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Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players
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Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 7827

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ioannis Michailidis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57001, Greece
Interests: soccer; football; performance; fitness; training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Football is a sport where, at the professional level, players cover approximately 11 kilometers, of which about 10% is high-intensity running. Additionally, they engage in numerous other intense actions during the game, which often determine its outcome. In recent years, the pace of the game and the number of matches have significantly increased. To cope with this, footballers need to have highly developed physical abilities. The introduction of new technologies (e.g., GPS) in training assists coaches in better managing the demands of designing the microcycle. Moreover, in developmental ages, special emphasis should be placed on the development of physical abilities, and coaches should exploit the “windows” that appear at each age to contribute to maximizing performance.

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. More specifically, in this Special Issue, we aim to highlight recent research concerning the physical fitness profile of both young and adult football players, as well as studies focusing on new training methods and the use of new technologies in the coaching process.

Dr. Ioannis Michailidis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sports is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • soccer
  • football
  • fitness
  • physical condition
  • training load
  • GPS
  • fitness profile
  • strength
  • aerobic capacity
  • anaerobic capacity
  • flexibility
  • agility

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 227 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Related Variations in Physical Performance During Elite Soccer Matches
by Vladimir Pavlinovic, Ryland Morgans and Toni Modric
Sports 2024, 12(12), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12120341 - 7 Dec 2024
Viewed by 352
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the differences in match running performance (MRP) according to the ambient temperature during UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches. Data were collected using an optical tracking system from all teams (n = 32) in all [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to examine the differences in match running performance (MRP) according to the ambient temperature during UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches. Data were collected using an optical tracking system from all teams (n = 32) in all UCL matches (n = 125) during the 2022/23 season, and classified according to the ambient temperature at which matches were played: <5 °C, 6–10 °C, 11–20 °C, and >21 °C. The results revealed the following: (i) less total distance was covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 6–10 °C (d = 0.58), (ii) less high-speed running and high-intensity running were covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 11–20 °C (d = 0.54 and 0.43, respectively), 6–10 °C (d = 0.89 and 0.8, respectively), and ≤5 °C (d = 0.62 and 0.57, respectively), and (iii) less sprinting was covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 6–10 °C (d = 0.22). These findings indicated the significant differences in MRP when UCL matches were played at different ambient temperatures, with notable reductions in overall and high-intensity efforts in warmer conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)
11 pages, 622 KiB  
Article
Predictors of Risk of Muscle Injury in Non-Professional Soccer Players: An Ambispective Cohort Study
by Ismael Iraqui-Rato and Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso
Sports 2024, 12(11), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12110314 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 469
Abstract
(1) Background: Soccer accounts for 30% of all sports injuries. Muscle injuries in soccer, not caused by trauma or contact, are the most common. The objective was to assess the risk of injury based on the footwear used by soccer players and the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Soccer accounts for 30% of all sports injuries. Muscle injuries in soccer, not caused by trauma or contact, are the most common. The objective was to assess the risk of injury based on the footwear used by soccer players and the playing field and to identify the best predictive model of muscle injuries; (2) Methods: An ambispective cohort study. The primary variable was the number of muscle injuries in the last three seasons. The secondary variables were age, body mass index, type of soccer shoes and turf, training load and position on the field. The possible confounding variables were motivation for the choice of footwear, date of injuries, time playing and regular first-team player status; (3) Results: 156 players were recruited. The risk of injury is 1.03 (95% CI: 0.83; 1.27) times more frequent in players competing on artificial turf. The risk of injury is slightly higher in first-team players than in substitutes (RR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.79; 1.32). There was no statistically significant relationship between the position on the field (p = 0.91), the type of shoe (p = 0.69) and the motivation to buy the shoes (p = 0.82), regarding the risk of muscle injury in these athletes. The best model to estimate risk of injury includes age, training load and soccer shoe type as confounding variables (AIC = 190.5; p = 0.10; χ2(3) = 10.14; p = 0.02); (4) Conclusions: The risk of muscle injury is higher in non-professional soccer players competing on artificial pitches and in those who are regular starters on their teams. Field position, soccer shoe and motivation to purchase the soccer shoe are variables that do not increase the risk of muscle injury in these athletes. The best predictive model of injury includes age, training load and shoe type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)
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9 pages, 2192 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Inter-Rater and Intra-Rater Reliability of Raters with Different Levels of Experience When Using Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) in Field-Based Screening of Professional Football Players
by Nikolaos I. Liveris, Charis Tsarbou, Sofia A. Xergia, Angelos Papadopoulos and Elias Tsepis
Sports 2024, 12(9), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12090242 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 927
Abstract
It is essential for physical sports therapists to use reliable field-based tests to identify potential injury risk factors in athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the inter- and intra-rater reliability of experienced and novice raters during use of the Landing [...] Read more.
It is essential for physical sports therapists to use reliable field-based tests to identify potential injury risk factors in athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the inter- and intra-rater reliability of experienced and novice raters during use of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) in a field-based examination of professional football athletes. Thirty-seven male football athletes underwent pre-season LESS assessment. Two raters independently evaluated the recorded landing techniques at two separate intervals, two months apart, following the LESS standard protocol. Inter-and intra-rater values were calculated for the LESS total scores and individual scoring items. The overall LESS scores had excellent intra-rater reliability values for both the experienced (interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.95, 95% CI, 0.89–0.97; p < 0.001) and novice rater (ICC = 0.95, 95% CI, 0.90–0.97; p < 0.001), and very good to excellent inter-rater values for the first (ICC = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.77–0.95; p < 0.001) and second (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.71–0.93; p < 0.001) evaluation. Most of the individual scoring items ranged from moderate to perfect agreement. In conclusion, sports physical therapists, regardless of experience, can reliably use the LESS’s total score, through video analysis of the regime. Individual scoring items can inform clinicians about impairments in the landing mechanism but data should be interpreted cautiously. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)
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9 pages, 239 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Functional Movement Quality and Speed, Agility, and Jump Performance in Elite Female Youth Football Players
by Dan Iulian Alexe, Denis Čaušević, Nedim Čović, Babina Rani, Dragoș Ioan Tohănean, Ensar Abazović, Edi Setiawan and Cristina Ioana Alexe
Sports 2024, 12(8), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12080214 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1220
Abstract
The association between movement screening and physical fitness testing in athletes is conflicting, and therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) performance and physical performance in elite female youth football players. Twenty-two players from the national U16 [...] Read more.
The association between movement screening and physical fitness testing in athletes is conflicting, and therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) performance and physical performance in elite female youth football players. Twenty-two players from the national U16 team of Bosnia and Herzegovina underwent FMS and physical performance tests, including speed, agility, and jump assessments. Jump and speed performance score correlated well with ASLR, while the overall FMS score was not associated with any of the performance variables. These findings suggest that while certain movement patterns may impact athletic performance, the relationship between movement screening and physical performance is delicate. Coaches and practitioners should consider individual variations and sport-specific demands when interpreting FMS results in order to optimize and maximize athlete performance and reduce injury risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)
12 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting the Running Performance of Soccer Teams in the Turkish Super League
by Spyridon Plakias and Yiannis Michailidis
Sports 2024, 12(7), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12070196 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3688
Abstract
Performance analysis in sports is a rapidly evolving field, where academics and applied performance analysts work together to improve coaches’ decision making through the use of performance indicators (PIs). This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of factors affecting running performance (RP) [...] Read more.
Performance analysis in sports is a rapidly evolving field, where academics and applied performance analysts work together to improve coaches’ decision making through the use of performance indicators (PIs). This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of factors affecting running performance (RP) in soccer teams, focusing on low (LI), medium (MI), and high-speed distances (HI) and the number of high-speed runs (NHI). Data were collected from 185 matches in the Turkish first division’s 2021–2022 season using InStat Fitness’s optical tracking technology. Four linear mixed-model analyses were conducted on the RP metrics with fixed factors, including location, team quality, opponent quality, ball possession, high-press, counterattacks, number of central defenders, and number of central forwards. The findings indicate that high-press and opponent team quality affect MI (d = 0.311, d = 0.214) and HI (d = 0.303, d = 0.207); team quality influences MI (d = 0.632); location and counterattacks impact HI (d = 0.228, d = 0.450); high-press and the number of central defenders affects NHI (d = 0.404, d = 0.319); and ball possession affects LI (d = 0.287). The number of central forwards did not influence any RP metrics. This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing RP in soccer, highlighting the complex interactions between formations and physical, technical–tactical, and contextual variables. Understanding these dynamics can help coaches and analysts optimize team performance and strategic decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)

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10 pages, 718 KiB  
Systematic Review
Heading in Female Soccer: A Scoping Systematic Review
by Yinhao Shen, Shinting Chen, Qingguang Liu and Antonio Cicchella
Sports 2024, 12(12), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12120327 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 338
Abstract
Heading is a key skill in soccer, and it is few investigated in females. Research on heading focused mostly on males and on young players. Data on females’ soccer players are sparse and it is difficult to draw firm conclusions. Thus, little is [...] Read more.
Heading is a key skill in soccer, and it is few investigated in females. Research on heading focused mostly on males and on young players. Data on females’ soccer players are sparse and it is difficult to draw firm conclusions. Thus, little is known is known about heading in females. The most investigated aspects of heading are the relationship between heading and play state, training level and anthropometrics. The relationship between the frequency and intensity of headings and long-time outcomes in terms of vigilance, and neuro-cognitive status is also a topic of interest. Aim of this scoping review is to survey the available knowledge about heading in female football to identify possible weaknesses and issues for future research direction in the field. A structured literature search was performed in the main databases. Results show research on heading in female soccer is sparse and to draw firm conclusion on the investigated aspects (effect of play position, occurrence, cognitive impairment, influence of muscle strength, and player’s level) is difficult. It emerged mild intensity heading is not dangerous, helmet does not help, play state and player position influences the heading and that high rotational velocities are achieved. The survey identified new directions for research, that should focus on how to ameliorate heading training and skills and develop a more effective and safe heading technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)
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