Previous Participation In Fifa World-cup: The Key To Success?

This qualitative-descriptive investigation examining the influence exerted by experienced soccer-players on the ranking obtained from the four best-ranked by their teams in the last four FIFA World Cups (WC). They were divided into experienced-players (at least one WC participation [+1WC]) or non-experienced players (no previous participation [1WC]). Thereafter, they were classified according to their contribution in each of the playoff matches in a given WC: STARTER (started all matches); START/SUBST (started at least one match); SUBST/BENCH (did not start any matches, but replaced a player in at least one match); and BENCH (did not participate in matches). The sample was composed of 33.7% experienced and 66.3% non-experienced players. The number of players +1WC in finalist teams was significantly higher than in the non-finalist teams (p<0.05). In addition, when compared with the non-finalist teams, the finalists presented significantly higher number of players STARTER with +1WC (p<0.05). Possibly, the selection of experienced players to participate in WC may be an effective strategy to achieve better competitive performance.222737

Speed and power predictors of change of direction ability in elite snow athletes

Change of direction ability (COD speed) is an important physical component of snow sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between regular speed and vertical jumping ability, and COD speed in elite snow athletes. Moreover, the correlations between relative mean propulsive power (assessed in the jump squat exercise) and COD speed were quantified. Sixteen elite snow sport athletes executed squat jumps, countermovement jumps, jump squats, and 25 m sprint tests, in addition to a Zig-zag change of direction speed test. The outcomes revealed that vertical jumping height and mean propulsive power are strongly correlated (r ≈ 0.90) with COD speed. Furthermore, snow athletes capable of sprinting faster in a linear course of 25 m performed better in COD speed tests ( r = 0.91). Our results support the use of loaded and unloaded vertical jumping and regular speed tests to evaluate/monitor predictors of COD speed in elite snow athletes. Finally, these relationships suggest that plyometrics and regular speed training should be considered by coaches as effective strategies to enhance COD ability in this specific group of subjects

Perceived training load and jumping responses following nine weeks of a competitive period in young female basketball players

The aims of this study were to describe the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), total quality recovery (TQR), and variations in countermovement jump (CMJ) height throughout nine weeks of a competitive period in young female basketball players. In total, 10 young female basketball players (17.2 ± 0.4 years; 71.8 ± 15.0 kg; 177.2 ± 9.5 cm) participated in this study. The sRPE and TQR were assessed in each training session, whereas the CMJ height was assessed prior to the first weekly training session. The magnitude-based inferences method was used to compare the sRPE, TQR, and CMJ height across the nine weeks of training. The training loads accumulated in weeks 1, 2, and 3 were likely to almost certainly be higher than in the following weeks (ES varying from 0.67 to 2.55). The CMJ height in week 1 was very likely to be lower than in weeks 2, 5, 7, and 8 (ES varying from 0.24 to 0.34), while the CMJ height of the 9th week was likely to almost certainly be higher than all previous weeks of training (ES varying from 0.70 to 1.10). Accordingly, it was observed that when higher training loads were accumulated, both CMJ and TQR presented lower values than those presented during periods with lower internal training loads. These results highlight the importance of using a comprehensive and multivariate approach to effectively monitor the physical performance of young athletes

Post-activation potentiation: is there an optimal training volume and intensity to induce improvements in vertical jump ability in highly-trained subjects?

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of performing half squats (HSs) with different loading intensities (1, 3, and 5 repetitions maximum [RM], and 60% 1RM) and a different number of sets (1, 2, and 3) on the countermovement jump (CMJ) performance of 18 highly-trained male subjects. Participants were submitted to four experimental conditions (1RM, 3RM, 5RM, and 60% 1RM) in randomized order. The CMJ was assessed before and after each set. Differences in CMJ performance between the distinct experimental conditions and individual responses in CMJ performance induced by the different protocols were analyzed via the magnitude-based inference method. Overall, significant improvements were detected in individual CMJ heights after each activation protocol. It can be concluded that the use of 1 to 3 sets of HSs performed at moderate-to-high loads may be an effective strategy to improve jump performance in highly-trained subjects. Nevertheless, despite the high efficiency of the protocols tested here, coaches and researchers are strongly encouraged to perform individualized assessments within the proposed range of loads and sets, to find optimal and tailored post-activation potentiation protocols

Effect of the combination of strength and power training on motor performance

Combinar o treinamento de força (TF) com o de potência (TP) tem mostrado ser mais efetivo do que os treinamentos aplicados de modo isolado. Porém, não existe consenso sobre a melhor forma de combinar o TF com o TP na mesma sessão de treino. Assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram investigar e comparar o efeito da ordem de combinação do TF e do TP no desempenho da força dinâmica máxima de membros inferiores, do salto vertical, da velocidade, da agilidade, do salto em profundidade e da potência muscular de membros inferiores. Participaram 27 jogadores de futebol, os quais foram divididos em três grupos: FP (realizou todas as séries do TF e em seguida as do TP), PF (realizou todas as séries do TP e em seguida as do TF) e AA (realizou séries alternadas do TF com o TP), sendo submetidos a oito semanas de treinamento. O TF utilizou o exercício agachamento (60-80% de 1RM) e o TP utilizou exercícios de salto em profundidade. Os resultados foram: aumentos significantes na força dinâmica máxima de 48,6%, 46,3% e 53% nos grupos FP, PF e AA respectivamente; na altura do salto vertical de 13%, 14,2% e 14,7% nos grupos FP, PF e AA, respectivamente e na potência média do grupo AA (8,6%) para a carga de 40% do PC. Não foram observadas alterações no desempenho da agilidade. Com relação a velocidade, os grupos FP e PF diminuíram o desempenho nos testes de 10 e 20 metros, enquanto que o grupo AA não alterou o seu desempenho. Em conclusão, as três diferentes combinações do TF e do TP foram semelhantes em promover adaptações no desempenho de jogadores de futebol e com base nestes resultados sugere-se que a ordem de combinação do TF e do TP na mesma sessão de treino parece não influenciar o desempenho de maneira crônicaThe combination of strength (ST) with power training (PT) has been shown to be more effective than the isolated methods. However, there is no consensus on the best way to combine these methods in the same training session. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the combination of TF and TP on performance of lower limbs maximum dynamic strength and power, vertical jump, speed, agility, and drop jump. Twenty seven soccer players participated in eight weeks of training. They were divided into three groups: FP (all TF series before TP series), PF (all TP series before TF series), and AA (alternated TF and TP series). The TF was composed of squat exercise (60-80% 1RM) and the TP used drop jumps. The results were: significant increases in maximal dynamic strength of 48.6%, 46.3%, and 53% in groups FP, PF, and AA; respectively; in vertical jump height of 13%, 14,2% e 14,7% in groups FP, PF, and AA; respectively, and in average power in the AA group (8,6%) for the load of 40% PC. No changes were observed in agility performance. The FP and PF groups presented a decrease in speed of 10 and 20 meters, while the AA group did not change. In conclusion, the three different TF and TP combinations resulted in similar adaptations in soccer players performance. Thus, it can be suggested that TF and TP training order does not seem to interfere with long term performance change

Comparison Of Physical Performance Among Brazilian Elite Soccer Players Of Different Age-categories

The purpose of this study was to compare the physical performance (i.e., strength, power, speed and endurance) between Brazilian elite soccer players from different categories of the same club: professionals (PRO), under-20 (U-20), and under-17 (U-17). METHODS: Seventy-one soccer players from three categories (PRO=24; U-20=21 and U-17=26) were assessed at the beginning of pre-season. Before the tests, they were familiarized with all experimental procedures. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), sprint (10 m/20 m), maximum dynamic strength (1RM), and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests level 1 were performed in three non-consecutive sessions. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the categories for sprint times. The PRO players presented higher outcomes in the 1RM, SJ, CMJ, and Yo-Yo tests than the U-20 and U-17 players (P <= 0.05). No significant differences were found between the U-20 and U-17 players in 1RM, and SJ/CMJ heights. The U-20 presented superior performance than the U-17 in the Yo-Yo test (P <= 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:The findings indicated that PRO performed better than younger players in all assessments, except for the sprint tests. This may have been possible due to the differences in training experience, technical expertise and individual levels of strength/power. However, the absence of differences between the U-20 and U-17 groups highlighted the necessity of developing specific training strategies in order to improve the physical capacities of younger players, throughout the maturation process. Moreover, due to the importance of sprinting in soccer, it is strongly recommended that fitness coaches develop more effective strategies to improve speed ability in professional players.56437638

Force-Velocity Relationship in three Different Variations of Prone Row Exercises

This study examined the force-velocity relationship and tested the possibility of determining the relative loading intensity (% 1RM) in three different variations of prone row exercises. Thirty male top-level athletes from two different sports (National Team rugby union players and professional mixed martial arts fighters) were submitted to maximum dynamic strength assessments in the free prone bench pull, bent over barbell row, and bent over Smith-machine row, following standard procedures encompassing lifts performed from 40 to 100% of 1RM. The mean velocity, mean propulsive velocity, and peak velocity were measured in all attempts. Linear regression analyses were performed to establish the relationships between the different measures of bar-velocities and %1RM. The actual (obtained during the assessments) and predicted 1RM values (based on the predictive equations) for each exercise were compared using a paired t-test. In all exercises, the predicted 1RM scores - based on all velocity variables- were not different from their respective actual values. The close linear relationships between bar-velocities and distinct %1RM (coefficient of determination ≥ 80%, in all experimental conditions) allow precise determination of relative load and maximum dynamic strength, and enable coaches and sports scientists to use the different velocity outputs to rapidly and accurately monitor their athletes on a daily basis

Effects of Unloaded vs. Loaded Plyometrics on Speed and Power Performance of Elite Young Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of loaded and unloaded plyometric training strategies on speed and power performance of elite young soccer players. Twenty-three under-17 male soccer players (age: 15.9 ± 1.2 years, height: 178.3 ± 8.1 cm, body-mass (BM): 68.1 ± 9.3 kg) from the same club took part in this study. The athletes were pair-matched in two training groups: loaded vertical and horizontal jumps using an haltere type handheld with a load of 8% of the athletes' body mass (LJ; n = 12) and unloaded vertical and horizontal plyometrics (UJ; n = 11). Sprinting speeds at 5-, 10-, and 20-m, mean propulsive power (MPP) relative to the players' BM in the jump squat exercise, and performance in the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) were assessed pre- and post-training period. During the experimental period, soccer players performed 12 plyometric training sessions across a 6-week preseason period. Magnitude based inferences and standardized differences were used for statistical analysis. A very likely increase in the vertical jumps was observed for the LJ group (99/01/00 and 98/02/00 for SJ and CMJ, respectively). In the UJ group a likely increase was observed for both vertical jumps (83/16/01 and 90/10/00, for SJ and CMJ, respectively). An almost certainly decrease in the sprinting velocities along the 20-m course were found in the LJ group (00/00/100 for all split distances tested). Meanwhile, in the UJ likely to very likely decreases were observed for all sprinting velocities tested (03/18/79, 01/13/86, and 00/04/96, for velocities in 5-, 10-, and 20-m, respectively). No meaningful differences were observed for the MPP in either training group (11/85/04 and 37/55/08 for LJ and UJ, respectively). In summary, under-17 professional soccer players increased jumping ability after a 6-week preseason training program, using loaded or unloaded jumps. Despite these positive adaptations, both plyometric strategies failed to produce worthwhile improvements in maximal speed and power performances, which is possible related to the interference of concurrent training effects. New training strategies should be developed to ensure adequate balance between power and endurance loads throughout short (and high-volume) soccer preseasons