The study examined the changes of training load and physiological parameters in relation to competitive performance during a period leading to a national championship. The training content of twelve swimmers (age: 14.2±1.3 yrs) was recorded four weeks before the national championship (two weeks of normal training and two weeks of the taper). The training load was calculated: i) by the swimmer’s session-RPE score (RPE-Load), ii) by the training intensity levels adjusted after a 7x200-m progressively increasing intensity test (LA-Load). Swimmers completed a 400- m submaximal intensity test, a 15 s tethered swimming and hand-grip strength measurements 34-35 (baseline: Test 1), 20-21 (before taper: Test 2) and 6-7 (Test 3) days before the national championship. Performance during the national championship was not significantly changed compared to season best (0.1±1.6%; 95% confidence limits: -0.9, 1.1%; Effect Size: 0.02, p=0.72) and compared to performance before the start of the two-week taper period (0.9±1.7%; 95% confidence limits: 0.3, 2.1%; Effect size: 0.12, p=0.09). No significant changes were observed in all measured physiological and performance related variables between Test 1, Test 2, and Test 3. Changes in RPE-Load (week-4 vs. week-1) were correlated with changes in performance (r=0.63, p=0.03) and the RPE-Load was correlated with the LALoad (r=0.80, p=0.01). The estimation of the session-RPE training load may be helpful for taper planning of young swimmers. Increasing the difference between the normal and last week of taper training load may facilitate performance improvements.
This study examined the effects of an alternative strength training method during soccer training on the development of physical and technical abilities of youth soccer players. 17 soccer players (age: 15±0.5 years) were divided in a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). The players of the EG wore a "weight shorts", with 300 gr of additional weight on each thigh, while they participated into 3 regular soccer training sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The CG followed the same training program without wearing the “weighted shorts”. Before and after 12 weeks of training, anthropometric characteristics, 10- and 30- m speed, the Arrowhead change-of-direction test, the Illinois agility test with ball, the countermovement jump, and the 5-repetition maximum (5RM) load at the split squat, leg extension and leg curl were measured. The EG improved significantly (p< 0.05) more in comparison with the CG in countermovement jump, leg extension and split squat (left leg) 5RM load. The addition of weights on the thighs using special shorts during soccer training sessions leads to increased jumping ability and lower limbs maximal strength in youth soccer players.
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