Examination of Physical Fitness Parameters Between Professional and Amateur Greek Soccer Players During the Transition Period.

ABSTRACT: Bekris, E, Pidoulas, G, Pidoulas, P, Gissis, I, Katis, A, and Komsis, S. Examination of physical fitness parameters between professional and amateur Greek soccer players during the transition period. J Strength Cond Res 35(3): 776-781, 2021-The aim of the study was to compare physical fitness parameters between professional and amateur soccer players of different levels. The sample consisted of 381 soccer players divided in 4 experimental groups: first division professional players (n = 115), second division professional players (n = 70), third division semiprofessional players (n = 93), and amateur soccer players (n = 103). Players were tested for several physiological parameters at the end of the transition period. Analysis of variance showed significantly lower body fat and increased maximum oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) and velocity of maximum oxygen consumption (vV̇o2max) values for first division professional players compared with the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Similarly, first division professional players showed higher performance during squat jump and countermovement jump test compared with the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences on flexibility test were observed between amateur players and the other group (p < 0.05). The results of the study indicated that Greek soccer players at the highest level overcome in almost all the underexamination physiological parameters probably because of less absence from training and better implementation of training programs during the transition period.