Search Results (427)

The development of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has contributed in various ways to improving the physical condition of modern football players by enabling the quantification of physical load. Previous studies have reported that the running demands of matches vary depending on playing position and formation. Over the past decade, despite the widespread use of GPS technology, studies that have investigated the running performance of young football players within the 1-4-3-3 formation are particularly limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to create the match running profile of playing positions in the 1-4-3-3 formation among high-level youth football players. An additional objective of the study was to compare the running performance of players between the two halves of a match. This study involved 25 football players (Under-19, U19) from the academy of a professional football club. Data were collected from 18 league matches in which the team used the 1-4-3-3 formation. Positions were categorized as Central Defenders (CDs), Side Defenders (SDs), Central Midfielders (CMs), Side Midfielders (SMs), and Forwards (Fs). The players’ movement patterns were monitored using GPS devices and categorized into six speed zones: Zone 1 (0.1–6 km/h), Zone 2 (6.1–12 km/h), Zone 3 (12.1–18 km/h), Zone 4 (18.1–21 km/h), Zone 5 (21.1–24 km/h), and Zone 6 (above 24.1 km/h). The results showed that midfielders covered the greatest total distance (p = 0.001), while SDs covered the most meters at high and maximal speeds (Zones 5 and 6) (p = 0.001). In contrast, CDs covered the least distance at high speeds (p = 0.001), which is attributed to the specific tactical role of their position. A comparison of the two halves revealed a progressive decrease in the distance covered by the players at high speed: distance in Zone 3 decreased from 1139 m to 944 m (p = 0.001), Zone 4 from 251 m to 193 m (p = 0.001), Zone 5 from 144 m to 110 m (p = 0.001), and maximal sprinting (Zone 6) dropped from 104 m to 78 m (p = 0.01). Despite this reduction, the total distance remained relatively stable (first half: 5237 m; second half: 5046 m, p = 0.16), indicating a consistent overall workload but a reduced number of high-speed efforts in the latter stages. The results clearly show that the tactical role of each playing position in the 1-4-3-3 formation, as well as the area of the pitch in which each position operates, significantly affects the running performance profile. This information should be utilized by fitness coaches to tailor physical loads based on playing position. More specifically, players who cover greater distances at high speeds during matches should be prepared for this scenario within the microcycle by performing similar distances during training. It can also be used for better preparing younger players (U17) before transitioning to the U19 level. Knowing the running profile of the next age category, the fitness coach can prepare the players so that by the end of the season, they are approaching the running performance levels of the next group, with the goal of ensuring a smoother transition. Finally, regarding the two halves of the game, it is evident that fitness coaches should train players during the microcycle to maintain high movement intensities even under fatigue. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the external load demands of players from the Spanish women’s national football teams across the U-17, U-20, and senior categories during their respective FIFA World Cup participations. Key kinematic variables were assessed via global positioning systems (GPS), including total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR; ≥18 km·h⁻¹), sprint distance (≥21 km·h⁻¹), accelerations (>3 m·s⁻²), decelerations (<–3 m·s⁻²), and high metabolic load distance (HMLD) during 3 world cups (U17, U20 and senior). Significant differences were observed between the senior team and both U-20 and U-17 in nearly all variables, with greater magnitude as the intensity of the metrics increased, showing effect sizes ranging from moderate to very large (d = 0.95 to 4.76). Positional analysis by categories showed that senior full backs (FB) and central midfielders (CM) showed higher demands compared to U-20 and U-17. For TD, senior covered more than U-17 (FB: p = 0.001; d = 1.11 | CM: p = 0.023; d = 0.97), with small differences vs. U-20 (d ≤ 0.54). In HSR, both positions outperformed U-17 and U-20 (FB: p ≤ 0.007; d = 0.87–1.15 | CM: p ≤ 0.031; d = 0.71–1.11). In HMLD, both FB and CM displayed very large differences compared to U-17 and U-20 (all p < 0.001; d = 2.54–6.16). These findings underscore the need for progressive development of locomotor capacities from early stages, considering both age category and playing position, to facilitate a more seamless transition to elite-level football. Full article

Background: Sports performance indicators are mainly based on male athletes, highlighting the importance of portraying the female reality, particularly in rural contexts. This study aims to characterize sports performance indicators (body composition and physical fitness) of young Portuguese female athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 girls (13.66 ± 1.93 years) participating in federated team sports in a rural region of Portugal. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and physical fitness was evaluated through vertical jump tests (countermovement jump and squat jump), sprint (20 m), agility (T-test), handgrip strength, and cardiovascular endurance (Yo-Yo IR1). Results: Volleyball players are taller; football and basketball players are heavier; football and volleyball players have more fat-free mass than handball players (p < 0.05). Body mass index and % body fat did not differ between sports (p > 0.05). Volleyball players performed better in the countermovement jump (F = 4.146, p = 0.008) and squat jump (F = 7.686, p < 0.001) when compared to basketball, football, and handball players. No differences were observed in the speed or cardiorespiratory endurance tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results revealed that, despite some specific differences between sports, most physical fitness indicators did not differ significantly between sports after controlling for age, menarche, and training experience. These findings suggest that shared contextual limitations in rural regions may take precedence over sport-specific adaptations in the early stages of sports participation. Full article

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the external load (EL) and internal load among U15, U17, and U19 youth soccer players and to identify the factors best influencing the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session-RPE (s-RPE) from Global Positioning System-derived variables. Data were collected from 50 male youth soccer players over an 11-week in-season period, encompassing a total of 1386 observations (145 training sessions and 33 matches). The findings indicate that during training sessions, the relationship between EL-derived volume variables and s-RPE exhibited moderate-to-very-strong correlations (U15—r ranging from 0.23 to 0.52; U17—r ranging from 0.51 to 0.78; U19—r ranging from 0.34 to 0.61, p < 0.001). The strongest relationships were observed with the total distance, acceleration, deceleration, and player load variables (p < 0.001). However, perceived wellness measures showed weak correlations with almost every EL parameter. Considering matches for all age groups, total distance showed moderate-to-large correlation with s-RPE (ranging from 0.41 to 0.59, p < 0.001). Additionally, RPE and s-RPE were significantly influenced by the variables of total distance, acceleration, deceleration, medium-speed running per minute, sprint distance per minute, and deceleration per minute. Full article

This study analyses the physical performance variables involved in different training tasks aimed at replicating the worst-case scenarios (WCSs) observed during official matches in professional football, with a focus on playing positions and occurrences within a 1 min period. Data were collected from 188 training sessions and 42 matches of a Spanish Second Division team during the 2021/2022 season. All data were reported on a per-player basis. GPS tracking devices were used to record physical variables such as total distance, high-speed running (HSR), sprints, accelerations, decelerations, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD). Players were grouped according to their match positions: central defenders, wide players, midfielders and forwards. The results showed that none of the training tasks fully replicated the physical demands of match play. However, task TYPEs 11 (Large-Sided Games) and 9 (small-sided games with orientation and transition) were the closest to match demands, particularly in terms of accelerations and decelerations. Although differences were observed across all variables, the most pronounced discrepancies were observed in sprint and HSR variables, where training tasksfailed to reach 60% of match demands. These findings highlight the need to design more specific drills that simulate the intensity of WCS, allowing for more accurate weekly training load planning. This study offers valuable contributions for optimising performance and reducing injury risk in professional footballers during the competitive period. Full article

This study examined the effects of a short-term ballistic training program on neuromuscular performance and strength-deficit (SDef) in elite youth female soccer players. Twenty-two under-20 athletes completed a 4-week intervention during the pre-season phase, comprising 12 loaded and 8 unloaded ballistic training sessions performed at maximal intended velocity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included vertical jumps (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ]), sprinting speed (5, 10, and 20 m), one-repetition maximum (1RM) and peak force (PF) in the half-squat (HS), and peak power and velocity during jump squats (JS) at 30% of 1RM. SDef was calculated as the percentage difference in PF between 1RM in the HS and 30% 1RM. Significant improvements were observed in SJ, CMJ, sprint speed, 1RM-strength, and bar-derived mechanical outputs (ES = 1.18–1.66; p < 0.05), with no significant changes in SDef. These results indicate that elite youth female soccer players can improve strength-, power-, and speed-related capacities without compromising force production at higher movement velocities (thus maintaining their SDef). The improvements observed likely reflect the combined effect of a high-frequency, velocity-oriented training approach and a concurrent reduction in traditional technical–tactical (i.e., soccer-specific) training volume. This is the first study to demonstrate that ballistic exercises alone—when properly structured—can enhance neuromuscular performance in female soccer players without increasing SDef. These findings provide practical guidance for practitioners aiming to optimize physical development in team-sport athletes without relying on heavier training loads or extended resistance training sessions—and, especially, without compromising their ability to apply force at higher velocities. Full article

Background/Objectives: The role of body composition in sports performance has been widely studied, particularly in soccer. Understanding how anthropometric characteristics impact movement efficiency and neuromuscular performance is crucial for optimizing player performance. This study examined the relationship between body composition and locomotor performance in elite soccer players. Methods: Thirty-six male soccer players from the Mexican National Team participated in the study, where body composition was assessed using surface anthropometry. Players underwent tests to measure countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, sprinting speed, maximum acceleration, and distance covered during two games of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. Correlation matrices were created to identify the most significant associations, followed by generalized linear models (GLMs) to associate body composition variables with performance metrics. Results: Anthropometric profile tables were created by playing position. Higher body fat percentage (%BF) was associated with lower performance. Specifically, higher %BF was associated with slower sprint speed (B = −0.74 m/s, p < 0.001) and shorter distance covered (B = −4.86 m/min, p < 0.001). Conversely, greater muscularity, reflected by corrected girth values for the thigh and calf, was associated with improved CMJ performance. Thigh corrected girth was positively associated with concentric mean force (B = 48.85 N, p < 0.001), and calf corrected girth was positively associated with peak power (B = 240.50 W, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of low body fat and high lean mass for efficient movement. Conclusions: The results highlight the critical role of body composition in enhancing soccer performance, particularly for explosive movements like jumps, sprints, and accelerations. This study suggests that monitoring and optimizing body composition should be a central focus of nutrition, training, and conditioning strategies, adapted to the specific positional demands of professional soccer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Australian terrestrial mammals that fall within the critical weight range (35 g–5.5 kg) have experienced large population declines due to a combination of habitat loss and modification, and the introduction of non-native cats, dogs, and foxes. Because running speed typically increases with body size, predators are usually faster but less agile than their prey due to the biomechanical trade-offs between speed and agility. Quantifying the maximum locomotor capacities of Australian mammals in the critical weight range, and the magnitude of the trade-off between speed and agility, can aid in estimating species’ vulnerability to predation. Methods: To do this, we quantified the trade-off between speed and agility in both males and females (n = 36) of a critical weight range species, the northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus), and determined if there was an influence of morphology on locomotor performance. Results: When turning, individuals who had higher turn approach speeds, and higher within-turn speeds, had greater turning radii and lower angular velocities, meaning a decrease in overall maneuverability. Females were more agile and exhibited greater turning speeds at similar turning radii than males. For both sexes, individuals with longer relative hind digits had relatively faster sprint speeds, while those with longer forearms had relatively smaller turning radii and higher agility. Conclusions: Due to the constrained limb morphology of the bandicoot species, these findings could translate across this group to provide a better understanding of their escape performance and risk of predation. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the components of physical fitness (PF), creativity and fluid intelligence, as well as to determine which components of PF are predictors of the analysed cognitive potential. Material and Methods: A total of 584 Spanish schoolchildren (6−11 years old; age = 8.62 ± 1.77 years) took part in this study. Creativity was assessed using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) and fluid intelligence through TEA-1. Moreover, PF components were evaluated using a 25 m sprint, handgrip strength, standing long jump and 20 m SRT. Results: Boys exhibited a better PF performance than girls (p range from = < 0.001 to 0.05), as well as higher creativity score (p < 0.001), the fluid intelligence score and QI score (p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, PF components (CRF, strength and speed) were positively associated with creativity (p range from = < 0.001 to 0.001) and fluid intelligence (p range from = < 0.001 to 0.015). Regression analysis showed that the creativity model explained between 31.4% and 36.6% of the variance (R² = 0.314−0.366, p < 0.001), while the fluid intelligence model accounted for 25.5% to 33.1% of the variance (R² = 0.255−0.331, p < 0.001 to 0.001). Conclusions: A positive relationship was found between creativity, fluid intelligence, and PF components. Children with higher PF levels scored better in creativity, with notable differences between boys and girls. These findings highlight the educational value of incorporating structured physical activity into school settings to support both cognitive and physical development. Full article

Physiological tremor analysis is a practical tool for assessing the neuromuscular impacts of sport-specific training. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the physiological characteristics of lower limb resting postural tremor in athletes from Poland’s national speed skating team, following both sprint and endurance workouts. The study included 19 male, well-trained, elite athletes (with a mean age of 18 ± 3.1 years, body mass of 71.4 ± 10.1 kg, height of 178.5 ± 9.0 cm, and training experience of 12.6 ± 2.8 years) and a control group of 19 physically active but non-athlete men (with a mean age of 19 ± 2.3 years, body mass of 78.9 ± 12.1 kg, and height of 181.5 ± 11.0 cm). This group was assessed under resting conditions to provide baseline reference values for physiological tremor and to evaluate whether the neuromuscular tremor response is specific to trained athletes. Tremor amplitude and frequency were measured using an accelerometer, with data log-transformed to normalize the power spectrum distribution. Key findings indicate a significant effect of training condition on tremor amplitude in the low-frequency range (L(2_5); F_(1,18) = 38.42; p < 0.0001; η_p² = 0.68) and high-frequency range (L(9_14); F_(1,36) = 19.19; p < 0.0001; η_p² = 0.51). Post hoc analysis showed that tremor amplitude increased significantly after both sprint (p < 0.001) and endurance training (p < 0.001) compared to rest. No significant differences were observed between sprint and endurance training conditions for L(2_5) (p = 0.1014), but sprint training resulted in a greater increase in tremor in the high-frequency range (L(9_14); p < 0.0001). Tremor frequency (F(2_5) and F(9_14)) also increased significantly post-training. Notably, no differences were observed between limbs, indicating symmetrical neuromuscular adaptation. These findings highlight the utility of tremor analysis in monitoring neuromuscular fatigue and performance in speed skaters. Future research should explore the application of this method in broader athletic populations and evaluate its potential integration into training programs. Full article

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week, volume-equated eccentric training program comprising Nordic hamstring and reverse Nordic exercises performed either once or twice per week on measures of physical fitness in pubertal male soccer players. Methods: A total of 34 participants were randomly assigned into a 1-day (n = 16; age = 14.58 ± 0.28 years) or 2-day (n = 18; age = 14.84 ± 0.22 years) per week training group. Physical fitness was assessed using 5 m and 10 m sprints, the 505 change in direction (CiD) speed test, Y-shaped agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and standing long jump (SLJ). Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for the 505 CiD test, agility, and CMJ performance (effect sizes [ES] = 0.80 to 1.13). However, no significant interactions were found for the 5 and 10 m sprints or for SLJ (p > 0.05). Compared to the 1-day group, the 2-day training group showed greater improvements in CiD speed (∆7.36%; p < 0.001; ES = 0.92), agility (∆7.91%; p < 0.001; ES = 1.68), and CMJ (∆7.44%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.35), while no differences were observed in 5 and 10 m linear sprints or SLJ performance. According to individual response analysis, improvements across the physical fitness parameters beyond the smallest worthwhile change (SWC_0.2) were observed in 22–83% of players in the 1-day group and 77–100% in the 2-day group. Conclusions: In summary, the findings suggest that when training volume is matched, distributing the eccentric training regimen over two days per week may lead to greater improvements in CiD speed, agility, and CMJ performance compared to a single-day approach. Full article

Neuromuscular gait deficits in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often overlooked. High-intensity training protocols may improve running performance, but their efficacy in pediatric populations is underexplored. This study evaluates the impact of a high-intensity running protocol on locomotor performance in neurotypical and neurodivergent children (children with ASD). Spatiotemporal gait characteristics (speed, stride frequency, stride length, and duty factor), gait symmetry (symmetry ratio), and kinematics were assessed for ten neurodivergent children (10–15 years old) during a 15 m sprint. Locomotor costs (cost of locomotion, transport, and locomotion per stride) were analyzed in six neurodivergent participants (11–14 years old) via open-flow respirometry during treadmill running. Participants completed a 5–12 week, twice-weekly program; neurotypical participants served as a control group. Neurodivergent and neurotypical children exhibited baseline differences in spatiotemporal variables. Following training, neurodivergent participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in spatiotemporal metrics and locomotor costs. Differences in symmetry between the two groups were not present pre- or post-program. These findings highlight the efficacy of high-intensity running programs in improving sensorimotor function and coordination in children with ASD. This program provides valuable insights into gross motor rehabilitation for neurodivergent children, supporting its potential as an effective intervention. Full article

Background: Change of direction (COD) and sprint abilities are essential in soccer, while reactive agility involves decision-making and perceptual/cognitive skills. This study aimed to examine the relationships between sprint speed, COD, and reactive agility in U12 soccer players. Methods: Thirty-three male players (age 10.40 ± 0.32 years) completed sprint tests (5 m, 10 m, 15 m), the Modified Agility T-Test (MAT), and the Y-Shaped Reactive Agility (Y-RSA) test, across two sessions. Results: The sprint, COD, and reactive agility tests showed high reliability. The Y-RSA test demonstrated strong reliability in regard to the initial sprint, COD-phase time, and total time. Significant correlations were found between sprint, COD, and reactive agility metrics. The sprint times were positively associated with the MAT and reactive agility times (e.g., sprint 15 m vs. total Y-RSA time: r = 0.740, p < 0.01). The smallest worthwhile changes (SWCs) indicated that these tests effectively detect performance improvements. Conclusions: This study demonstrated significant correlations between sprint speed, change of direction, and reactive agility in U12 soccer players, with the 15 m sprint showing the strongest association with reactive agility. These findings support the combined use of physical and perceptual/cognitive assessments to better inform soccer-specific training and evaluate the performance of youth players. Full article

The aim of this study was threefold: (i) to analyze the influence of previous match outcome on subsequent weekly training load (TL); (ii) to examine whether accumulated weekly TL varies throughout the season; and (iii) to investigate the influence of performance streaks got during competition on subsequent weekly TL. Twenty-one Spanish male professional soccer players from the same team were involved in the study. Total distance (TD), medium-speed running (MSR, distance 10.8–18.0 km·h⁻¹), high-speed running (HSR, >21 km·h⁻¹), very high-speed running (VHSR, 18.0–25.2 km·h⁻¹), sprinting speed running distance (sprint, >25.2 km·h⁻¹), player load (PL), number of accelerations (ACC), and decelerations (DEC) were recorded during training sessions using 10 Hz GPS devices. Previous match outcome, period of the season, and the performance streaks were also considered. Linear mixed models showed that team covered significantly less TD during the week after draw than after win (p < 0.05). In addition, most of the variables decreased as the season progressed. Finally, after medium-performance streaks, team covered significantly higher TD compared to high-performance streaks (p < 0.05) and low performance streaks (p < 0.01). These findings showed that low-performance streaks could reduce weekly external TL. Full article

This study aimed to examine whether managerial changes and their training methodology influence the physical attributes of soccer players and determine if these changes significantly impact the overall physical performance of the team. Twenty-seven male elite-level football players competing in the Eastern Mediterranean region (age: 28.12 ± 5.5 years, height: 179.3 ± 6.25 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 6.6 kg) participated in this study. To analyze the impact of managerial changes on elite football players’ physical performance, this study evaluated and compared physical attributes during weekly microcycles and official games across three different coaching regimes over an entire season. Data were collected using a 10 Hz GPS tracking technology and included the following external load (EL) parameters: total distance, high metabolic load distance, high-speed running, sprint distance, accelerations, and decelerations. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to assess differences in physical performance across the three coaching methods. Significant differences were evident in high metabolic load distance during games [F(2,27) = 7.59, p < 0.05]. High-speed running distance also varied significantly across the three coaching regimes, both during training sessions [F(2,27) = 5.89, p < 0.05] and games [F(2,27) = 4.31, p < 0.05]. Furthermore, sprint distance showed significant differences during training [F(2,27) = 4.62, p < 0.05] and games [F(2,27) = 3.37, p < 0.05]. The findings of this study suggest that managerial changes can have a significant effect on the physical performance of soccer players. The results highlight the importance of aligning coaching strategies with physical conditioning techniques for optimizing performance. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with managerial changes in professional soccer. Nevertheless, a limitation in this study is that all metrics of EL were interpreted as absolute values rather than relative-based threshold values, which may affect the interpretation of the players’ physical capacities. Full article