Effects of padel activity and proprioception training on soccer players in an off-season period

BACKGROUND

Off-season periods imply considerable changes in the fitness status of soccer players. So far, no studies evaluated the effects of proprioception-focused training during soccer off-season periods. In this work, we assessed how much some players' abilities (static and dynamic balance, reaction times, quickness, strength, and technical skills) were affected by proprioception training and padel activity during an off-season period of 12 weeks.

METHODS

Twenty-eight non-professional adult male soccer players were organized into three groups: a group carried out regular padel activity, ~2 h once a week. Another group underwent a regular proprioception training program, ~ 20 min, twice a week. The third group did not perform any specific activity (control). Static and dynamic balance, reaction times, quickness, strength, and technical skills were evaluated at three time-points: before starting, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Both padel activity and specific proprioception training carried out for 12 weeks significantly improved players' monopodalic static balance with eyes open and dynamic balance. No significant effects of these training regimens were found on monopodalic static balance with eyes closed, visual and acoustic reaction times, acyclic quickness, and strength. Furthermore, proprioception training considerably improved technical skills.

CONCLUSIONS

Coaches may use padel activity and proprioception exercises for off-season programs featured by ease of execution, low training volume, and high compliance.

Supervised Offseason Training Programs are able to mitigate the Effects of Detraining in Youth Men Soccer Players Physical Fitness: A Randomized Parallel Controlled Study

This study aimed to analyze the effects of three off-season training programs on the aerobic capacity, countermovement jump (CMJ), and linear sprint performance of young male soccer players. The study employed a randomized multi-arm design, consisting of three experimental groups: i) a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group; (ii) a plyometric jump training (PJT) group; and (iii) a HIIT+PJT group; and an inactive control group. Fifty-eight under-19 male soccer players (aged 17.6 ±0.6 years) were randomly assigned to participate in a 3-week offseason training program exclusively performing HIIT, PJT, or a combination of both, while the fourth group remained inactive. Players underwent assessments twice, using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test - Level 1 (YYIRT), CMJ, and 30-meter linear sprint. Significant interactions between time and groups were found in CMJ (p<0.001), YYIRT (p<0.001), and 30-m sprint (p<0.001). Group*time interaction revealed that the control group was significantly different from HIIT (p<0.001), PJT (p<0.001), and HIIT+PJT (p<0.001) considering the CMJ. Moreover, the control group was significantly different from HIIT (p=0.037) in YYIRT. Finally, the control group was significantly different from HIIT (p=0.024), PJT (p<0.001), and HIIT+PJT (p=0.021) considering the 30-m sprint. In conclusion, off-season training programs are effective in significantly reducing declines in CMJ and sprint performance compared to maintaining training cessation. However, in the YYIRT, only HIIT seems to be significantly superior to maintaining inactivity. To mitigate aerobic performance declines, incorporating HIIT sessions twice weekly during the offseason is advisable. To enhance or maintain jump performance, integrating at least one session of PJT weekly is beneficial.

Short-Term Effects of Lower-Extremity Heavy Resistance versus High-Impact Plyometric Training on Neuromuscular Functional Performance of Professional Soccer Players

BACKGROUND

To compare the effects of short-term 8 week heavy-resistance or plyometric training protocols (HRT or PLY) incorporated into regular soccer practice on measures of neuromuscular functional performance in professional soccer players, a single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted.

METHODS

Forty-seven participants aged 22.3 ± 3.52 years were assigned to three groups: HRT (n = 15), PLY (n = 15), and control (CON; n = 17). The HRT group performed 3 sets and 10 repetitions twice a week using 80% of their baseline 1-RM (weeks 1-3), followed by 8 repetitions at 85% 1-RM (weeks 4-6), and 6 repetitions at 90% 1-RM (weeks 7-8) of 6 lower-body strength exercises with a 1 min rest period between sets. The PLY protocol involved a preparatory phase (weeks 1-2), followed by two 3-week progressive periods (weeks 3-5 and weeks 6-8). The plyometric sessions consisted of four jump exercises/drills with progressively increasing number of sets and total number of foot contacts. The rest intervals between repetitions and sets were 15 and 90 s, respectively. Outcome measures included tests assessing 10 and 30 m speed (t10m and t30m), one-repetition maximum half-back squat (1-RM squat), isokinetic peak torques for the quadriceps and hamstring muscles (Qcon and Hcon), countermovement jump (CMJ), and squat jump (SJ).

RESULTS

Two-way ANOVA detected main effects of time and group×time interactions for all examined variables, except t30m, 1-RM, and relative 1-RM. Post hoc analyses revealed significant increases in the HRT group (t10m: 6.3%, t30m: 7.1%; absolute 1-RM: 29.6%; relative 1-RM: 30.3%, Qcon: 24.5%; Hcon: 14.4%; CMJ: 5.9%; SJ: 7.2%, all p < 0.001) and the PLY group (t10m: 3.1%; t30m: 4.1%; absolute 1-RM:19.1%; relative 1-RM: 20.3%; Qcon: 12.6%; Hcon: 8.7%; CMJ: 3.3%; SJ: 3.5%, all p < 0.001). HRT was superior compared to PLY in relative 1-RM, Qcon and Hcon (all p < 0.001). In addition, we found knee muscular strength imbalance in 70.5% of participants from the total sample (H/Q ratio < 60%). The HRT and PLY protocols resulted in improved neuromuscular functional performance compared to the regular soccer regime.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that during the pre-competitive season, additional HRT and PLY drills/exercises as a substitute for standard soccer training as part of a regular 90 min practice twice a week for 8 weeks, can produce acute physical performance-enhancing effects in professional soccer players.

Programming Plyometric-Jump Training in Soccer: A Review

The aim of this review was to describe and summarize the scientific literature on programming parameters related to jump or plyometric training in male and female soccer players of different ages and fitness levels. A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus using keywords related to the main topic of this study (e.g., “ballistic” and “plyometric”). According to the PICOS framework, the population for the review was restricted to soccer players, involved in jump or plyometric training. Among 7556 identified studies, 90 were eligible for inclusion. Only 12 studies were found for females. Most studies (n = 52) were conducted with youth male players. Moreover, only 35 studies determined the effectiveness of a given jump training programming factor. Based on the limited available research, it seems that a dose of 7 weeks (1−2 sessions per week), with ~80 jumps (specific of combined types) per session, using near-maximal or maximal intensity, with adequate recovery between repetitions (<15 s), sets (≥30 s) and sessions (≥24−48 h), using progressive overload and taper strategies, using appropriate surfaces (e.g., grass), and applied in a well-rested state, when combined with other training methods, would increase the outcome of effective and safe plyometric-jump training interventions aimed at improving soccer players physical fitness. In conclusion, jump training is an effective and easy-to-administer training approach for youth, adult, male and female soccer players. However, optimal programming for plyometric-jump training in soccer is yet to be determined in future research.

International football players with cerebral palsy maintained their physical fitness after a self-training program during the COVID-19 lockdown

Background

The COVID-19 global pandemic caused a complete stop in sport participation which meant a detraining period for athletes. High-level athletes had to train at home guided by their coaches and conditioning trainers in an effort to maintain their physical fitness. The aim of maintaining the training adaptations and physical fitness during the COVID-19 mandatory lockdown was especially important for CP athletes, in which the detraining period was expected to cause early declines in motor function, poor coordination and muscle weakness due to their disability.

Methods

The present study assessed the effect of a guided self-training program on international CP football players' physical fitness during the COVID-19 mandatory lockdown. Fifteen CP football players from the Spanish National Team participated in the study. An experimental design with a pre- (T1) and a post-intervention (T2) assessment was carried out, with a 12-week period of players' self-training (divided in two periods of 6 weeks) which combined strength and endurance training. Physical performance assessment consisted in the free countermovement jump (CMJ), 5, 10 and 20-m sprint, the modified agility T-test (MAT) and a dribbling test. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for between-group comparisons, while the Student's paired t test or the Fisher Pitman permutation test, based on the normality of the data, were used for within-group comparisons.

Results

The results showed no differences between sport classes (FT1, FT2 and FT3) in physical fitness change after the training program (Chi² = 0.16 to 1.73; p = 0.42 to 0.92). Within-group comparisons showed an increase of jump height in the CMJ (4.19 cm [2.46, 5.93]; p < 0.001) and a maintenance of the 5, 10 and 20-m sprint, MAT and dribbling ability (<0.01 to 0.09 s; p = 0.19 to 0.97).

Discussion

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that examined the physical fitness adaptations to a training program with CP football players. The results show that a 12-week guided self-training program without football-specific stimulus may be effective to maintain or even improve the specific physical performance of international CP football players during a non-competitive period (as the COVID-19 lockdown). This study reveals that CP football players are able to show adaptations to the strength and endurance training and this could be the basis for future research regarding training adaptations in CP football players.

Effects of Plyometric Jump Training on Jump and Sprint Performance in Young Male Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Even from a young age, modern soccer requires high levels of physical fitness development, particularly jumping and sprinting. Plyometric jump training (PJT), combined with young athletes' regular soccer sessions, has the potential to improve jumping and sprinting. However, studies exploring the effects of PJT are generally limited by small sample sizes. This problem of underpowered studies may, thus, be resolved by pooling study results in a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis (SRMA) was to assess the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) on jumping and sprinting among young male soccer players.

METHODS

The SRMA included peer-reviewed articles that incorporated PJT in healthy players (i.e., < 23 years of age), a control group, and a measure of jumping or sprinting. Means and standard deviations of outcomes were converted to Hedges' g effect sizes (ES), using the inverse variance random-effects model. Moderator analyses were conducted for PJT duration, frequency, total number of sessions, participants' chronological age, and FIFA age categories (i.e., U-17 vs. U-20 vs. U-23). A multivariate random-effects meta-regression was also conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies were included, comprising 1499 participants. PJT improved vertical jump tests (ES = 0.60-0.98; all p < 0.01) and linear sprint performance (ES = 0.60-0.98; p < 0.03). Interventions of > 7 weeks and > 14 PJT sessions induced greater effects compared to PJT with ≤ 7 weeks and ≤ 14 total sessions on 10-m sprint performance (between group p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

PJT is effective in improving jumping and sprinting performance among young male soccer players. Greater 10-m linear sprinting improvements were noted after interventions > 7-week duration and > 14 sessions, suggesting a greater return from exposure to longer PJT interventions, partially in support for the adoption of a long-term approach to athletic development in young athletes. However, with reference to the findings of the meta-regression, and those from the remaining subgroup and single factors analysis, a robust confirmation regarding the moderator role of participant's age or PJT configuration effects on young soccer player's fitness qualities needed.

Detrimental Effects of the Off-Season in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The off-season period in soccer leads necessarily to changes in fitness status. However, there is a lack of systematization that allows identifying the magnitude of these changes in groups participating in off-season training programs compared with those subjected to training cessation.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of training cessation in off-season training programs on men soccer players' body fat, maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), yo-yo intermittent recovery test (YYIRT), vertical jump, sprinting time, and repeated-sprint ability.

METHODS

To qualify for inclusion in the systematic review, studies must have included: (1) a detraining period of ≥ 2 weeks; (2) controlled trials or cohorts of healthy men soccer players with no restriction on age; and (3) a pre-post training cessation or off-season training programs measure of body fat (%), VO_2max (mL kg^-1 min^-1), YYIRT performance (meters), vertical jump (height), sprinting (time), and repeated-sprint ability (total time).

RESULTS

The electronic search yielded 563 articles, and 12 were subsequently included. Significant (all p < 0.05) detrimental training cessation effects were noted for body fat (ES = 0.26), VO_2max (ES = - 1.48), YYIRT (ES = - 0.46), vertical jump (ES = - 0.81), and repeated-sprint ability (ES = 0.68). Similarly, significant (all p < 0.05) detrimental off-season training programs effects were noted for body fat (ES = 0.26), VO_2max (ES = - 0.48), vertical jump (ES = - 0.51), and sprinting time (ES = 0.86). When training cessation and off-season training programs effects were compared, greater detrimental effects were noted after training cessation for VO_2max (p = 0.002) and repeated-sprint ability (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Detrimental effects on body composition and physical fitness were observed after both training cessation and off-season training programs. However, off-season training programs seem to ameliorate such detrimental effects on VO_2max and repeated-sprint ability to some extent. The results presented here call for the implementation of more effective off-season training programs among male soccer players.

The Training of Short Distance Sprint Performance in Football Code Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Short-sprint (≤ 20 m) performance is an important quality for success in the football codes. Therefore, developing an evidence base for understanding training methods to enhance short-sprint performance is key for practitioners. However, current systematic reviews are limited by (1) a lack of focus on football code athletes, (2) a lack of consideration of all training modalities and (3) a failure to account for the normal training practices undertaken by intervention groups within their analysis. Therefore, this review aimed to (1) conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature evaluating training interventions upon short-sprint performance within football code athletes, (2) undertake a meta-analysis to assess the magnitude of change of sport-sprint performance following training interventions and (3) identify how moderator variables affect the training response.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to establish standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. This identified the magnitude and direction of the individual training effects of intervention subgroups (primary, secondary, combined-specific, tertiary and combined training methods) on short-sprint performance while considering moderator variables (i.e., football code, sex, age, playing standard, phase of season).

Results

121 studies met the inclusion criteria, totalling 3419 athletes. Significant improvements (small-large) were found between pre- and post-training in short-sprint performance for the combined, secondary, tertiary and combined-specific training methods. No significant effect was found for primary or sport only training. No individual mode was found to be the most effective. Between-subgroup analysis identified that football code, age, playing standard and phase of season all moderated the overall magnitude of training effects.

Conclusions

This review provides the largest systematic review and meta-analysis of short-sprint performance development methods and the only one to assess football code athletes exclusively. Practitioners can apply combined, secondary and tertiary training methods to improve short-sprint performance within football code athletes. The application of sport only and primary methods does not appear to improve short-sprint performance. Regardless of the population characteristics, short-sprint performance can be enhanced by increasing either or both the magnitude and the orientation of force an athlete can generate in the sprinting action.

Trial Registration

OSF registration https://osf.io/kshqn/.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40279-020-01372-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Performance changes during the off-season period in football players - Effects of age and previous hamstring injury

The aims of this study were to investigate changes in selected performance measures during an off-season period, their association, and the potential role of age and previous hamstring injury in semi-professional and amateur football players. Seventy-four male players (age: 25 ± 4 years, stature: 178.0 ± 6.6 cm, body mass: 74.9 ± 8.1 kg) were assessed at the beginning and end of the off-season summer-period for sprint, change-of-direction performance and eccentric hamstring strength. Small to medium increases in sprint times were observed at 5 (d = 0.26, p = 0.057), 10 (d = 0.42, p < 0.001) and 30 m (d = 0.64, p < 0.001). Small (d = -0.23, p = 0.033) improvements were observed for COD performance, and no changes in eccentric hamstring strength (d = 0.10, p = 0.317). The changes in the outcomes were not affected by age (p = 0.449 to 0.928) or previous hamstring injury (p = 0.109 to 0.995). The impaired sprint performance was not related to changes in eccentric hamstring strength (r = -0.21 to 0.03, p = 0.213 to 0.856), instead, changes in COD performance were associated with changes in eccentric hamstring strength (r = -0.42, p = 0.008).

The Effects of Lower-Extremity Plyometric Training on Soccer-Specific Outcomes in Adult Male Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Plyometric training is a specific form of strength training that is used to improve the physical performance of athletes. An overview of the effects of plyometric training on soccer-specific outcomes in adult male soccer players is not available yet.

PURPOSE

To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of plyometric training on soccer-specific outcome measures in adult male soccer players and to identify which programs are most effective.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase/Medline, Cochrane, PEDro, and Scopus were searched. Extensive quality and risk of bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane ROBINS 2.0 for randomized trials. A random effects meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Seventeen randomized trials were included in the meta-analysis. The impact of plyometric training on strength, jump height, sprint speed, agility, and endurance was assessed. Only jump height, 20-m sprint speed, and endurance were significantly improved by plyometric training in soccer players. Results of the risk of bias assessment of the included studies resulted in overall scores of some concerns for risk of bias and high risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

This review and meta-analysis showed that plyometric training improved jump height, 20-m sprint speed, and endurance, but not strength, sprint speed over other distances, or agility in male adult soccer players. However, the low quality of the included studies and substantial heterogeneity means that results need to be interpreted with caution. Future high-quality research should indicate whether or not plyometric training can be used to improve soccer-specific outcomes and thereby enhance performance.

Effects of short-term in-season break detraining on repeated-sprint ability and intermittent endurance according to initial performance of soccer player

To better understand the detraining effects in soccer, the purpose of the study was to analyse if performance level of soccer players modulate repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and intermittent endurance changes during 2-weeks of detraining (i.e., in-season break). Seventeen professional and sixteen young elite soccer players of two different teams performed, before and after 2-weeks of detraining, the RSA test and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 (YYIR1). Before detraining, professional players perform better (p < 0.05) RSA best time (RSA_best) than young players. A decrease (p < 0.05) in RSA_best, RSA total time (RSA_total) and mean time (RSA_mean) performance was observed in both teams, without changes in RSA fatigue index (Sdec). No significant changes in distance covered during YYIR1 was observed in any team. Before detraining, faster players from both teams (FG) (following the median split technique, soccer players with RSA_best ≤ 3.95 s) performed better (p < 0.01) in RSA_total, RSA_mean and RSA_best, but worse (p < 0.01) in Sdec. Although FG and the slower players (SG, RSA_best > 3.95 s) showed a worse (p < 0.05) RSA_total, RSA_best and RSA_mean performance after detraining (ES = 1.5, 1.4 and 2.9; ES = 0.6, 1.2 and 0.6; for FG and SG, respectively), the deterioration was greater in the FG for RSA_best (p < 0.05) and RSA_total (ES = 1.46). After detraining, FG improved (p < 0.05) Sdec performance. In conclusion, a 2-week in-season break (detraining) period induced a worse RSA, with no effect on intermittent endurance in professional and elite young soccer players, with greater detrimental effects on RSA_total and RSA_best in FG. In addition, Sdec does not seem to be sensitive to changes in RSA after a 2-week in-season break.

The Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results

Background: Although Yo-Yo intermittent tests are frequently used in a variety of sports and research studies to determine physical fitness, no structured reference exists for comparison and rating of test results. This systematic review of the most common Yo-Yo tests aimed to provide reference values for test results by statistical aggregation of published data.

Methods: A systematic literature search for articles published until August 2017 was performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Original reports on healthy females and males ≥16 years were eligible for the analysis. Sub-maximal test versions and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 Children's test (YYIR1C) were not included.

Results: 248 studies with 9,440 participants were included in the structured analysis. The Yo-Yo test types most frequently used were the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (YYIR1, 57.7%), the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 2 (YYIR2, 28.0%), the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Level 2 (YYIE2, 11.4%), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Level 1 (YYIE1, 2.9%) test. For each separate test, reference values (global means and percentiles) for sports at different levels and both genders were calculated.

Conclusions: Our analysis provides evidence that Yo-Yo intermittent tests reference values differ with respect to the type and level of sport performed.The presented results may be used by practitioners, trainers and athletes to rate Yo-Yo intermittent test performance levels and monitor training effects.

The effects of short term detraining and retraining on physical fitness in elite soccer players

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic high-intensity training with reduced volume and training cessation on body composition and physical fitness after the end of season and the time required to recapture physical fitness with intensified retraining following two weeks of detraining in elite soccer players.

Method

Twenty male semi-professional soccer players participated in this study. The soccer players were assigned to either a group that completed high-intensity aerobic training (HAT, n = 10) or to a detraining and retraining group (DHAT, n = 10) for a 5-week period immediately after the end of the season. The first 2 weeks of the period, members of the HAT group performed high-intensity aerobic exercise (80–90% of HRmax, 12 min × 3, three times per week), whereas members of the DHAT group abstained from any physical activity. During the subsequent 3 weeks, members of both the HAT and DHAT groups completed high-intensity aerobic exercise. Exercise performance testing and body composition analysis were performed before; after 2 weeks of detraining; and at 1, 2 and 3 weeks of retraining.

Results

Intensified high-intensity training for 5 weeks maintained the performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 test (Yo-Yo IR2) and repeated sprints at any time point (P > 0.05). However 2 weeks of detraining resulted in significant decreases in the performance on the Yo-Yo IR2 (P < 0.01) and repeated sprints test (P < 0.05). Performance on the Yo-Yo IR2 enhanced after 2 weeks of retraining and was maintained up to 3 weeks after retraining, with no significant differences between conditions (P > 0.05). In addition, repeated sprint performance markedly decreased after the detraining period (P < 0.05) and was continuously lower compared to the baseline at 2 weeks after retraining (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this value reached baseline level at the end of the experimental period (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between conditions in body composition, performance of agility, or sprint ability throughout the 5-week experimental period (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The present data suggest that short-term detraining after the competitive season can markedly decrease performances in the Yo-Yo IR2 test and repeated sprints. To return to a previous level of ability on the Yo-Yo IR2 and/or sprint test with retraining through high-intensity aerobic training after a period of detraining, a similar or longer period of retraining is required. However, the high-intensity training with reduced amount of training after competitive season can prevent reductions in physical fitness.

The effects of short-term detraining on exercise performance in soccer players

The aim of the present study was to determine whether 1 week of training cessation can affect exercise performance in well-trained soccer players. Upon the completion of a competitive season, 11 male soccer players went through 1-week training cessation. Performances in the 5-m (1.05±0.04 sec vs 1.02±0.03 sec, P=0.03) and 10-m (1.79±0.06 sec vs 1.74±0.06 sec, P=0.03) sprints were significantly increased after 1 week of detraining with a trend for an increase in the 20-m sprint performance (3.07±0.06 sec vs 3.02±0.07 sec, P=0.06). However, the repeated sprint performance (total sprint time [45.7±2.6 sec vs 48.0±2.6 sec, P=0.01] and fatigue index [5.8%±2.8% vs 7.8%±3.2%; P=0.04]) were reduced. In addition, no significant differences were observed for the 30 m (4.23±0.06 sec vs 4.24±0.09 sec, P=0.63), agility (right: 8.08±0.17 sec vs 8.03±0.37 sec, P=0.54; left: 8.05±0.21 sec vs 8.04±0.30 sec, P=0.84), coordination (13.98±1.21 sec vs 14.06±1.34 sec, P=0.75), Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 2 (1,040.0±291.8 m vs 1,134.5±232.7 m, P=0.08), and knee extensors and flexors peak torques at all applied angular velocities (P<0.05) after detraining. These results indicate that short-term detraining for well-trained soccer players has a significant effect on the speed endurance performance. It is therefore important for the players and their coaches to plan a suitable training program to maintain exercise performance especially speed endurance during off-season.