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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo, la ansiedad y la autoconfianza en jugadores de fútbol semiprofesionales / Rating of perceived exertion, anxiety and self-confidence in semi-professional soccer players

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo y de los estados de ansiedad (cognitiva y somática), autoconfianza en jugadores de fútbol semiprofesionales. Método: han participado 18 jugadores españoles semiprofesionales con experiencia mínima de tres años en la categoría nacional (edad: 26.4 años, peso: 75.8 kg, altura: 181 cm) clasificados en dos porteros, tres defensas centrales, tres defensas laterales, cuatro centrocampistas, tres extremos y tres delanteros. Se analizaron 10 partidos (cinco como locales y cinco como visitantes) y se usó el cuestionario Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 y escala Category Ratio 10 de Borg para la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo. Se realizó el test de análisis de la varianza de un factor (posición de juego) y t-test para muestras independientes (localización y rol). Resultados: se han obtenido diferencias significativas en estas variables psicofisiológicas en relación con las posiciones de juego, localización y rol de juego. Conclusión: en este estudio de caso, los jugadores con rol defensivo y los que juegan como visitantes tienen menor percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo y los atacantes presentan mayor ansiedad somática y autoconfianza previos a la competición deportiva.

Abstract Objetive: To analyze the rate of perceived exertion and anxiety states (cognitive and somatic), self-confidence in semi-professional soccer players. Method: 18 semi-professional Spanish soccer players with at least 3 years' experience in the national category participated (age: 26.4; weight: 75.8 kg; height: 181 cm), classified as two goalkeepers, three central defenders, three internal defenders, four midfielders, three wingers, three forwards. Ten matches were analyzed (five at home and five as visitors) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 questionnaire and Borg's Category Ratio scale 10 for the rate of perceived exertion were used. A one-way analysis of variance test (game position) and t-test for independent samples (location and role) were performed. Results: Significant differences have been obtained in these psycho-physiological variables in relation to game positions, location, and game role. Conclusion: In this case report, players with a defensive role and those who play as visitors have lower rate of perceived exertion and attackers have higher somatic anxiety and self-confidence prior to the sports competition.

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.

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.

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.

Relationship between age, category and experience with the soccer referee's self-efficacy.

Soccer referees (SRs) encounter stressful situations during competitions and sometimes even outside them, which may affect their decision making. Therefore, it is important that they possess or acquire optimal levels of self-efficacy, since it is related to less stress during competition, also guaranteeing sports performance and prevent sports abandonment. The objectives of this study were to characterize the profile, in terms of self-efficacy, of SRs depending on their category, age, and experience and to determine the relationship of these factors on SR self-efficacy. Two-hundred fifty-six Spanish referees participated in this study and Referee Self-Efficacy Scale was administered and completed. The results indicated that the SRs older than 25 years, of national category, and with experience greater than or equal to 8 years, have higher levels of self-efficacy than those with the least (p < .01). Likewise, moderate positive correlations were also observed between global self-efficacy and the category, age, and experience of the SRs. In conclusion, age, category and experience factors relate the self-efficacy of the SR, which can explain up to 17% of the variance, affecting decision-making and other decisive behaviors in the competition. These findings are of interest to delegations and referee committees seeking to implement psychological intervention programs to prevent burnout and abandonment of sports practice due to the consequences of low self-efficacy.

How and why do young soccer players change the Flow State?

Flow State (FS) as well as other psychological characteristics influence sports performance (SP) and could be relevant according to the playing position in team sports, such as the soccer where players have different specific functions within the team. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in FS dimensions in young soccer players between training time (TR) and official competition time (CM), according to the playing position and, to find relationships between FS dimensions and physical characteristics and academic performance. A total of 141 U16 soccer players were selected (14.7 ± 0.5 years). Data was collected for academic performance, physical and socio-demographic characteristics, and on two occasions, the dimensions of FS (before of a TR and CM). The results showed that the FS dimensions are higher before of the TR than before of the CM (p < 0.05) in all playing positions. In clear goals dimension, forwards showed lower scores than other playing positions, and various dimensions had a positive relationship with academic performance. In conclusion, the FS presented in CM is lower in U16 soccer players compared to that presented in TR. This work has contributed to increasing the knowledge of the fluctuation of the FS that negatively influence the soccer player in pre-competition states and the influence of various factors on this construct.

Influencia del sobrepeso y la obesidad sobre la fuerza en la infancia / Influence of overweight and obesity on strength in childhood

Introducción: el sobrepeso y la obesidad alcanzan una alta prevalencia desde la infancia en España. Objetivo: describir el efecto del sobrepeso y la obesidad en niños escolares de once años de edad, en pruebas que valoran la fuerza, tanto de las extremidades inferiores como de las superiores, así como la velocidad. Método: participaron en el estudio 423 escolares de once años de edad. Se obtuvieron características básicas antropométricas y desarrollaron diversos test de la batería EUROFIT. Resultados: los niños y niñas que se encuentran en normopeso poseen mejores puntuaciones en las pruebas de condición física en general. De este modo, los saltos verticales y horizontales, suspensión en barra y abdominales son superiores en los participantes con normopeso (p < 0,05). Además, recorren en menos tiempo un circuito de velocidad en ambos sexos (p < 0,001); sin embargo, en la fuerza isométrica manual, en el grupo de niñas poseen mejores resultados aquellas que se encuentran en sobrepeso u obesidad (p < 0,01). Conclusiones: los niños de once años con sobrepeso y obesidad muestran una menor prestación muscular, salvo en el caso de la fuerza isométrica manual. También se han determinado diversas ecuaciones de predicción de resultados de las pruebas físicas llevadas a cabo, como saltos, dinamometría y velocidad, a través del sexo e índice de masa corporal (IMC)

Introduction: overweight and obesity reach a high prevalence since childhood in Spain. Objective: to describe the effect of overweight and obesity, in schoolchildren of eleven years of age, in tests that assess the strength of both the lower and upper extremities, as well as speed. Method: four hundred and twenty-three schoolchildren of eleven years of age participated in the study. Basic anthropometric characteristics were obtained and several tests of the EUROFIT battery were developed. Results: normal-weight boys and girls had better scores in physical condition tests in general. Therefore, the vertical and horizontal jumps, bar suspension and abdominals were higher in the participants with normal-weight (p < 0.05). In addition, they performed in less time a speed circuit in both sexes (p < 0.001); however, in relation to the manual isometric strength, in the group of girls those who are overweight or obese have better results (p < 0.01). Conclusions: overweight and obese children of eleven year-olds showed a lower muscular performance, except in the case of manual isometric strength. Several equations haven been also determined for predicting the results of physical tests carried out such as jumps, dynamometry and speed, through sex and body mass index (BMI)

Self-Concept and Physical Activity: Differences Between High School and University Students in Spain and Portugal.

The period of adolescence stands out as a critical and decisive phase, first because it leaves its mark on personality development, which is affected by psychosocial factors, and second because the healthy lifestyle habits acquired during this stage form a foundation for adulthood. The objective of the present study was first to evaluate the levels of participation in physical activities (PA) and of self-concept in high school and university students, and second to find relationships between these psycho-physical variables. Four hundred and forty adolescents ranging in age from 16 to 20 years, from Spain and Portugal, participated in this study (cross-sectional design). The IPAQ and Self-Concept Form-5 questionnaires were used. The results demonstrated some differences; the Portuguese university students had lower scores in the academic, emotional and physical dimensions and vigorous PA but higher sitting time, walking and moderate PA compared to Portuguese high school students. In addition, Spanish university students had lower self-concept scores although higher practice of PA and lower sitting time than Spanish high school students (p < 0.05). On the other hand, a positive relationship was found between different dimensions of self-concept and levels of PA, while the relationship between these dimensions and the time the adolescent spent sitting was negative. In conclusion, the university students have lower scores of self-concept dimensions (in general), and the practice of PA is higher in Spanish university students, confirming the clear presence of differences between both educational stages. The relationship between the dimensions of self-concept in general and the level of PA was positive (following the contributions of Marsh).