Effectiveness of short vs. long-distance sprint training on sprinting and agility performance in young soccer players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short sprint-distance training (SST) compared with long sprint-distance training (LST), matched for the total session training volume, on short-, medium- and long-distance sprint performance and agility in young soccer players. Eighteen U19 male players (age: 17.1±0.7 years; height: 178.0±6.3 cm, body mass: 69.4±6.6 kg) were randomly assigned to SST (n = 9) or LST (n = 9) group. The intervention programs were performed 2 times a week over 6 weeks. Before and after training period, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m sprint, and agility were assessed. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements (p ≤ 0.001) in 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m sprint from pretest to posttest in SST (9.2%, 6.6%, 5.3%, 2.9%, and 2.5%, respectively) and LST (10.5%, 8.5%, 6.5%, 5.1%, and 4.7%, respectively). Players in both SST and LST also showed significant enhancements in agility from pretest to posttest. In the between-groups analysis, there were no differences between the sprint training groups (SST vs. LST) in any variable (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that both sprint training distances used seem to be effective to improve soccer-specific performance measures. However, due to the better percentage changes obtained by LST group in all fitness variables, this method could be considered as preferred meth

Do small-sided games prepare players for the worst-case scenarios of match play in elite young soccer players?

The aim of the study was to determine whether the physical performance of young soccer player during various small sided games (SSGs) underloads, replicates or overloads the requirements of the worst-case scenarios (WCS) during match play. A total of 521 SSGs' individual observations and 15 different formats of SSGs with different areas per player (ApP) (ApP100: 201, all in m2 · player-1) were taken into consideration. Whole (90-min average; OM) and 15-, 5- and 1-min worst-case scenarios (WCS15, WCS5 and WCS1, respectively) were analysed. Total distance covered relative (m · min-1) (TDCR), high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (HSDR), very high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (VHSDR) and sprint distance relative (m · min-1) (SDR), player load relative (PLR) and both total (ACCR) and high intensity relative accelerations (n · min-1) (ACCHR) were collected. All external load measures analysed were significantly higher in WCS1 compared to WCS of longer duration and SSGs with different ApP (p < 0.001). The analysis demonstrated interactions between game type and player positions (p < 0.001) for TDCR, VHSDR, PLR and ACCHR. The SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate the WCS for locomotor demands (VHSDR and SDR). SSGs played on an ApP100 overestimated the mechanical values compared to WCS15 and WCS5. The analysed SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate players to cope with all external load demands that occurred during WCS1. This study provides useful information for practitioners on the heightened impact of different SSG formats on external load in relation to the WCS of competitive match play

Effects of different recovery duration on external and internal load measures during bouts of small-sided games

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of different recovery times between bouts of small-sided games (SSG) on external and internal load variables in semi-professional soccer players. Sixteen male semi-professional soccer players performed three 4 vs. 4 + goalkeeper SSG training sessions, each with different recovery bout duration: short (1 min) (SSG1), medium (2 min) (SSG2), and long (4 min) (SSG4). Time motion and neuromuscular measures were collected during all SSGs, in addition, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG. Results showed a significant increase in the total number of accelerations (p = 0.016, ES = 0.97, large) and decelerations (p = 0.022, ES = 0.81, large) in SSG4 compared to SSG1. In terms of the internal load, SSG2 showed significantly higher RPE values (p = 0.011, ES = 1.00, large) in comparison with SSG1. If the sessions’ focus is on neuromuscular training, longer recovery times between SSG bouts should be used. Conversely, if the aim is to reach a higher total and running distance at different intensities, a 2-min recovery period between bouts may be more appropriate

Do longer fins improve ocean rescues? A comprehensive investigation into lifeguard performance and physiological impact

Coastal environments present dynamic challenges necessitating rapid and efficient responses during aquatic emergencies. Lifeguards, as pivotal links in the intervention chain, rely on various tools, with rescue time being paramount. The choice of fins, specifically long versus short ones, plays a critical role in optimizing lifeguard performance during rescues. This randomized cross-over study explores the impact of flipper size on ocean rescues, employing a sample of 14 lifeguards. Long fins (LFs) and short fins (SFs) were compared in terms of rescue time (RT) and physiological load (PL). Tests included ocean rescues without fins (R), with LF (R-LF), and with SF (R-SF). Variables recorded encompassed swim approach time, tow-in time, overall rescue time, perceived exertion rates (RPEs), and post-rescue lactate concentration. Long fins demonstrated superior performance in swim approach and tow-in times compared to both short fins and no fins (p 0.05). This study demonstrates that long fins significantly improve lifeguard performance during ocean rescues, reducing rescue times and alleviating arm fatigue

Effects of maturation on myotonometric parameters and their predictors of athletic performance in elite youth soccer players

The aim of the present study was to investigate the variations in individual muscle stifness across diferent maturation stages (i.e., peak height velocity [PHV]) in elite youth soccer players and to explore the associations between lower limb muscle stifness and performance in sprinting (10, 20, and 40 m sprint), maneuverability (9–3-6–3-9 m sprint test), and jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ]). A total of 131 elite youth soccer players aged 12–18 years, volunteered to participate in the study and were divided into pre-PHV (n= 21), mid-PHV (n= 33), and post-PHV (n= 80). Muscle stifness of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles was assessed using a MyotonPRO. Results showed that players in the pre-PHV stage had lower stifness in the BF and RF muscles compared to mid-PHV (p< 0.001; efect size [ES] =moderate to large) and post-PHV players (p< 0.001; ES=moderate to large). It was also observed that the mid-PHV group had lower stifness levels in their RF muscle compared to the post-PHV group (p < 0.001; ES= small). Signifcant correlations were found between BF and RF stifness and sprint (p< 0.001) and maneuverability (p < 0.001) performance. RF stifness showed a signifcant positive correlation with CMJ (p< 0.05), suggesting that greater lower body stifness is benefcial for athletic performance in youth soccer players. The fndings highlighting the importance of considering training methods that increase muscular stifness, particularly in relation to the RF muscle, to optimize athletic performanceAgencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2021-128640OB-I0

Effects of age on physical match performance in professional soccer players

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of age using a large-scale analysis of match physical performance in professional soccer players. A total of 10,739 individual match observations were undertaken on outfield players competing in the first and second divisions of the Spanish soccer professional leagues during the 2017–2018 season, using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, NY). The players were classified into five positions and into 5 age groups (<20 years, 20–24.9 years, 25–29.9 years, 30–34.9 years, and ≥35 years). The results showed that (a) professional soccer players aged ≥30 years exhibit a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the total distance covered, medium-speed running distance, high-speed running (HSR) distance, very HSR (VHSR) distance, sprint distance, and maximum running speed compared with younger players (<30 years); (b) professional soccer players aged ≥35 years exhibit a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the number of HSR, number of VHSR, and number of sprints compared with younger players (<35 years); and (c) all playing positions reduced their physical performance; however, external midfielders were less affected by age effects. In conclusion, this study demonstrates players' physical match performance reduces with increasing age. Such findings may help coaches and managers to better understand the effects of age on match-related physical performance and may have the potential to assist in decisions regarding recruitment and player list management within professional soccer clubs

Tensiomyographic assessment of contractile properties in elite youth soccer players according to maturity status

Little is known about how muscle contractile properties are affected by biological maturation in elite youth soccer players. This study aimed to determine the effects of maturation on contractile properties of rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles assessed by tensiomyography (TMG) and provide reference values for elite youth soccer players. One hundred twenty-one elite youth soccer players (14.98 ± 1.83 years; 167.38 ± 10.37 cm; 60.65 ± 11.69 kg) took part in the study. The predicted peak height velocity (PHV) was used in order to establish players' maturity status (Pre-PHV, n = 18; Mid-PHV, n = 37; Post-PHV = 66). Maximal radial displacement of the muscle belly, contraction time, delay time, and contraction velocity for RF and BF muscles were recorded. One-way ANOVA showed no significant differences between PHV groups for any tensiomyography variables in RF and BF muscles (p > 0.05). Our results established that maturity status did not show a significant effect in mechanical and contractile properties on RF and BF muscles evaluated by TMG in elite youth soccer players. These findings and reference values can be useful for strength and conditioning coaches of elite soccer academies in order to optimize the evaluation of neuromuscular profiles

No sport for old players. A longitudinal study of aging effects on match performance in elite soccer

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUGObjectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of age on match-related physical and technical–tactical performance in elite soccer players using a longitudinal design. Methods: Data were collected from 154 players who competed in the Spanish first division (LaLiga) between the 2012–13 and 2019–20 seasons. A total of 14,092 individual match observations were analyzed using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, NY). The players were classified into five positional roles: central defenders (n = 37); external defenders (n = 44); central midfielders (n = 34); external midfielders (n = 22); and forwards (n=17). Results: The main results showed that (a) soccer players decreased by an average of 0.56% their total distance covered for each year that they got older. Similarly, the number of high-intensity efforts and distance covered at high-intensity running decreased by 1.80% and 1.42% per year, respectively; (b) players significantly increased their pass accuracy by an average of 0.25% each year that they got older; (c) the detrimental effect of age on total distance and high-intensity runningwas greater for external defenders, external midfielders, and forwards; and (d) the positive effect of age on pass accuracy was greater for central defenders and central midfielders. Conclusions: Elite soccer players with long-term careers were unable to maintain their match-related physical performance as they got older. However, players can annually improve their technical–tactical skills with increasing age as a possible compensation mechanism against physical performance declines related to aging

Fundamental stability skills: reliability analysis using the Alfamov assessment tool

Fundamental movement skills (FMS), considered as building blocks of movement, have received growing interest due to their significant impact on both present and future health. FMS are categorized into locomotor, object control and stability skills. While there has been extensive research on assessing the proficiency and reliability of locomotor and object control skills, stability skills have received comparatively less attention. For this reason, this study aimed to assess the test–retest, intrarater and interrater reliability of five stability skills included in the Alfamov app. The performance of eighty-four healthy primary school children (60.8% girls), aged 6 to 12 years (mean ± standard deviation of 8.7 ± 1.8 years), in five stability skills was evaluated and scored by four raters, including two experts and two novices. The Alfamov tool, integrating various process-oriented tests, was used for the assessment. Reliability analyses were conducted through the computation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) along with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Good-to-excellent intrarater reliability, excellent interrater reliability and moderate-to-good reliability in the test–retest were achieved. The results proved that Alfamov is a robust test for evaluating stability skills and can be suitable for use by different professionals with less experience in assessing children’s motor competence.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2021-128640OB-I0

Reliability and usefulness of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test in male and female professional futsal players

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and usefulness of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) in professional male and female futsal players. Thirteen male (24.4 ± 5.6 years; 174.5 ± 10.3 cm; 70.3 ± 9.9 kg) and fourteen female (23.3 ± 4.5 years; 165.8 ± 6.2 cm; 61.7 ± 5.5 kg) professional futsal players performed the 30-15IFT on two occasions, separated by 5 days. Maximal intermittent running velocity (VIFT) and heart rate at exhaustion (HRpeak) data were collected for both tests. Reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE) expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV), and smallest worthwhile change (SWC). VIFT demonstrated very good reliability between sessions, both for male (ICC = 0.92) and female (ICC = 0.96) players. As the TE for VIFT and HRpeak was similar to the calculated SWC for both male and female players, the usefulness of the test was rated as “medium”. A change in performance of at least 2 stages in male players, or a change of more than 1 stage in female players could be interpreted as a meaningful change in aerobic futsal fitness. The results of this study demonstrate that the 30-15IFT is both a reliable and useful test for male and female professional futsal players