PSJD - Yadda

1

The Effect of Immediate Post-Training Active and Passive Recovery Interventions on Anaerobic Performance and Lower Limb Flexibility in Professional Soccer Players

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Rey E., Lago-Peñas C., Casáis L., Lago-Ballesteros J.

Journal of Human Kinetics

|

2012

|

vol. 31

121-129

EN

The capacity to recover from intense training, competition and matches is considered an important determinant in soccer performance. At present, there is no consensus on the effect of post-training recovery interventions on subsequent training session. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of active (12 min submaximal running and 8 min of static stretching) and passive recovery (20 min sitting on a bench) interventions performed immediately after a training session on anaerobic performances (CMJ, 20 m sprint and Balsom agility test) and lower limb flexibility 24 h after the training. During two experimental sessions, 31 professional soccer players participated in a randomized fully controlled trial design. The first session was designed to evaluate the player's anaerobic performances and lower limb flexibility (pretest). After baseline measurements, participants performed a standardized soccer training during which heart rate and RPE were recorded to evaluate the training load. At the end of the training unit all players were randomly assigned to the active recovery group and the passive recovery group. A second experimental session was organized to obtain the posttest values. Players performed the same test, administered in the same order than in the first trial. No significant differences between groups were observed in heart rate and RPE. No significant effect due to recovery interventions was found on lower limb flexibility and anaerobic performances except CMJ that posttest value was significantly greater in the active recovery group than in the passive group (p < 0.05).

2

Biomechanical Responds of Instep Kick between Different Positions in Professional Soccer Players

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Khorasani M., Osman N., Yusof A.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2009

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vol. 22

21-27

EN

The purpose of this study was to investigate some selected biomechanical characteristics of lower extremity between professional soccer defenders, midfielders and strikers. The kicking motions of dominant legs were captured from fifteen Olympic professional soccer players; (height: 181.93 ± 7.03 cm; mass: 70.73 ± 10.85 kg; age: 20.8 ± 0.77 years), volunteered to participate in this study, using four digital video cameras. There were significant differences between midfielders and defenders in (1) lower leg angular velocity (p ≤ 0.001), (2) thigh angular velocity (p ≤ 0.001), (3) lower leg net moment (p ≤ 0.001), (4) thigh net moment (p ≤ 0.001), and (5) ball velocity (p ≤ 0.012). There were significant differences between midfielders and strikers in lower leg net moment (p ≤ 0.001). There were significant differences between strikers and defenders in; (1) lower leg angular velocity (p ≤ 0.001), (2) thigh angular velocity (p ≤ 0.001), (3) lower leg net moment (p ≤ 0.001), (4) thigh net moment (p ≤ 0.001), and (5) ball velocity (p ≤ 0.024). In conclusion, midfielders can perform soccer instep kicking strongly and faster than defenders and there is, however, no significant difference between midfielders and strikers, but midfielders' ball velocity is higher than strikers' ball velocity.

3

The Use of Match Statistics that Discriminate Between Successful and Unsuccessful Soccer Teams

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Castellano J., Casamichana D., Lago C.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2012

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vol. 31

137-147

EN

Three soccer World Cups were analysed with the aim of identifying the match statistics which best discriminated between winning, drawing and losing teams. The analysis was based on 177 matches played during the three most recent World Cup tournaments: Korea/Japan 2002 (59), Germany 2006 (59) and South Africa 2010 (59). Two categories of variables were studied: 1) those related to attacking play: goals scored, total shots, shots on target, shots off target, ball possession, number of off-sides committed, fouls received and corners; and 2) those related to defence: total shots received, shots on target received, shots off target received, off-sides received, fouls committed, corners against, yellow cards and red cards. Discriminant analysis of these matches revealed the following: (a) the variables related to attacking play that best differentiated between winning, drawing and losing teams were total shots, shots on target and ball possession; and (b) the most discriminating variables related to defence were total shots received and shots on target received. These results suggest that winning, drawing and losing national teams may be discriminated from one another on the basis of variables such as ball possession and the effectiveness of their attacking play. This information may be of benefit to both coaches and players, adding to their knowledge about soccer performance indicators and helping to guide the training process.

4

Short-Term Performance Effects of Three Different Low-Volume Strength-Training Programmes in College Male Soccer Players

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Brito J., Vasconcellos F., Oliveira J., Krustrup P., Rebelo A.

Journal of Human Kinetics

|

2014

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vol. 40

|

issue 1

121-128

EN

This study aimed to analyse the short-term performance effects of three in-season low-volume strength-training programmes in college male soccer players. Fifty-seven male college soccer players (age: 20.3 [...] 1.6 years) were randomly assigned to a resistance-training group (n=12), plyometric training group (n=12), complex training group (n=12), or a control group (n=21). In the mid-season, players underwent a 9-week strength-training programme, with two 20 min training sessions per week. Short-term effects on strength, sprint, agility, and vertical jump abilities were measured. All training groups increased 1-RM squat (range, 17.2-24.2%), plantar flexion (29.1-39.6%), and knee extension (0.5- 22.2%) strength compared with the control group (p<0.05). The resistance-training group increased concentric peak torque of the knee extensor muscles by 9.9-13.7%, and changes were greater compared with the control group (p<0.05). The complex training group presented major increments (11.7%) in eccentric peak torque of the knee flexor muscles on the non-dominant limb compared with the control group and plyometric training group (p<0.05). All training groups improved 20-m sprint performance by 4.6-6.2% (p<0.001) compared with the control group. No differences were observed in 5-m sprint and agility performances (p>0.05). Overall, the results suggest that in-season low-volume strength training is adequate for developing strength and speed in soccer players.

5

Short-Term Effects of Complex Training on Agility with the Ball, Speed, Efficiency of Crossing and Shooting in Youth Soccer Players

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Cavaco B., Sousa N., Machado dos Reis V., Garrido N., Saavedra F., Mendes R., Vilaça-Alves J.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2014

|

vol. 43

|

issue 1

105-112

EN

Complex training (CXT) is the result of a combination of strength and plyometric exercises in the same session. This method has recently been used in the preparation of athletes of different sports. The aim of the present study was to observe the acute effects of a CXT program of 6 weeks: i) on agility with the ball, sprinting and the efficiency of crossing and shooting in youth soccer players; ii) and the influence of the number of CXT sessions per week (one vs. two). Sixteen youth male soccer players were randomly divided into three groups: a group that performed one weekly CXT session (GCT1, n = 5, age: 13.80 ± 0.45 years); or a group that performed two weekly CXT sessions (GCT2, n = 5, age: 14.20 ± 0.45 years); or a control group that did not perform the CTX (n = 6, age: 14.20 ± 0.84 years). All groups maintained their regular soccer training sessions. No significant interactions were found between GCT1 and GCT2 in all variables. Significant statistical differences were identified (F = 1139, p = 0.02, μp2 = 0531) in the pre-test versus post-test, for both experimental groups, in shot effectiveness. In conclusion, the CXT program proved to be an effective method in boosting abilities and motor skills associated with soccer among young athletes, particularly in increasing shot effectiveness.

6

Using Network Metrics in Soccer: A Macro-Analysis

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Clemente F. M., Couceiro M. S., Martins F. M. L., Mendes R. S.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2015

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vol. 45

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issue 1

123-134

EN

The aim of this study was to propose a set of network methods to measure the specific properties of a team. These metrics were organised at macro-analysis levels. The interactions between teammates were collected and then processed following the analysis levels herein announced. Overall, 577 offensive plays were analysed from five matches. The network density showed an ambiguous relationship among the team, mainly during the 2nd half. The mean values of density for all matches were 0.48 in the 1st half, 0.32 in the 2nd half and 0.34 for the whole match. The heterogeneity coefficient for the overall matches rounded to 0.47 and it was also observed that this increased in all matches in the 2nd half. The centralisation values showed that there was no ‘star topology’. The results suggest that each node (i.e., each player) had nearly the same connectivity, mainly in the 1st half. Nevertheless, the values increased in the 2nd half, showing a decreasing participation of all players at the same level. Briefly, these metrics showed that it is possible to identify how players connect with each other and the kind and strength of the connections between them. In summary, it may be concluded that network metrics can be a powerful tool to help coaches understand team’s specific properties and support decision-making to improve the sports training process based on match analysis.

7

Selected Cognitive Abilities in Elite Youth Soccer Players

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Baláková V., Boschek P., Skalíková L.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2015

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vol. 49

|

issue 1

267-276

EN

The identification of talent in soccer is critical to various programs. Although many research findings have been presented, there have been only a few attempts to assess their validity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between talent and achievement variables in the Vienna Test System. The participants were 91 Czech soccer players, representing four youth soccer teams, who were born in the year 2000. These boys were divided into two groups according to their coaches’ assessments using a TALENT questionnaire. A two-factor model (component 1: “kinetic finesse”; component 2: “mental strength”) was designed to interpret the responses of the coaches on the questionnaire. The Vienna Test System was used to determine the level of players’ cognitive abilities. In total, the subjects performed seven tests in the following order: Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a reaction test (RT), a determination test (DT), a visual pursuit test (LVT), a Corsi Block-Tapping Test (CORSI), a time/movement anticipation test (ZBA), and a peripheral perception test (PP). To analyze the relationship between talent and achievement variables within the Vienna Test System, correlation analyses were performed. The results revealed that the talented group attained significantly better results on only 1 of the 16 variables, which was ZBA2: movement anticipation - deviation of movement median (r = .217, p = .019). A comparison of the two talent components showed that component 1 (“kinetic finesse”) was a more significant factor than component 2 (“mental strength”). Although we observed statistically significant correlations, their actual significance remains questionable; thus, further research is required.

8

Does an in-Season 6-Week Combined Sprint and Jump Training Program Improve Strength-Speed Abilities and Kicking Performance in Young Soccer Players?

100%

Marques M. C., Pereira A., Reis I. G., Tillaar R. v. d.

Journal of Human Kinetics

|

2013

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vol. 39

|

issue 1

157-166

EN

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a six-week combined jump and sprint training program on strength-speed abilities in a large sample of youth competitive soccer players. It was hypothesized that the experimental training group would enhance their jumping and sprinting abilities. Enhancement of kicking performance was also hypothesized due to an expected increase in explosive strength established by a plyometric and sprinting regimen. Fiftytwo young male soccer players playing at the national level (aged 13.4 ± 1.4 years, body mass 53.4 ± 11.7 kg, body height 1.66 ± 0.11 m) took part in the study. Half of the group underwent the plyometric and sprint training program in addition to their normal soccer training, while the other half was involved in soccer training only. The plyometric training group enhanced their running (+1.7 and +3.2%) and jumping performance (+7.7%) significantly over the short period of time, while the control group did not. Furthermore, both groups increased their kicking velocity after just six weeks of training (+3.3 vs. 6.6%). The findings suggest that a short in-season 6-week sprint and jump training regimen can significantly improve explosive strength in soccer-specific skills and that these improvements can be transferred to soccer kicking performance in terms of ball speed.

9

Performance Consistency of International Soccer Teams in Euro 2012: a Time Series Analysis

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Shafizadeh M., Taylor M., Peñas C. L.

Journal of Human Kinetics

|

2013

|

vol. 38

213-226

EN

The purpose of this study was to examine the consistency of performance in successive matches for international soccer teams from Europe which qualified for the quarter final stage of EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. The eight teams that reached the quarter final stage and beyond were the sample teams for this time series analysis. The autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions were used to analyze the consistency of play and its association with the result of match in sixteen performance indicators of each team. The results of autocorrelation function showed that based on the number of consistent performance indicators, Spain and Italy demonstrated more consistency in successive matches in relation to other teams. This appears intuitive given that Spain played Italy in the final. However, it is arguable that other teams played at a higher performance levels at various parts of the competition, as opposed to performing consistently throughout the tournament. The results of the cross-correlation analysis showed that in relation to goal-related indicators, these had higher associations with the match results of Spain and France. In relation to the offensive-related indicators, France, England, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic and Spain showed a positive correlation with the match result. In relation to the defensive-related indicators, France, England, Greece and Portugal showed a positive correlation with match results. In conclusion, in an international soccer tournament, the successful teams displayed a greater degree of performance consistency across all indicators in comparison to their competitors who occasionally would show higher levels of performance in individual games, yet not consistently across the overall tournament. The authors therefore conclude that performance consistency is more significant in international tournament soccer, versus occasionally excelling in some metrics and indicators in particular games.

10

The Anthropometric Characteristics of Futsal Players Compared with Professional Soccer Players

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Burdukiewicz A., Pietraszewska J., Stachoń A., Chromik K., Goliński D.

Human Movement

|

2014

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vol. 15

|

issue 2

93-99

EN

Purpose. The aim of the study was to compare the morphological characteristics of experienced futsal players with professional soccer players. Methods. The research sample included 22 university futsal players and 22 professional soccer players. Parameters including body height and mass, skinfold thicknesses of the trunk and extremities, lower limb length, trunk width, humerus and femur bone breadths, and the circumferences of the chest, hips, thighs, and calves were used to calculate various somatic indices. Somatotyping was performed using the Heath–carter method. Differences in the characteristics between the futsal and soccer players were analyzed using Student’s t test. Intragroup analysis was also performed on futsal players depending on player position and compared with the arithmetic means and standard deviations of all variables of the entire sample. Results. compared with their soccer-playing peers, the futsal players were shorter, weighed less, had shorter lower limbs, narrower hips, and smaller hip circumference and bone breadth values. In contrast, higher levels of body fat and endomorphy were noted in this group. The proportion of mesomorphs and ectomorphs were similar in both groups. Futsal goalkeepers were differentiated by greater subcutaneous adiposity and body mass. Defenders had the slimmest body shape, with relatively narrower shoulders and hips, smaller bone breadths, and lower levels of adiposity. The body build of wingers was slightly larger. Pivoters were characterized by greater body height and larger values for the characteristics measuring the lateral trunk dimensions. Conclusions. The observed morphological differences between futsal and soccer players were mainly in body height and height-associated characteristics. This indicates that no specialized approach in futsal recruitment is currently used. This points to the need to develop a specialized approach in the player recruitment stage, as the tactical and technical constructs of futsal set the game apart from other indoor soccer games, finding that futsal players share a number of morphological similarities with handball players.

11

The Role of Situational Variables in Analysing Physical Performance in Soccer

100%

Lago-Peñas C.

Journal of Human Kinetics

|

2012

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vol. 35

|

issue 1

89-95

EN

Performance analysis in sport is used to investigate the performance of teams and players across different sports. Research within this area, especially when focussing on the determinants of success, has grown rapidly in the last few years. During this time, the role of a new concept, ‘situational variables’ has emerged. This term includes the different game and situational conditions that may influence performance at a behavioural level. Given that soccer is dominated by strategic factors, it is reasonable to suggest that situational variables of match status (i.e. whether the team is winning, losing or drawing), quality of opposition (strong or weak), and match location (i.e. playing at home or away) may somehow influence the teams´ and players´ activities. These situational variables need to be analyzed in depth to understand their influence in team sports. The aim of this article was to examine the independent and interactive effects of situational variables on physical performance in elite soccer. The view that professional soccer players regulate their physical efforts according to the specific demands of individual matches and periods of the game is offered. In support of this argument results from recent studies are presented. Implications of this perspective for match analyst and coaches for evaluating performance are also considered.

12

Relationship between Tactical Behavior and Affective Decision-Making in U-17 Youth Soccer Players

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Santos R., Padilha M. B., Teoldo I.

Human Movement

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2014

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vol. 15

|

issue 2

100-104

EN

Purpose. The aim of this article was to analyze the relationship between tactical behavior and affective decision making of U-17 youth soccer players. Methods. The sample was comprised of 154 participants meeting the study inclusion criteria. Players played 4-min games on four-person teams (including goalkeeper) on a small-sided soccer field. The System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT) was used to determine the defensive tactical actions performed by players according to five different tactical principles. A total of 6140 defensive tactical actions were recorded. Their affective decision-making was measured by a computerized card task, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results. Significant negative correlation was found between players’ learning curve and the incidence of actions based on the principle of concentration. Less impulsive players presented a lower incidence of actions tied with the principle of concentration in comparison with more impulsive players. Conclusions. The findings suggest that, in the defensive phase, players who are less impulsive decision makers may benefit from more secure and stable defensive styles.

13

The Effect of Fatigue on Kicking Velocity in Soccer Players

100%

Ferraz R., Van Den Tillaar R., Marques M. C.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2012

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vol. 35

|

issue 1

97-107

EN

Soccer is a game in which fatigue can negatively influence players’ performance. Few studies have examined the practical effects of fatigue on soccer performance skills. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fatigue, acutely induced by means of a soccer specific circuit on ball velocity. Ten amateur soccer players (age 27.3 ± 5.25 yr; experience 16,8 ± 6.05 yr; level secondary division; body height 1,80 m ± 0,06; body mass 75,7 kg ± 5,78), participated in this study and performed maximal instep kicks before and after the implementation of an intensive, intermittent and repeated exercise protocol. Analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated a significant decrease (p<0.05) in ball velocity after just one round of the fatigue circuit. However, after the third circuit ball velocity increased and after the fifth circuit maximal ball velocity increased yet again (compared to the second circuit) and was not significantly different from before commencement of the fatigue protocol. The results partly confirmed the hypothesis of the negative influence of fatigue upon ball velocity in soccer kicking, demonstrating also some variability in the presented values of ball velocity perhaps theoretically accounted for by the general governor model.

14

Changes of Physical Capacity and Soccer-Related Skills in Young Soccer Players within a One-Year Training Period

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Jastrzębski Z., Barnat W., Konieczna A., Rompa P., Radzimiński Ł.

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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2011

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vol. 3

|

issue 4

248-261

EN

Background: The aim of this study was to determine changes in both aerobic and anaerobic physical capacity as well as in sport-specific skills in footballers as a result of the applied training load within a one-year training period. It was assumed that the type of applied training load would have a significant influence on changes in physical capacity indexes and on differences in soccer technical skills.Material/Methods: The tests applied in the research were: Wingate test 30 sec. version for lower extremities (used to assess anaerobic capacity), PWC170 test (used to assess aerobic capacity) and German Football Association test of soccer technique skills known as DFB test (Deutsche Fussball Bund test).Results: The highest values of maximal power (Pmax=11.2 W·kg-1) and maximal total work volume (W=270.1 J·kg-1) obtained in Wingate test were noted at the end of the preparatory season. Statistically significant differences (p≤0.05) of mean values of the maximal power occurred between the first and the second test. No differences were stated between mean values of total work volume. However, aerobic capacity index and VO2max determined by an indirect method reached the highest values at the end of the competitive season and amounted to 18.6 kgm·kg-1·min-1 and 51.8 ml·kg-1·min-1 respectively. The best results in soccer technical skills test were registered at the end of the preparatory season (343.6 points) and at the end of the competitive season (340.2 points).Conclusions: It is stated that training load applied had a beneficial influence on changes in physical capacity indexes and results of soccer-related skills.

15

Relative Age Effect: A Systematic Discrimination against Biologically Younger Athletes

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Gioldasis A., Bekris E., Smirniotou A.

Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine

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2021

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vol. 35

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issue 3

27-40

EN

Physical differences associated with birth-date among athletes of the same selection year have been described as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). The aim of this study was to examine whether RAE still exists in soccer and running sport disciplines as well as to evaluate its progress among different gender, age, and sport context and if it has an effect on performance. Using official archives of the international sports’ associations (World Athletics-UEFA), birthdates and performance were collected for 7226 athletes (4033 males; 3198 females) who participated in soccer and running events. A chi-square test was used to assess differences between observed and expected birth date distributions. The study showed an over-representation of athletes born in the first quarter of the selection year for both soccer and running events. RAE is more obvious in younger age groups and in sports that require higher explosive speed, strength, power and anaerobic capacity such as soccer and short distance sprints. It was also found that RAE is associated with performance. In conclusion, athletes of younger age groups with greater biological age have a physical advantage in explosive sports (i.e. soccer and short distance running) that probably does not predict their future development.

16

Analysis of the Longest Distances Run by the Best Soccer Players at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014

100%

Bojkowski Ł., Śliwowski R., Wieczorek A., Eider J.

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vol. 11

|

issue 3

145-151

EN

The aim of the study was, among other things, to characterise the maximum distance run by the four best teams in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, including individual tactical formations and players who played for at least 90 minutes in the whole tournament. In total, the highest results of 68 players were established. In the analysis data obtained using Castrol Performance Index method were used. The mean maximum distance run by players of the tournament semi-finalist teams in the 24 analysed games was 11.63 km. The mean by the analysed defenders was 11.75 km, whereas for midfielders it was 12.02 km, for forwards – 11.02 km, and for goalkeepers – 5.65 km. In group of all 68 respondents soccer players a distance of over 15 km in one game was obtained by Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Müller and Lucas Biglia.

17

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Body Composition, Aerobic Performance and Lactate, Heart Rate and Perceptual Responses in Young Soccer Players

100%

Güvenç A.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2011

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vol. 29

79-91

EN

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on body composition, aerobic exercise performance and blood lactate, heart rate and perceived exertion in regularly trained young soccer players. Sixteen male soccer players participated in this study. Mean age, stature, body mass and training age of the players were 17.4±1.2 years, 175.4±3.6 cm, 69.6±4.3 kg and 5.1±1.3 years, respectively. During the Ramadan period, all subjects voluntarily chose to follow the fasting guidelines and abstained from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Body composition, hydration status, dietary intake and sleep duration were assessed on four occasions: before Ramadan, at the beginning of Ramadan, at the end of Ramadan and 2 weeks after the end of Ramadan. On each occasion, aerobic exercise performance and blood lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion responses of players were also determined during an incremental running test. Repeated measures of ANOVA revealed that body mass, percentage of body fat, fat-free mass, hydration status, daily sleeping time and daily energy and macronutrient intake of players did not vary significantly throughout the study period (p>0.05). However, players experienced a small but significant decrease in skinfold thicknesses over the course of the study (p<0.05). Although ratings of perceived exertion at submaximal workloads increased during Ramadan (p<0.05), blood lactate and heart rate responses had decreased by the end of Ramadan (p<0.05). In line with these changes, peak running performance and running velocity at anaerobic threshold also improved by the end of Ramadan (p<0.05). Improvements in aerobic exercise performance with time were probably due to the effects of pre-season training program that was performed after the break of the fast (Iftar) during the month of Ramadan. The results of the present study suggest that if regular training regimen, body fluid balance, daily energy intake and sleep duration are maintained as before Ramadan, Ramadan fasting does not have detrimental effects on aerobic exercise performance or body composition in young soccer players.

18

The Relationship among the Somatic Characteristics, Age and Covered Distance of Football Players

100%

Soroka A., Bergier J.

Human Movement

|

2011

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vol. 12

|

issue 4

353-360

EN

Purpose. The aim of this article was to define the somatic characteristics, BMI index, age and total distance covered of football players who participated in the 2008 European Football Championships. The article also pointed to any significant interrelationships. Methods. On the basis of a game analysis system, the Castrol Performance Index, the 248 football players who participated in all 32 games of the Championships were subject to analysis based on the distance covered during the games, with the results statistically analyzed and compared with the players' somatic characteristics. In addition, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used as a non-parametric counterpart of one-way analysis of variance. Results. The highest values of the somatic characteristics such as height, body mass, age and the BMI index were found in goalkeepers. The longest distances covered during the games were attained by midfielders and side midfielders, whereas the shortest distances covered were by goalkeepers and central defenders. Larger values of height and body mass corresponded to smaller covered distances by players during the games. Conclusions. The indicated dependences, which were found among the players' age, height, body mass and covered distance during the games allows one to define the usefulness of a player in a particular team formation. The covered distance, particularly in correlation with the mentioned morphological indicators, which to a great extent are genetically conditioned, could be used as criterion towards specifying in the most accurate way which formation a particular player should play in, based on his genetic predisposition.

19

Coach Mid-Season Replacement and Team Performance in Professional Soccer

100%

Lago-Peñas C.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2011

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vol. 28

115-122

EN

The coaching carousel or turnover is an extreme but frequently occurring phenomenon in soccer. Among the reasons for firing a coach, the most common is the existence of a shock-effect: a new coach would be able to motivate the players better and therefore to improve results. Using data from the Spanish Soccer League during the seasons from 1997-1998 to 2006-2007, this paper investigates the relationship between team performance and coach change over time. The empirical analysis shows that the shock effect of a turnover has a positive impact on team performance in the short term. Results reveal no impact of coach turnover in the long term. The favourable short-term impact on team performance of a coach turnover is followed by continued gradual worsening of results. The turnover effect is non-existent when the comparison between the new coach and the old coach is done over 10, 15 or 20 matches before and after termination.

20

Physical Characteristics and Somatotype of Soccer Players according to Playing Level and Position

100%

Hazir T.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2010

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vol. 26

83-95

EN

The purpose of this study was to assess the physical characteristics of soccer players according to playing level and position. A total of 305 professional male soccer players [Turkish Super League (SL) (n = 161) and Turkish First League (FL) (n = 144)] were involved in this study. All data were gathered at the beginning of preparatory period of mid-season. Height, weight, flexed and tensed upper arm and calf girths, humerus and femur biepicondylar breadths, and four skinfold thicknesses (triceps, subscapular, supraspinale, and medial calf) were measured. Somatotypes were estimated using the Heath-Carter method. SL players were older (p≥0.002), and heavier (p≥0.007) than FL players, while height (p ≤ 0.497) was similar between SL and FL groups. There were significant differences for BW (p≥=0.000), and height (p≥0.000) between playing positions. Goalkeepers were taller (p≥0.000), and heavier (p≥0.001) than other players. Midfielders were shorter (p≥0.013) than other players, however, they were lighter than forwards (p≥0.008). The mean somatotype of the overall players was 2.4-4.8-2.3 (0.9-0.8-0.7) in SL and was 3.0-4.5-2.6 (0.9-0.9-0.8) in FL. SL players were more mesomorphic (p≥0.01), less endomorphic (p≥0.000), and less ectomorphic (p≥0.001) than FL players. Except for goalkeepers, there were significant differences in paired means between whole somatotype means of the SL and FL according to playing positions. The results of the present study demonstrate that both physical characteristics and somatotype of players were significantly different between playing levels and positions. Although the somatotype of soccer players in both levels was dominated by the mesomorph category, players at the higher playing level were more mesomorphic, and less endomorphic and ectomorphic than players at the lower level at all playing positions.

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The Effect of Immediate Post-Training Active and Passive Recovery Interventions on Anaerobic Performance and Lower Limb Flexibility in Professional Soccer Players

Biomechanical Responds of Instep Kick between Different Positions in Professional Soccer Players

The Use of Match Statistics that Discriminate Between Successful and Unsuccessful Soccer Teams

Short-Term Performance Effects of Three Different Low-Volume Strength-Training Programmes in College Male Soccer Players

Short-Term Effects of Complex Training on Agility with the Ball, Speed, Efficiency of Crossing and Shooting in Youth Soccer Players

Using Network Metrics in Soccer: A Macro-Analysis

Selected Cognitive Abilities in Elite Youth Soccer Players

Does an in-Season 6-Week Combined Sprint and Jump Training Program Improve Strength-Speed Abilities and Kicking Performance in Young Soccer Players?

Performance Consistency of International Soccer Teams in Euro 2012: a Time Series Analysis

The Anthropometric Characteristics of Futsal Players Compared with Professional Soccer Players

The Role of Situational Variables in Analysing Physical Performance in Soccer

Relationship between Tactical Behavior and Affective Decision-Making in U-17 Youth Soccer Players

The Effect of Fatigue on Kicking Velocity in Soccer Players

Changes of Physical Capacity and Soccer-Related Skills in Young Soccer Players within a One-Year Training Period

Relative Age Effect: A Systematic Discrimination against Biologically Younger Athletes

Analysis of the Longest Distances Run by the Best Soccer Players at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Body Composition, Aerobic Performance and Lactate, Heart Rate and Perceptual Responses in Young Soccer Players

The Relationship among the Somatic Characteristics, Age and Covered Distance of Football Players

Coach Mid-Season Replacement and Team Performance in Professional Soccer

Physical Characteristics and Somatotype of Soccer Players according to Playing Level and Position