The Influence of Pitch Dimensions during Small-Sided Games to Reach Match Physical and Physiological Demands on the Youth Soccer Players.

The aims of this study were to (i) analyze the physical and physiological responses of four matches competition and (ii) to investigate the relationships among three different pitch dimensions of small-sided game (SSG) on the youth soccer players. Fifteen male U19 soccer players (age 17.3 ± 0.5 years, height 175.7 ± 5.6 cm, weight 68.5 ± 8.6 kg, playing experience 7.8 ± 1.4 years) were randomly assigned to three play areas: small (50 m2), medium (SSG-m, 150 m2) and large (SSG-l, 250 m2) area per player including goalkeeper. During the 4-week intervention, both groups performed three sets of 8 min with a passive rest period of 5 min between games. Differences in time-motion characteristics of players were measured with the Global Positioning System and assessed using a repeated measures ANOVA to compare the three game conditions and the magnitude-based inference to evaluate the pairwise comparison effects. The results showed that only the variables distance covered between 7.0-12.9 km·h-1 was not statistically significantly different among game conditions (p < 0.05; η = 0.21; small) and physiological response (i.e., hear rate of playing time spent 85-89% HRmax) also showed differences (p < 0.05; η = 0.25; small). The responses in SSG-m and SSG-l established them ass the format sizes ideal for replicating the physical responses during match competition. These findings could provide relevant information for coaches for use adequate pitch size (areas of 150 m2 and 250 m2) to reach the match-play scenarios found in match competition.

Comparison of training and match load between metabolic and running speed metrics of professional Spanish soccer players by playing position.

The aims of this study were to compare the training and match load of professional soccer players according to the playing position, and analyse the relationship between the metabolic and running speed metrics. Thirty professional male soccer players belonging to a Spanish First Division team were analysed using global positioning system devices (GPEXE Pro 18.18 Hz) during training and competition (n = 36 training weeks and n = 41 matches). The results showed significant differences between positions on match day; central midfielders covered higher total distance and low- and medium-speed running distance (moderate to large effect size) than central defenders, external defenders and forwards; forwards performed more metabolic power events than central defenders, central midfielders and wide midfielders; and central defenders showed the lowest very-high-speed running. Different patterns were observed in training. Furthermore, the equivalent-distance index showed a strong correlation with accelerations and decelerations events. The main findings were that the physical responses found in training did not correspond with match demands by position; both metabolic and traditional approaches should be used together for load monitoring in professional soccer players; and finally, metabolic power events and the equivalent-distance index seem to be variables that help to differentiate more clearly the characteristics of the player, taking into account their playing position.

A New Approach for Training-load Quantification in Elite-level Soccer: Contextual Factors.

The aims of this study were to analyse the physical responses of professional soccer players during training considering the contextual factors of match location, season period, and quality of the opposition; and to establish prediction models of physical responses during training sessions. Training data was obtained from 30 professional soccer players from Spanish La Liga using global positioning technology (N=1365 performances). A decreased workload was showed during training weeks prior to home matches, showing large effects in power events, equivalent distance, total distance, walk distance and low-speed running distance. Also, the quality of the opposition also affected the training workload (p<0.05). All regression-models showed moderate effects, with an adjusted R2 of 0.37 for metabolic-work, 0.34 for total distance covered, 0.25 for high-speed running distance (18-21 km·h-1), 0.29 for very high-speed running distance (21-24 km·h-1), 0.22 for sprint running distance (>24 km·h-1) and 0.34 for equivalent distance. The main finding of this study was the great association of match location, season period and quality of opposition on the workload performed by players in the training week before the match; and the development of workload prediction-models considering these contextual factors, thus proposing a new and innovative approach to quantify the workload in soccer.

Internal and External Loads in Training Week Before the Competition in U19 High-Level Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Martín-López, Á, Mendes, RS, and Castillo-Rodríguez, A. Internal and external loads in training week before the competition in U19 high-level soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1766-1772, 2021-Nowadays, the information about the load in training sessions (TRs) and the relationship of these TRs with official competition are necessary to gain the sport success in soccer. The aim of this study was to quantify the different loads in TRs according to days before the competition (P-4, P-2, and P-1) on soccer players U19 based on their playing position and their sport success. Twenty-four male Spanish high-level players (age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years; height: 1.69 ± 0.04 m; and body mass: 63.0 ± 6.3 kg) participated in the study. They were grouped according to their playing position: external defenders, internal defenders (ID), external midfielders, internal midfielders (IM), and forwards (FO). To conduct the study, global positioning system technology was used, and a 1-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were performed. The main results revealed that the highest physical and physiological responses in the TRs were shown by ID, IM, and players without sport success (p < 0.05), and during P-2. In addition, sport success is predicted by the mean heart rate (R2 = 0.33; p < 0.001). As conclusion, players covering central positions in the playing field performed higher physical and physiological demands than players covering exterior or forward positions. Furthermore, physical and physiological responses during the TRs P-2 may be similar to the responses produced in competition match and are notably different depending on the sport success of the soccer player.

Somatotype and Body Composition in Young Soccer Players According to the Playing Position and Sport Success.

Cárdenas-Fernández, V, Chinchilla-Minguet, JL, and Castillo-Rodríguez, A. Somatotype and body composition in young soccer players according to the playing position and sport success. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1904-1911, 2019-Soccer players undergo an evolution in their body composition throughout the growth and passage through the different base stages, that is, childhood, puberty, and adolescence. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphology and body composition of U14, U16, and U19 soccer players, taking into account in addition, their sport success endorsed through the regularity participation and their relation with the different playing positions occupied during competition (goalkeeper, external defender, central defender, midfielder, and forward/extreme). For that, a total of 174 male young soccer players were evaluated anthropometrically. Dominant somatotype of the players was, according to their playing position, meso-endomorphic in goalkeepers, central for external defenders, balanced ectomorph in central defenders, balanced mesomorph in the case of midfielders, and meso-ectomorph in forwards/extremes. Taking into account that sport performance is directly mediated by the body composition of athletes, the differences found suggest a marked specialization between the goalkeepers and forwards, establishing significant differences between them. Further studies would be needed to evaluate the influence of individual maturation development vs. sports training on the conformation of a certain anthropometric profile of a soccer player and its relation with the different playing positions occupied on the pitch during the game.

Physical Fitness Comparison and Quality of Life between Spanish and Serbian Elderly Women through a Physical Fitness Program.

The aim of this study was to compare the physical fitness and quality of life related to the health of a sample population of older adult women from Spain and Serbia (60-69 years). A total of 127 female participants of physical fitness programs from Spain (64.33 ± 3.26) and Serbia (63.00 ± 2.88) have participated. Physical fitness (PF), quality of life (QoL) and sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated by Senior Fitness Test, SF-36 Health Survey and socio-demographic questionnaire, respectively. The anthropometric characteristic was measured by corporal measurement. The physical fitness program comprised exercise of strength, agility and aerobic capacity, centering on the Pilates'program and Aerobic. Mean body mass index was 33.6 ± 7.4 kg x m(-2) in the Spanish participants and 25.1 ± 2.6 kg x m(-2) from the Serbian participants (p < 0.001). Similarly, mean waist circumference and body weight of Spanish women was higher than Serbian (p < 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). Spanish women perceived lower quality of life dimensions than Serbian women, such as physical functioning, social functioning and general health (p < 0.001), general health (p < 0.01) and vitality (p < 0.05). Serbian participants experienced higher physical fitness, such as upper body flexibility (p < 0.05), lower body flexibility, agility and aerobic endurance (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Serbian women were found to have better levels of physical fitness and quality of life than Spanish women. Furthermore, endurance fitness has 73% of explained variance with age, body mass index and fat mass.

The Influence of a Warm-Up on Vigilance in University Students.

The present study aimed to analyze the effects of conducting a warm-up (WC) or not (WWC) on students of the Science Degree in Physical Activity and Sport before starting a practical class. Thirty-two students of the Science Degree in Physical Activity and Sport (age: 22.38 ± 1.81 years; height: 176.09 ± 8.52 cm; weight: 22.38 ± 1.81 kg; body fat: 25.17 ± 3.20%) participated in a counterbalanced cross-sectional study in which three conditions were tested: (a) basal lineal, (b) WC, and (c) WWC. Participants recorded longer times (worse performance) in the Illinois dribbling test (basal lineal condition [20.17 ± 1.35], WWC [20.13 ± 1.37], and WC [19.32 ± 1.35]) and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task test (basal lineal condition [397.88 ± 75.98 ms]; WWC [412.19 ± 91.39 ms], and WC [368.53 ± 68.65 ms]). The warm-up prior to physical activity classes had positive effects on vigilance linked to executive functioning, and physical performance. In this sense, more research on different types of warm-up may be in order to contrast them with each other, as well as to carry out attention measurements according to the content to be imparted after the warm-ups. The present study represents a big opportunity for all physical education teachers due to warm-up is a crucial aspect that occurs in all practical sessions, also linked to the attention processes and motivational factors of the students.

Effect of the role, playing position and the body characteristics on physical performance in female soccer players.

The aims of this study were to know the physical demands according to the playing position and team role, and to assess the effect of the body characteristics on the physical performance of semi-professional female soccer players. Forty-five female semi-professional soccer players during 9 home-matches of the 2021-2022 season were analyzed and GPS devices (GPEXE ®) were used. ANCOVA tests were performed with playing time as covariate. The results showed greater physical demands in forwards and wide-midfielders and offensive role players. Total distance, metabolic power, accelerations, deaccelerations, and distance covered to medium and high speed obtained a strong effect size in these analyses according to the playing position. Furthermore, relationships between body weight and physical performance were found (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the main finding of this study showed that semi-professional female soccer players compete differently, caused by differentiated functions, evidenced in the playing positions and role in the team. Offensive role, forwards and wide-midfielder female players performed the highest physical demands in the competition. This study has shown relevant information for coaches, S&C coaches, and training staff of the semi-professional female soccer teams in order to propose new keys and ways of planning training sessions.

Effects of 8 weeks pre-season training on physical fitness, heart rate variability and cognition in women soccer players.

The aim of this study was to explore the variations (pre-post) of (i) Anthropometric measures: weight, body mass index, lean and muscle mass, (ii) Physical fitness: countermovement jump (CMJ) and VO2max, (iii) heart rate variability (HRV) (recumbent and sitting): mean RR, RMSSD, NN50 and NN50 %, (iv) Psychomotor Vigilance Task, and v) SART: ACC Go, ACC NoGo and reaction times in semi-professional women soccer players from the second division of the Spanish League. The analysis indicated that lean mass improved after the observation period (p = .05, d = -0.38), while no other significant changes in anthropometric measures were observed. Additionally, CMJ and aerobic power were also improved (p<.01, d>0.50). The RMSSD [recumbent (d = -0.73) and sitting (d = -0.52)] and NN50 [recumbent (d = -0.69) and sitting (d = -0.70)] increased after the period of observation (p < .05). Reaction time also significantly improved after the period of observation [PVT (d = 0.42) and SART (d = -0.89)]. Correlations performed between measures revealed that smaller body mass and body mass index were largely associated with greater NN50 (r < 0.83, p = .001). Additionally, greater CMJ and aerobic fitness were associated with greater HRV [recumbent (r = -51, p = .001) and sitting (r = -0.60, p = .01). The main findings of this study were that there was no relationship between cognitive performance and physical fitness, but HRV was related to body composition and physical fitness during the pre-season in women soccer players.

Starters and non-starters soccer players in competition: is physical performance increased by the substitutions?

BACKGROUND: Non-starters soccer players have a great role within the team, being indispensable to reduce fatigue, as well as to maintain and increase the team's performance during the match. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the physical performance of the starter and non-starters players during competitive soccer matches. METHODS: Twenty-two soccer players participated in this study, divided into two groups according to the role in the match (starters or non-starters). WIMU Global Positioning System devices were used in order to record physical performance metrics. Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA tests were performed to compare starters and non-starters, and the playing position, respectively, and two-way ANOVA test was perform with these factors too. RESULTS: There were no differences in the main physical performance metrics between starters and non-starters players during competition, although there were differences in physical performance metrics according to the playing position. Midfielders performed highest distance per minute, player load, and distance covered between 12 and 21 km·h- 1 (p < .05). Finally, distance covered at speeds greater than 24 km·h- 1 was predicted by the playing role (starters and non-starters) and playing position factors with 88% of explained variance (ηp2 = 0.772). CONCLUSION: The main findings of this study showed that non-starter players had a similar physical performance during competitive matches as the starter players for whom they are substituted. In addition, the playing position determined different physical performance, contributing in this manuscript that behavior and decision-making of the players could be affected by their position in the field. More studies are needed on non-starter player performance and contextual factors that could influence the physical responses of these players.

Influence of physical fitness on decision-making of soccer referees throughout the match.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between physical fitness and physical performance in competition and the decision-making (successes and errors). A sample of 22 male national-level soccer referees (weight: 72.7 kg; height: 178.0 cm; age: 23.4 years) participated in this study. Physical fitness was assessed through 6 series of 40 m (velocity) and Yo-yo (aerobic) test in annual exam by Soccer Committee, physical performance was performed through the total distance covered in competition (Experiment 1), and decision-making was registered through a simulated Video Assistant Referee system (VAR) with the consensus of 2 national referees evaluating only warnings (yellow cards), expulsions (red cards), established penalties and obvious goal actions (called and no called) (Experiments 2 and 3). Results showed that physical fitness test was related with total distance (rho = 0.63, p < .01) and success rate percentage (rho = 0.74, p < .05) registered during competition. The success rate percentage, in the first half, was observed 44% successes, and in the second half, 59% successes. The number of events called was related with the physical fitness test score (R2 = 0.71, p = .035; R2 = 0.64, p = .056, respectively). As conclusion, the main finding of this study has provided insight into decision-making behavior in real competitive matches and the physical fitness was the predictor of the successful decision-making being able to determine the permanency, promotion or decrease of category.

Cause-Effect: The Relationship between Role and Experience with Psychological and Physical Responses in the Competition Context in Soccer Referees.

This study analyzed the effects of psychological responses (impulsivity, self-esteem, self-confidence, and anxiety) in baseline and pre-competitive contexts of national soccer referees (SRs), their control of the game (yellow and red cards), and physical performance (PP) according to the role (assistant or main referee), and experience in the category. Twenty-seven national SRs from Spain participated in this study. Baseline and pre-competitive psychological data were collected through the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2 test), Urgency, Premeditation (lack of), Perseverance (lack of), Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency, Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P test), and Rosenberg tests. Furthermore, WIMU PRO™ inertial devices were used to monitor PP. The results indicated that a lack of perseverance and self-esteem were higher in the main SRs and somatic anxiety in assistant SRs. Experience of SRs was related to anxiety, self-confidence, self-esteem, impulsivity dimensions, and PP metrics (p < 0.05). Finally, red cards were related to positive and negative urgency (r = 0.38 and r = 0.35, p < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, the main SRs and SRs with more experience had better psychological characteristics and PP in a competitive context. However, yellow and red cards were not associated with these factors, although red cards were related with urgency. Based on these data, specific training programs could be incorporated to enhance emotional control in SRs with less experience to achieve greater performance and professional development.

Relationship between muscular strength and sprints with changes of direction.

Sprints with changes of direction (COD) have been traditionally associated with performance in team sports. Jumping tests have been used as predictors of COD; however, there are not too many studies analyzing how dominance affects the best performance of the turn. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between tests pertaining to jumps (1 and 2 legs) and COD (right and left turns). Forty-two male students were selected at the Faculty of Physical Education (age: 20.1 ± 3.7 years; weight: 73.4 ± 8.4 kg; body mass index: 23.1 ± 2.6 kg·m(-2); and fat mass: 17.1 ± 8.8%). All the subjects had right leg dominance. The COD tests were assessed using three 10-m sprint tests (90° right and left turns and 180° turn). Jumps were countermovement jumps (CMJs with 1 and 2 legs) and the drop jump (DJ). Pearson coefficient correlation and stepwise regression analyses were performed. Our results showed that both CMJs and DJs were associated with COD. The CMJ with the right leg had the best coefficient correlation with left COD time (r = -0.64; p < 0.01). Also, the CMJ was associated with COD180° time (r = -0.60; p < 0.01). After regression analysis, only right one-leg CMJ and CMJ were predictors of left COD time (adjusted R2 = 0.46; p < 0.01). The main finding of this study was that the CMJ, but not the DJ, was the best predictor of dominant side COD. Jumps are an important component of team sport training because they improve COD performance. However, coaches use several types of jumps during training; our results suggest that jumps similar to the CMJ should be useful tools to improve COD, which helps to specify better training prescription.

National vs. Non-National Soccer Referee: Physiological, Physical, and Psychological Characteristics.

Purpose: The objectives of the present study were to analyze the relationship between psychological variables (self-esteem, anxiety and self-confidence) assessed before the competition and physical and physiological responses demonstrated during the competition in soccer referees and to compare these psychophysical and physiological responses by category (CAT; national and non-national). Method: A total of 153 soccer referees participated (age Mage = 23.2; SD = 4.8 years; experience Mage = 6.0; SD = 4.5 years) in the study. The CSAI-2 and Rosenberg questionnaires were conducted before the match, and match performance data were collected using GPS devices. Results: The results showed significant differences in self-esteem and self-confidence across CATs (p < .001; d > .84). The national referees had higher psychological and physical-physiological responses (mean and maximum heart rate) Some correlations were observed among the psychophysical and physiological responses, CAT and age, demonstrating that the age could explain up to 48.4% of the variance the referee CAT (p < .001) and this CAT could explain self-esteem, anxiety and self-confidence by up to 20% of the variance. Conclusions: national referees presented better psychological responses prior to the competition, and also obtained greater physical and physiological records, which could be translated into a better position on the pitch in conflicting plays in order to make a right and just decision.

Analyzing the relationship between self-efficacy and impulsivity in amateur soccer referees.

Soccer referees (SRs) are exposed to stressful situations during the competition that can affect decision-making, could be affected by impulsivity during the competition and therefore, require optimal psychological skills. The objective of this study was to ascertain and analyze the relationship between levels of impulsivity and self-efficacy of amateur SRs in the senior category. A total of 21 Spanish SRs participated in this study (age 23.57 ± 2.40 years and 7.81 ± 2.58 seasons of experience). Self-efficacy data were collected with the REFS questionnaire between 48 and 72 h before the competition. The impulsivity data were collected using the UPPS-P questionnaire 60 min before the start the competition. The results indicate that SRs with higher self-efficacy have lower levels of impulsivity, specifically in the dimensions of negative urgency (p < 0.01), positive urgency (p < 0.05), lack of premeditation (p < 0.001), and lack of perseverance (p < 0.001), as well as lower global impulsivity (p < 0.01). However, the SRs with the highest self-efficacy also obtained higher levels in the sensation seeking dimension (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the main finding of this study showed that self-efficacy is influenced by SR impulsivity prior to competition. These novel facts allow us to discover aspects related to decision-making in refereeing that can be trained to reach optimal levels.

A Data Analytics Approach to Assess the Functional and Physical Performance of Female Soccer Players: A Cohort Design.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to observe the individual results of fitness status [countermovement jump (CMJ)], hop test, linear sprinting time, stride frequency, stride distance, force-power-velocity, peak power maximal and maximal speed, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) and functional performance (overhead squat, single-leg squat test, dumbbell hip-hinge, Thomas test, hip extension, and internal and external hip rotators) and (ii) to analyze the relationship between anthropometrical measures and values of fitness status with % of difference in the Thomas test, hip extension, and internal and external hip rotators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study followed a cohort design. Sixteen female soccer players competing in the second division of the Spanish league were monitored during the first days of the pre-season. These players were evaluated three times during the preseason of the cohort period. The dataset showed a negative moderate correlation between time and percentage of difference in hip angle and another positive moderate correlation between maximal sprint and percentage of difference in hip angle (r = -0.54, p = 0.02 and r = 0.53, p = 0.04), respectively. The correlations of stride time and distance with hip extension are interesting, as professional soccer players should have higher levels of hip flexor flexibility during the stride phase, recoil of the instep kick action.

Effects of Warm-Up Training on Psychomotor Vigilance and Repeated-Sprint Ability of Professional Soccer Referees: A Pilot Study.

For this research, we analyzed the immediate effects of warm-up condition (WC) or without warm-up condition (WWC) on amateur referees' physical and cognitive functioning. Eight professional soccer referees from the Balearic Committee of Football Referees were the participants of this study. Body composition characteristics were measured and the scores on three tests were recorded: the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery, repeated-sprint ability, and psychomotor vigilance task. Regarding results, the psychomotor vigilance task was performed better after warm-up training (p = .002, η2 = .79) with faster reaction times following WC (M = 318.2, SD = 27.1 ms) than WWC (M = 334.9, SD = 26.1). Similarly, the referees' performance was better on the repeated-sprint ability test after WC (p = .002, d = 0.53) than WWC, with minimum and average power values higher after WC (M = 626.77, SD = 112.57) than WWC (M = 562.35, SD = 79.63). We conclude that re-warm-up training may mitigate the vigilance performance changes caused by effects of rest on soccer referees.

Level of Precompetitive Anxiety and Self-Confidence in High Level Padel Players.

The objectives of the present study were firstly to evaluate precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence (SC) in padel players according to their playing level; and secondly, to study the factors that influence the levels of precompetitive anxiety and SC. One hundred padel players, all of whom were federated men (age: M = 27.6, SD = 7.5 years; weight: M = 73.4, SD = 9.8 kg; height: M = 175.6, SD = 7.5 cm) participated in the research. The CSAI-2 (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2) questionnaire was used and a one-way ANOVA and a two- and three-ways MANOVA were conducted. The results show that the players from a better category had higher scores in SC and lower scores in somatic anxiety (SA) (η 2 = 0.10 and η 2 = 0.12, respectively). Moreover, the factors of category, body mass index (BMI) and experience, predicted 82% of the variance explained by the SC of the player. As a conclusion, this study has made it possible to ascertain that the playing category, understood as the level of the padel players, determines the levels of anxiety and SC and represents a key factor for the prediction of sports performance.

Effect of Exercise Intensity on Psychomotor Vigilance During an Incremental Endurance Exercise in Under-19 Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of an incremental resistance test on psychomotor vigilance in 16 soccer players under-19 years old (age 16.42 ± 0.85 years). Borg 15-point subjective perception of effort scale, the psychomotor vigilance task test, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test were used. Four evaluation sessions were conducted with different intensities of efforts (30%-40%, 60%-75%, 80%-90%, and 100%) on different days (counterbalanced order). A repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed in the reaction time of the psychomotor vigilance task. The results showed that participants responded faster during efforts between 80% and 90% of maximal oxygen uptake (501.20 ± 70.77 ms). From that threshold, the players decreased their performance through a longer reaction time (601.23 ± 85.05 ms; p value < .001). The main findings were that the reaction time performance was worse at the lowest and highest effort conditions (5 and 17 km/hr, respectively). This fact helps to focus on the importance of designing and proposing training tasks with medium-high efforts to provoke optimal reaction times in young soccer players.