The Effect of a Balance Training Program on the Balance and Technical Skills of Adolescent Soccer Players.

Soccer is a complex sport, and balance appears to play a crucial role in the quality execution of technical skills, which are mostly performed while standing on one foot. Nevertheless, in younger ages, when learning still affects soccer performance, the effect of a balance-training program on the player's balance and technical skills remains unexplored. This research examined the effect of a balance-training program (BTP) on balance and technical skills of adolescent soccer players. Τhe participating volunteers were thirty-two soccer players (12-13 years old with 3.84 ± 0.95 years of practice), randomly separated into two groups: an experimental (EXP, n1 = 17) and a control group (CON, n2 = 15). Both groups were evaluated in static and dynamic balance and in technical skills (dribbling, passing, juggling, and shooting with dominant and non-dominant legs) before (Pre-condition) and after the intervention (Post-condition) which was an eight-week BTP for the EXP group and a placebo-training program for the CON group. Α 2 by 2 (groups×condition) mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures on the condition factor was used to assess possible differences between groups. A significant groups × condition interaction effect was found in dynamic balance (p = 0.008), static (p = 0.042), and shooting (p = 0.022) with dominant leg performance. The EXP group improved (p = 0.007) its static balance by 37.82% and also significantly improved its dynamic balance and shooting accuracy with dominant leg in Post condition by 24.98% (p = 0.006) and 83.84% (p = 0.006) respectively. No significant improvement of other variables was detected in the EXP group Post condition. Dynamic and static balance, and shooting with dominant leg skills can be improved in adolescent soccer players through a specialized 8-week BTP. Balance-training program may contribute to technical skill improvement in soccer training.

Pivot Step Jump: A New Test for Evaluating Jumping Ability in Young Basketball Players.

Jumping ability in basketball is usually assessed using standardized vertical jump tests. However, they lack specificity and do not consider the player's basketball skills. Several studies have suggested performing specific jump tests, which are tailored to the movement patterns and requirements of a basketball game. The pivot step jump test (PSJT) is a novel test designed to evaluate the specific jumping abilities of basketball players by combining a pivot step on one leg with a maximum bilateral vertical jump. This study had two aims: to determine the reliability and validity of the PSJT using typical jump tests as the criterion measure and to demonstrate the PSJT as a practical test to evaluate specific jumping ability in young male and female basketball players. Twenty female (EGA; 14.0 ± 0.7 years, 59.3 ± 7.9 kg, 162.1 ± 5.5 cm) and fifteen male (EGB; 14.0 ± 0.7 years, 58.1 ± 7.7 kg, 170.3 ± 6.4 cm) basketball players participated in the study. The test−retest reliability of the PSJT within sessions (intrasession reliability) and across sessions (intersession reliability) was assessed within EGA. For the evaluation of validity, EGB performed the PSJT and a series of criterion jumping tests. For EGA, no changes (p > 0.05) were found in PSJT performance between test sessions and excellent intra- and intersession reliability was observed (ICCs > 0.75). Correlation coefficients indicated high factorial validity between the jumping tests and PSJT (r = 0.71−0.91, p < 0.001). The PSJT appears to offer a valid assessment of jumping ability in basketball and is a practical test for assessing sport-specific jumping skills in young basketball players.

Effect of 3 vs. 3 Soccer Small-Sided Game on Various Performance, Inflammatory, Muscle Damage and Hormonal Indicators in Semi-Professional Players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a soccer small-sided game (SSG) on performance, inflammatory, muscle damage and hormonal indicators. Twenty-two male soccer players participated and were assigned to either experimental (EXP = 12) or control (CON = 10) groups. Subjective fatigue (RPE) and lactate (La¯) were measured during the SSG; vertical squat jump (SJ), 20-m sprint, creatine kinase (CK), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cortisol (C), and testosterone (T) were measured before (PRE), after (POST), 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the SSG in the EXP group. The heart rate during the SSG reached 92 ± 3% of their HRmax, whereas La¯ and RPE reached 13.02 ± 1.60 mmol·L−1 and 15 ± 1 after SSG, respectively. The IL-6, different among measurements (F (1.04, 11.50) = 504.82, p < 0.001), peaked (3.52 ± 0.43 pg·mL−1 [95%CI; 3.28−3.77]) after the SSG and returned to baseline 24 h later. The CK, different among measurements (F (1.76, 19.32) = 93.96, p < 0.001), peaked (536.58 ± 124.73U·L−1 [95%CI; 466.01−607.15]) 24 h after the SSG and remained significantly higher than PRE condition in POST and up to 72 h later. The T/C ratio, significantly different among measurements (F (1.73, 19.05) = 12.12, p < 0.001), was at its lowest (0.44 ± 0.16 [95%CI; 0.35−0.54]) immediately after the SSG (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline after 24 h. It seems that 48 h (at the most) after an SSG is adequate time for players to recover, and a high training load should be avoided sooner than 24 h after an SSG.

Sprinting and dribbling differences in young soccer players: a kinematic approach.

Sprinting and dribbling a ball are considered essential for success in team sports, such as soccer. The purpose of the present study was to examine straight line (SL) and changes of direction (COD) sprinting and dribbling abilities after a standing and a flying starting position. Twelve amateur U12 male soccer players participated in the study. The participants were tested in four different sprinting conditions. The first consisted of 15 m SL sprinting and dribbling test by standing position; the second consisted of 15 m SL sprinting and dribbling test by flying start. The third condition consisted of 15 m COD sprinting and dribbling test by standing position, and the fourth condition consisted of 15 m COD sprinting and dribbling test by flying start. T-tests analysis indicated significant differences between SL sprinting and dribbling sprinting tests (P < 0.05) and between standing and flying start positions (P < 0.05). Step frequency was higher for sprinting tests (P < 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that step length was longer when players had a standing position (P < 0.05). These findings emphasize the importance for trainers to add parts without ball, focused on the development of certain fitness and running components.

Effects of a Futsal Game on Metabolic, Hormonal, and Muscle Damage Indicators of Male Futsal Players.

ABSTRACT: Bekris, E, Gioldasis, A, Gissis, I, Katis, A, Mitrousis, I, and Mylonis, E. Effects of a futsal game on metabolic, hormonal and muscle damage indicators of male futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 545-550, 2022-The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a futsal game on several metabolic, hormonal, and muscle damage indicators. Twenty-one male top-level futsal players participated in the study. Players were divided into 2 groups according to playing time: the long playing time (LPT) group and the short playing time (SPT) group. Game intensity parameters such as percentage of the HRmax and blood lactate concentration, as well as metabolic, hormonal, and muscle damage indicators were examined before and after a futsal game. The results showed that during the game, the intensity was up to 93% of HRmax and lactate concentrations ranged from 5.8 to 21.8 mmol·L-1. The LPT group showed an increased lactate dehydrogenase level compared with the SPT group (p < 0.05). Similarly, creatine kinase was significantly increased in the LPT group (p < 0.05) after the game. By contrast, nonsignificant differences were observed between groups for alanine transaminase (ALT-SGPT), aspartate transaminase (AST-SGOT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase enzymes (p > 0.05). The testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C) reduced for both groups after the game (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicated that a futsal game have a significantly effect on several hormonal, metabolic, and muscle damage indicators for players who participate for a longer playing time in the game. Therefore, the evaluation of these volumes could assist coaches to organize specific, effective, and individualized training programs.

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.

Evaluation of ball passing and space detection skill in soccer: implementation of two new soccer tests.

The present study examined the validity and reliability of two new soccer tests: the Passing Accuracy Test (PAT), which assesses ball passing accuracy in combination with visual stimulus recognition and the Passing and Visual Recognition test (PVR), which assesses player's space detection skill in a 360 degrees range along with the frequency and the accuracy of ball passing technique. Participants were allocated in four (4) groups based on their age: the Under 11 (U11) group consisted of 101 players, the Under 14 (U14) group consisted of 100 players, the Under 17 (U17) group consisted of 118 players and the Adults (AD) group consisted of 43 players. The typical error, the limits of agreement and the ICC of PAT and PVR test were examined. The results of the study showed high validity and reliability for both tests with the exception in PAT for adult group (ICC = 0.33-0.83; P < 0.05). Therefore, both tests could be valuable tools to assess the accuracy of ball passing technique and the space detection skill in players of different ages.

Variation of aerobic performance indices of professional elite soccer players during the annual macrocycle.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to examine the variation of aerobic performance parameters of elite Greek soccer players. METHODS: In the study participated twenty-four (24) male professional soccer players (age: 24.3±4.3 years, height: 180.3±3.8 cm and mass: 77.4±6.1 kg), who competed at the top level of the Greek National Championship. Four measurements regarding aerobic parameters were conducted during the annual training cycle (preseason, start of the season, end of the first championship round and end of the season). RESULTS: The ANOVA analysis showed that maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was significantly increased after the completion of the preseason and continued to increase until the end of the first round of the Championship. In contrast, a decline was observed towards the end of the season. The velocity to maximum oxygen uptake (vVO2max) and the velocity parameter in respiratory threshold were significantly increased at the end of the preseason and the end of the first round, while the parameters were differentiated at the end of the season. The lactate concentration showed no significant changes during the four measurements. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic observation of players' performance, especially recording parameters such as VO2max, during the annual training cycle, could provide the necessary feedback for both trainers and players in order to increase team performance.

The dribbling agility test as a potential tool for evaluating the dribbling skill in young soccer players.

The present study examined the construct validity and reliability of a new dribbling agility test (DAT) that incorporates reactive agility and multiple change of direction. To check its' validity, (a) DAT was performed by four groups (under 10, under 12, under 14 and under 16 yrs) of young soccer players (n = 125 in each group) and (b) a regression analysis was conducted to define the best DAT predictors. The reliability of DAT was assessed with repeated measurements. This test can differentiate the dribbling skill between groups (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 68% of the observed variance in DAT was explained by zigzag dribbling test, Illinois agility test, reaction time and running speed. The test-retest reliability was high in all groups (ICC = 0.77 - 0.90, p < 0.01). It was concluded that DAT can be a potential tool to evaluate the dribbling performance in young soccer players.

Combined visual and dribbling performance in young soccer players of different expertise.

We aimed to evaluate dribbling performance in terms of technique and visual skills assessment of both young experienced (EX, n = 24) and novice (NO, n = 24) soccer players. Both groups performed two dribbling tests with four levels of difficulty in visual signals (A1-A4 and B1-B4; B - half distance of A; 1 - no visual signal; 4 - signal with the shorter flashing time). All players performed slower when visual signals were added to the testing process (~2.5 s; p < 0.01). EX completed all tests faster than NO (~3 s, p < 0.01). The average number of visual mistakes was significantly lower for EX than NO in all tests (p < 0.01). These results demonstrated the importance of evaluating dribbling along with visual stimuli in young soccer EX and NO players.