood and Sport Flow State in football players, and to clarify the mediating roles of Psychological Resilience and Achievement Motivation in Competition.MethodsConvenience sampling was used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 388 football players. Use Profile of Mood State (POMS), Smooth Experience Scale-2 (SES-2), Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Achievement Motivation Scale (AMS) to evaluate the Mood, Sport Flow State, Psychological Resilience, and Achievement Motivation in Competition of football players. Pearson correlation analysis and mediation analysis were used to investigate the relationship between the four variables of Mood, Sport Flow State, Psychological Resilience, and Achievement Motivation in Competition among football players.ResultsFootball players’ mood has a negative impact on Sport Flow State, Psychological Resilience, and Achievement Motivation In Competition, while Sport Flow State, Psychological Resilience, and Achievement Motivation In Competition have a mutually positive impact. Psychological Resilience has a positive impact on Achievement Motivation in Competition. The mediating effect of Psychological Resilience (POMS → CD-RISC → SES-2) accounts for 26.9% of the total effect (r = −0.014, 95% CI −0.020∼−0.009), Achievement Motivation in Competition (POMS → AMS → SES-2) accounts for 17.3% of the total effect (r = 0.009,95% CI −0.013∼−0.005), and the chain mediating effect of Psychological Resilience and Achievement Motivation in Competition (POMS → CD-RISC → AMS → SES-2) accounts for 32.6% of the total effect (r = −0.017, 95% CI −0.022∼−0.013).ConclusionFootball player Mood has a significant negative impact on Sport Flow State, but its actual predictive ability for Sport Flow State is very small. Psychological Resilience and Achievement Motivation in Competition play a chain mediating role in this relationship.

Organization of sports selection in the system of children's, youth and professional football in Austria

The current stage of development of Ukrainian football requires a programmatic solution to a number of complex problems that are related to improving the quality of the game and increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian teams in the international arena. In this context, it is essential to solve topical issues of sports selection, selection and game orientation of football players. We believe that the study of advanced European, in particular, Austrian experience in building and organizing a well-thought-out system of sports selection and game orientation of football players can fill a significant gap in understanding the deep processes of success and planning a strategy of high achievements in modern professional sports. The turning point in Austrian football came in the 1990s. A detailed analysis of the current situation by specialists from the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) has prompted all Austrian football to make drastic changes. It was decided to reform the system of education and sports training of football players, like the whole of Austrian football. Important steps were investments in youth football academies, the involvement of foreign coaches and the introduction of modern methods of teaching, upbringing, training, improvement and development of football players. Austrian football is developing quite rapidly, and if this trend continues, then Austria has favorable prospects for the development of football in the future. Therefore, the purpose of this scientific study is to determine the features of the organization and conduct of the process of sports selection and game orientation of Austrian football players.

Clustered Lifestyle Profiles of Adolescent Football Players: Examining the Relationship Between Off-Training Lifestyle and Training Performance

ABSTRACT This study clustered young male football players based on off-training physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) to examine their impact on physical and technical-tactical performance in small-sided-games (SSG). In Stage 1, thirty-four adolescent male football players (mean age 14.2 ± 0.8 years) were monitored for one week using tri-axial accelerometers to quantify PA and SB levels. Participants were classified into two groups: Active (higher moderate-to-vigorous PA and lower SB) and Sedentary (higher SB and lower PA). In Stage 2, sixteen players, divided into four teams, participated in SSG. Two teams comprised players from the Active group (ACT) and two from the Sedentary group (SED). They competed under three conditions: IACTvsACT; IIACTvsSED; and IIISEDvsSED. Cumming estimation plots illustrated that ACT players in IACTvsACT covered greater total distance (d = −1.43), distances in jogging (d = −0.69), running (d = −1.33), and sprinting (d = −1.26), with higher player load (d = −1.28) and decelerations (d = −0.58), but lower walking distances (d = 0.79), successful shots (d = 0.87), passes (d = 1.17), and dribbles (d = 0.89) compared to other conditions.. SED players in IIISEDvsSED showed higher running distances (d = 0.76) and more decelerations (d = 0.7) but fewer passes. Bayesian ANOVA confirmed longer distances and more sprints in IACTvsACT versus IIISEDvsSED, with Bayes factors of 6.50 and 9.48, respectively. Clustering young players based on off-training PA and SB profiles affects SSG performance, with teams having lower PA and higher SB showing compromised physical and technical-tactical outcomes. Coaches can use this information to tailor training, enhance learning environments, and optimize player development.

HEMODYNAMIC PROFILE OF YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYERS ACCORDING TO PLAYING ROLE AT THE INITIAL STAGE OF PREPARATION

The article presents the results of a study on the functional state of the cardiovascular system in 13–15-year-old football players during the stage of preliminary basic training using the method of thoracic rheography. The aim of the study was to examine the central hemodynamic indicators of athletes with different playing roles to justify differentiated approaches to training load planning. The study involved 44 young football players divided into experimental and control groups, with further categorization by playing position: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The research was conducted at the ascertaining stage of the pedagogical experiment. The following thoracic rheography indicators were recorded: stroke volume, cardiac output, cardiac index, total peripheral vascular resistance, and left ventricular power. The obtained results showed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups at baseline. At the same time, notable inter-group differences were observed based on playing roles. Forwards demonstrated the highest values of stroke volume, cardiac output, and left ventricular power, reflecting greater aerobic capacity and functional adaptation to high-intensity game loads. Goalkeepers had the lowest values, which is attributed to the specific nature of their activity, primarily involving short-term explosive actions. Midfielders and defenders exhibited intermediate values. The identified specificity of the hemodynamic profile supports the necessity of individualizing the training process in accordance with the player’s role on the field. The findings can be used to optimize training strategies and develop personalized physical workload models at the stage of early sports specialization.

Post-match recovery of change of direction performance in soccer: Examining change of direction deficit and asymmetries

This study aimed to analyze the influence of a soccer match on change of direction performance immediately and after a 48-h recovery period, with special focus on change of direction deficit and change of direction asymmetries. Fifteen outfield male soccer players who belonged to the same regional-level team participated in this study (age: 27.20 ± 5.30 years; height: 176.20 ± 6.46 cm; body mass: 73.80 ± 10.36 kg; tier 2). A repeated-measures observational design was used, with two data collection periods during the competitive period of one season (i.e., midseason and end-season). Each data collection period included one official match and their corresponding 48-h recovery period. The 30-m linear straight sprint test and the 505 change of direction test were conducted at pre-, post- and 48-h post-match. Findings show increased change of direction completion time at post- ( p = 0.030) and 48-h post-match ( p &lt; 0.001), greater change of direction deficit at 48-h post-match ( p &lt; 0.001) regardless of the method for classifying lower-limb dominance (i.e., dominant and non-dominant in the change of direction test, preferred and non-preferred kicking limb), and impaired change of direction performance with preferred kicking limb immediately after the match ( p = 0.024). Thus, the acute and residual fatigue-induced by a soccer match resulted in different alterations at post- and 48-h post-match in both change of direction deficit and change of direction asymmetries. These results may be applicable by practitioners interested in understanding the influence of a soccer match on change of direction performance.

Are coordinative abilities impaired during adolescence in academy soccer?

ABSTRACT The current study sought to compare single leg (SL) landing and cutting mechanics within a cohort of youth footballers. A secondary aim was to examine how task complexity modulates the relationship between maturation and performance. Thirty-nine soccer players from an English football academy were categorised as pre-, circa- and post-peak height velocity (PHV). As part of routine club testing, players performed 1) bilateral and SL jumps (countermovement jump (CMJ) and 10/5 rebound jump tests), 2) speed (30-m sprint), and 3) change of direction (COD; 505 test and 45° cut) assessments. Landing (LESS score) and cutting mechanics (CMAS score) were determined during SL CMJ and 45° cuts, respectively. Differences in landing mechanics were not observed between groups. However, large effect sizes indicated that CMAS scores were lower in the post-PHV group versus pre- and circa-PHV groups, indicative of a favourable cutting technique. The circa-PHV group outperformed the pre-PHV group in the ‘simpler’ bilateral CMJ and linear sprint assessments, but not in the SL CMJ, 10/5 or COD assessments. The observed variability between participants in the circa-PHV period could be interpreted by changes in coordinative abilities. It is possible that athletes may require closer monitoring and possible training modification during this phase.

Methodology of initial teaching of football to primary school children in the process of extra-curricular activities

The article examines the aspect of training young football players at the stage of initial training: health promotion, promotion of proper physical development and versatile physical fitness; development of speed, agility, flexibility, speed-strength qualities; teaching the basics of game technique and tactics; accustoming to game conditions; instilling in students a steady interest in football. The authors presented a brief analysis of the process of training students, which creates the prerequisites for successful mastery of a wide range of technical processes, achieving a high level of special physical fitness at the subsequent stages of the multi-year training process. The problem raised in the article is one of the main tasks of the state in the field of education - caring for the health of the nation, raising a physically fit younger generation. Thus, it was assumed that the development of a specially selected set of exercises will make it possible to carry out the initial training of children's technical actions in the process of extracurricular football activities, as well as to increase their physical fitness indicators.