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Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players

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A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 29147

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Dr. Ioannis Michailidis

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Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57001, Greece
Interests: soccer; football; performance; fitness; training
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Dear Colleagues,

Soccer is an intermittent-type sport which incorporates actions with low and high intensity and duration. In elite soccer, players typically cover distances of around 10–13 km during a single match. However, high-intensity running only represents approximately 10% of the total distance covered during a soccer match. On top of this, soccer players perform an incredibly varied range of activities in a match, such as accelerations, decelerations, jumps, and changes of direction, running into the 1000s. Thus, a decent level of aerobic and anaerobic fitness is crucial for the success of a player. In recent decades, fitness in modern soccer has improved, as evidenced in the marked increase in intensity during a match. This development is linked both to the methods applied during the training process and the use of technology such as GPS.

This Special Issue offers the opportunity to publish high-quality original papers, systematic review papers, and meta-analyses focused on the development of soccer fitness in both young athletes and adults. We are particularly interested in the following research topics: modern training methods to improve fitness, use of technology such as GPS to improve performance, and the use of training load to improve fitness.

Dr. Ioannis Michailidis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

soccer
football
fitness
physical condition
training load
GPS
fitness profile
running profile

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvements in Jump Height, Speed, and Quality of Life through an 8-Week Strength Program in Male Adolescents Soccer Players

by Sara Díaz-Hidalgo, Antonio Ranchal-Sanchez and Jose Manuel Jurado-Castro

Sports 2024, 12(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12030067 - 23 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2372

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the enhancement of physical fitness and quality of life through an 8-week strength training program in male adolescent soccer players aged between 12 and 13 years. A lower body muscle group intervention was performed, with 17 players in the experimental group (EG) and 15 players in the control group (CG). The EG carried out soccer training complemented by specific strength work. Pre- and post- intervention assessments included body composition, jump height, speed with change of direction, maximum speed in 20 m, movement velocity in back-squat, perceived fatigue effort, academic performance, and quality of life. A general linear repeated measures model analysis was used considering each variable, the interaction between groups (EG, CG) and time (basal, 8-week), to analyze the differences between and within groups. The results showed a reduction in fat in the upper limbs and trunk, improvements in jump height, maximum speed of 20 m, and changes of direction, and increased quality of life (p < 0.05) in the EG. It was concluded that a strength program could improve some components of physical performance in male adolescent soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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13 pages, 1989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Follow-Up Weekly Training Distribution and Accumulated Internal Load Effects on Young Football Players’ Well-Being, Physical Fitness, and Technical Performance

by Yutthana Riansoi, Nuntapol Tongnillpant, Sakdarin Thammawong, João Ribeiro, Rodrigo Zacca and Phornpot Chainok

Sports 2024, 12(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12010023 - 9 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2823

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the relationships among internal training load, wellness, physiological, isokinetic profile, and technical performance and assessed changes before and after a six-week pre-season structured combining physical fitness, small-sided-game and skill-based training program in young soccer players. Forty-five national-level young male soccer players (16.8 ± 0.9 years) were evaluated. There were no significant correlations between the wellness index and the physiological, isokinetic, or specific soccer skill parameters. Moderate correlations were observed between fatigue and stress (r = 0.47, moderate, p < 0.01), fatigue and average muscle soreness (r = 0.38, moderate, p = 0.01), and a large correlation between average stress and muscle soreness (r = 0.53, large, p < 0.01) were presented. All physiological, isokinetic, and technical parameters improved after a six-week pre-season training program (0.1 to −61.0%). Significant alterations in the physiological domain were observed after a six-week period, particularly in the fatigue index of the Bangsbo sprint test, YO-YO IR1 performance, and YO-YO peak La^- (p < 0.01; −61.0%, 25.3%, and −19.8%, respectively). As such, the implementation of structured training and the monitoring of stress responses can lead to appropriate adaptation and balancing in the psychological and physical well-being of young national-level soccer players, particularly in the pre-season period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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13 pages, 3437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indicators of Fatigue during a Soccer Match Simulation Using GPS-Derived Workload Values: Which Metrics Are Most Useful?

by Benjamin J. Snyder, Cameron Maung-Maung and Cameron Whitacre

Sports 2024, 12(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12010009 - 27 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2683

Abstract

Research into women’s competitive soccer matches has shown distance and high-speed running (HSR) reductions over time, but the effects on some GPS-derived metrics have not been investigated. The purpose of this project was to examine the utility of common GPS metrics for indicating fatigue from the T-SAFT⁹⁰ match simulation in collegiate soccer players. Unlike in competitive matches, changes to these metrics occurred as early as 15 min, with HSR, average and max speed, and speed intensity (SI) exhibiting significant declines. HSR and SI were even further decreased in later periods, with HSR lower in minutes 30–40 (T_30–35 and T_35–40) than T_15–20 and lower in T_70–85 than T_45–60. SI showed a similar pattern of continued decline, reaching its lowest value in the last three time segments. Accelerations and decelerations were also decreased beginning at T_15–20 and T_20–25, respectively, but the fatigue index (FI), dynamic stress load (DSL), and step balance (SB) were unchanged. It can be concluded that in contrast to competitive matches where players can dictate their own intensity, a match simulation may result in a quicker onset of fatigue, but not all GPS-derived values change as expected in fatiguing environments. Coaches and sports scientists may use these findings to properly monitor fatigue in real time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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11 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with High-Load Strength Training Improves Aerobic Fitness, Match Goals and Match Result during the In-Season Period in Under-19 Soccer Players

by Pierros Thomakos, Konstantinos Spyrou, Athanasios Tsoukos, Christos Katsikas and Gregory C. Bogdanis

Sports 2024, 12(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12010002 - 20 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5047

Abstract

This study compared the effects of adding a weekly session of either strength training followed by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or high load plyometric training followed by small-sided games (SSG) on aerobic fitness, goals scored and conceded, and match results. Twenty-nine players from two youth elite teams competing in an under 19 (U19) first division league took part in the study. Of those, 16 players from one team followed the HIIT program (age: 17.8 ± 0.6 years) and 13 players from the other team trained once a week, following the SSG program (age: 18.0 ± 0.6 years). The training intervention lasted for 11 weeks and was applied once per week. For the HIIT team it included high-load strength training (80–95% of 1 RM) followed by high-intensity intermittent running, whereas for the SSG team (n = 13) it included plyometric exercises followed by SSG. Aerobic fitness was assessed before and after the intervention, while goals scored and conceded, as well as match results during the intervention period, were compared with the 11-week period preceding it. Only the HIIT team improved Yo-Yo IR2 performance (running distance: from 902.5 ± 147.5 to 1092.5 ± 155.8 m, p < 0.001) while there was no change for the SSG group. Moreover, during the 11-week intervention, the HIIT team improved the number of goals scored in the last 30 min of the game compared with the pre-intervention period (0.36 ± 0.50 to 1.27 ± 0.90 per match, p < 0.05) and the scored vs. conceded goals were higher in the second half (1.36 ± 1.03 vs. 0.27 ± 0.47, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for these parameters in the SSG team. Regarding match result, the HIIT team increased the proportion of wins from 5 wins in 11 matches (or 45%) in the pre-intervention period to 9 wins in 11 matches (or 82%) during the intervention period, while this profile remained unchanged for the SSG team. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the HIIT program performed once per week was superior to SSG as it improves aerobic fitness, scored and conceded goals, and match result during the in-season period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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11 pages, 956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Responses of Youth Elite Players to a Football Match in Terms of Blood Markers

by André Montanholi Fornaziero, Luiz Fernando Novack, Vitor Bertoli Nascimento and Raul Osiecki

Sports 2023, 11(12), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11120242 - 11 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2485

Abstract

The current study verified the acute responses of participants to a football match in terms of blood markers. Sixteen elite U-18 male football players were divided into two groups: experimental (EG, n = 10), who played a friendly football match; and control (CG), who were not exposed to any physical exertion. Intravenous blood samples were collected from both groups at baseline, pre-match, half-time, and post-match. The blood analysis consisted of four groups: immunological (leukocytes, platelets, and cortisol), muscle damage (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase), metabolic (lactate, glucose, erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and urea), and electrolytic (sodium, calcium, and potassium). Edwards’ training impulse demonstrated that the first half was more demanding than the second half (p = 0.020). Significant changes between time points and groups were observed for leukocytes (pre-match: 6920 ± 1949; post-match: 13,890 ± 3292; p ≤ 0.05) and cortisol (pre-match: 10.78 ± 3.63; post-match: 19.15 ± 7.40; p ≤ 0.05). CK (pre-match: 516.50 ± 248.38; post-match: 713.70 ± 308.20; p ≤ 0.05) and LDH (pre-match: 348.80 ± 36.49; post-match: 414.80 ± 26.55; p ≤ 0.05) increased significantly across the time points for the EG, with no difference between the groups, however. Raised lactate (pre-match: 1.05 ± 0.32; post-match: 3.24 ± 1.60; p ≤ 0.05) and glucose (pre-match: 72.54 ± 9.76; post-match: 101.42 ± 19.87; p ≤ 0.05) differences between the groups at half-time were also observed. These current findings provide helpful information to better understand football match demands regarding physiological effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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13 pages, 1260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric Profiling and Changes in Segmental Body Composition of Professional Football Players in Relation to Age over the Training Macrocycle

by Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka, Elżbieta Grochowska-Niedworok, Grzegorz Zydek, Mateusz Grajek, Agata Kiciak, Agnieszka Białek-Dratwa, Ewa Niewiadomska, Oskar Kowalski and Marek Kardas

Sports 2023, 11(9), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11090172 - 5 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2630

Abstract

Body composition is an important indicator of the overall health and fitness of team sports athletes, including in football, and therefore, anthropometric profiling of elite football players is useful as part of determining their skills, strengths, and weaknesses to develop effective strength and conditioning programs. One of the tools available to coaches to track correlates of performance and health is routine body composition assessment. The purpose of this study is to describe and compare the body composition and anthropometric profiles of players using the Direct Segmental Multi-Frequency Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis method, and to manage body composition throughout the round in the 2020–2021 season. The investigation was carried out during the Polish football league, PKO BP Ekstraklasa, spring round of the football season 2020–2021, in which male football players participated. Athletes between the ages of 18 and 25 (n = 16) made up the younger age group, while those between the ages of 26 and 31 (n = 22) made up the older age group. This manuscript is a continuation of the presentation of the results of the study, which was conducted between 7 January and 23 July 2021. At different stages of the macrocycle, participants underwent six different body composition analyses. The younger and older groups of athletes were compared, as well as measurements of time points 1–6. The dominant extremities, assisting extremities, and trunk had larger fat-free mass contents in the older age group. In the study groups, there was a difference in the fat-free mass content between measures 1–6 that was statistically significant. In the younger group, there was a statistically significant difference in the amount of fat mass content between measurements 1–6. In the older age group, no statistically significant changes were found. The study showed changes in fat-free mass and fat mass in body segments; differences were observed between age groups and between different moments of measurement. Age is an important factor in determining body composition and is also related to an athlete’s experience and seniority. Anthropometric profiling and comprehensive body composition analysis are important tools used in preparing athletes for competition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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9 pages, 464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Different Re-Warm-Up Strategies on Power, Changing of Direction and Ball Shooting Velocity in Well-Trained Soccer Players

by Demetris Matsentides, Marios Christou and Nikolaos Zaras

Sports 2023, 11(9), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11090169 - 5 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2476

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a re-warm-up training session either with tuck jumps and linear sprints or with changing of directions may enhance power, agility or ball shooting velocity in well-trained soccer players. Ten soccer players (age: 18.2 ± 1.7 years; body mass: 64.4 ± 8.0 kg; body height: 1.71 ± 0.04 m) participated in the study. Players performed three different re-warm-up interventions including no re-warm-up (C), change of direction (COD) and jump-sprint condition (JS). Before each re-warm-up intervention, players performed the same warm-up condition followed by 8 min of passive rest. Following the re-warm-up interventions, countermovement jump (CMJ), T-Test agility time-trial and ball shooting velocity were measured. Performance in CMJ height, power and power per body mass remained unchanged following all three conditions (p > 0.05). However, the agility time-trial was significantly reduced following COD re-warm-up compared to C (−1.7 ± 1.6%, p = 0.03). Ball shooting velocity was increased following COD compared to C (4.7 ± 3.8%, p = 0.014), while a statistical trend was found between JS and C interventions (4.8 ± 5.4%, p = 0.060). These results suggest that a re-warm-up intervention including changing of directions may significantly enhance T-Test agility time-trial and ball shooting velocity in well-trained soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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12 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relative Individual Sprint in Most Demanding Passages of Play in Spanish Professional Soccer Matches

by Juan Ángel Piñero, Marcos Chena, Juan Carlos Zapardiel, Alberto Roso-Moliner, Elena Mainer-Pardos, Miguel Lampre and Demetrio Lozano

Sports 2023, 11(4), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11040072 - 23 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3140

Abstract

(1) Background: The objective of this research was to analyse the most demanding passages (MDP) considering the sprint variable relative to the maximum level of sprint ability of each player as a function of player position, final outcome and part of the match during the competitive phase of a professional soccer season. (2) Methods: Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 22 players according to their playing position in the last 19 match days of the Spanish La Liga professional soccer in the 2020/2021 season. MDP were calculated from 80% of the maximum sprint speed of each player. (3) Results: Wide midfielders covered the greatest distance at >80% of the maximum speed (2.4 ± 1.63 seg) and the longest duration (21.91 ± 13.35 m) in their MDP. When the whole team was losing, it demonstrated greater distances (20.23 ± 13.04 m) and longer durations (2.24 ± 1.58 seg) compared to games in which it was winning. When the team ended up drawing, the relative sprint distance covered in the second half was significantly greater than in the first (16.12 ± 21.02; SD = 0.26 ± 0.28 (−0.03/−0.54). (4) Conclusions: Different demands of MDP, according to the sprint variable relative to the maximum individual capacity in competition, are required when contextual game factors are considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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12 pages, 9402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Combined Horizontal Plyometric and Change of Direction Training on Anaerobic Parameters in Youth Soccer Players

by Yiannis Michailidis, Panagiotis Venegas and Thomas Metaxas

Sports 2023, 11(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11020027 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3495

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the combination of soccer training, plyometric training (PT), and change of direction (COD) exercises would enhance anaerobic performance to a greater extent than training on its own in youth U17 soccer players. Twenty youth players participated in this study. Players were randomly separated into two groups: the control group (CG, n = 9) and the intervention group (EX), which performed extra PT and COD exercises (EX, n = 11). The duration of the training program was six weeks. Sprint 10 m, 30 m, countermovement jump (CMJ), single leg countermovement jump (CMJ right and left), squat jump (SJ), 505 test, and Illinois agility test were measured pre and post of the training program. The performance in the 505 test improved for the EX group (right leg: p = 0.031, left leg: p = 0.004). In addition, Illinois test performance increased in the EX group (2.9%, p = 0.019). The performances of the two groups differed significantly in the Illinois agility test (p = 0.001). This study supports that a short-term combined program of PT and COD exercises can improve change of direction ability in youth U17 soccer players. The lack of effect of the intervention program on sprint and jump performance may be due to the type and volume of plyometric exercises used. The results reflect the training principle of specialization of stimulus. The improvement in performance was presented in tests that had similar characteristics to training stimuli. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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