Previous studies have reported an association between eccentric strength (ECC-STR) and change of direction (COD) ability. Little is known about how ECC-STR facilitates COD maneuvers. The aim of this ...study was to examine the role of ECC-STR during a 180° COD task in 18 female soccer players. Each player performed six trials of a 180° COD task whereby three-dimensional motion data from 10 Qualisys Pro-Reflex infrared cameras (240 Hz) and ground reaction forces (GRFs) from two AMTI force platforms (1200 Hz) were collected. Relative eccentric knee extensor (ECC-EXT) and flexor (ECC-FLEX) peak torque was collected from both limbs at 60°·s
using a Kin Com isokinetic dynamometer. Large correlations were revealed between COD performance (time to complete 5 m approach, 180° turn, 5 m return) and ECC-EXT (
= -0.674) and ECC-FLEX (
= -0.603). Moderate to large correlations were observed between approach velocity (AV) and COD performance (
= -0.484) and ECC-EXT (
= 0.724). Stronger participants (
= 9) recorded significantly (
< 0.05) faster AV (4.01 ± 0.18 vs. 3.74 ± 0.24 m·s
,
= 1.27) and a greater reduction in velocity (-1.55 ± 0.17 vs. -1.37 ± 0.21 m·s
,
= -0.94) during penultimate contact than weaker (
= 9) subjects. Greater ECC-STR is associated with faster COD performance in female soccer players, as stronger players are better able to decelerate during penultimate contact from faster approach velocities.
ABSTRACTde Hoyo, M, Gonzalo-Skok, O, Sañudo, B, Carrascal, C, Plaza-Armas, JR, Camacho-Candil, F, and Otero-Esquina, C. Comparative effects of in-season full-back squat, resisted sprint training, and ...plyometric training on explosive performance in U-19 elite soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 30(2)368–377, 2016—The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of 3 different low/moderate load strength training methods (full-back squat SQ, resisted sprint with sled towing RS, and plyometric and specific drills training PLYO) on sprinting, jumping, and change of direction (COD) abilities in soccer players. Thirty-two young elite male Spanish soccer players participated in the study. Subjects performed 2 specific strength training sessions per week, in addition to their normal training sessions for 8 weeks. The full-back squat protocol consisted of 2–3 sets × 4–8 repetitions at 40–60% 1 repetition maximum (∼1.28–0.98 m·s). The resisted sprint training was compounded by 6–10 sets × 20-m loaded sprints (12.6% of body mass). The plyometric and specific drills training was based on 1–3 sets × 2–3 repetitions of 8 plyometric and speed/agility exercises. Testing sessions included a countermovement jump (CMJ), a 20-m sprint (10-m split time), a 50-m (30-m split time) sprint, and COD test (i.e., Zig-Zag test). Substantial improvements (likely to almost certainly) in CMJ (effect size ES0.50–0.57) and 30–50 m (ES0.45–0.84) were found in every group in comparison to pretest results. Moreover, players in PLYO and SQ groups also showed substantial enhancements (likely to very likely) in 0–50 m (ES0.46–0.60). In addition, 10–20 m was also improved (very likely) in the SQ group (ES0.61). Between-group analyses showed that improvements in 10–20 m (ES0.57) and 30–50 m (ES0.40) were likely greater in the SQ group than in the RS group. Also, 10–20 m (ES0.49) was substantially better in the SQ group than in the PLYO group. In conclusion, the present strength training methods used in this study seem to be effective to improve jumping and sprinting abilities, but COD might need other stimulus to achieve positive effects.
To compare the effects of unilateral and bilateral resistance training on single-leg power output, between-limbs imbalance (BLI), bilateral deficit (BLD), change of direction (COD), and linear ...sprinting and jumping performance in young elite basketball players.
Twenty-two young (U-16-U-19) male basketball players were randomly assigned either to an exclusive unilateral (UNI) (n = 11) or a bilateral (BIL) (n = 11) resistance-training group during a 6-wk period. Both groups training consisted of 3 unilateral or bilateral 90° back-squat sets. A postdetermined number of repetitions was set until power output dropped to <10% of maximum power (MP) output. In addition, both groups performed 2 sets of 5 unilateral or bilateral drop jumps and 2 sets of 5 unilateral or bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ). Pre- and posttraining, performance was assessed by an incremental bilateral and unilateral squat-load test, a multiple-COD test (V-cut test), a 15-m-sprint test (7.5 + 7.5 m) with one 180° COD performed with both right (180° RCOD) and left (180° LCOD) legs, a 25-m-sprint test (5- and 15-m split time), and a CMJ test.
Within-group analyses showed substantial improvements in 180° RCOD, bilateral and unilateral MP, 25-m-sprint test, and CMJ in both groups. Between-groups analyses showed substantially better results in 180° LCOD, MP with right and left legs, BLI, and BLD in UNI than in BIL.
Both training programs substantially improved most of the physical-fitness tests, but only UNI reduced between-limbs asymmetry and achieved greater enhancements in actions that mostly required applying force unilaterally in basketball players.
Abstract
Thomas, C, Dos'Santos, T, Warmenhoven, J, and Jones, PA. Between-limb differences during 180° turns in female soccer players: application of statistical parametric mapping.
J Strength Cond ...Res
36(11): 3136–3142, 2022—This study was exploratory in nature and investigated the ability of statistical parametric mapping (SPM) to assess between-limb differences in lower-extremity movement change of direction. Fourteen female soccer players (mean ±
SD
; age = 20.6 ± 0.6 years; height = 1.65 ± 0.07 m; and body mass = 56.04 ± 6.20 kg). For comparisons between preferred and nonpreferred limbs, vertical (Fz) and horizontal (Fx) ground reaction force were determined along with hip, knee, and ankle angles and moments in the sagittal plane during weight acceptance during the final contact. In addition, frontal plane knee abduction angles and moments were calculated during the final contact. Statistical parametric mapping software was then used to assess for differences between the entire weight acceptance phase of preferred and nonpreferred limbs. There were no differences between limbs in all variables using SPM. These results demonstrate that female soccer players exhibit little side-to-side differences in certain lower-limb biomechanics when performing a turn maneuver. These findings can be utilized by practitioners and clinicians when developing injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Effective directional change in sport is imperative to success in key game situations. Change of direction (COD) ability is underpinned by various athletic qualities which can be developed through ...specific and non-specific training methods. This review examined the effect of specific and non-specific training methods on pro-agility performance, by analysing the intervention type and resulting magnitude of training effects on pro-agility shuttle performance. A total of 20 studies were included for review. Data from 638 subjects and 29 intervention groups involving seven different training methods were extracted and analysed in relation to training method classification and primary outcome measures. Interventions involving sprint training, plyometric training, resistance training, and combined resistance, plyometric, and sprint training were found to produce statistically significant positive change on pro-agility performance per session (p < 0.05). Sprint training (0.108 ES), plyometric training (0.092 ES), resistance training (0.087 ES), and combined resistance, plyometric, and sprint training (0.078 ES) methods were found to have the highest per session training effect. While total time is the typical unit of measure for this test, different types of training may lead to preferential improvements in either acceleration, deceleration, or COD phases of the pro-agility shuttle. Specifically, resisted or inclined sprinting may develop the linear acceleration phases, unilateral resistance training may promote increased strength to overcome the imposed forces during the deceleration and COD phases, multiplanar plyometrics can help enhance stretch-shortening cycle capabilities across different force vectors, and a combination of two or more of these methods may enable simultaneous development of each of these qualities.
The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among sprinting performance, change of direction ability (COD), change of direction deficit (CODD), and aerobic power expressed by ...maximal oxygen velocity (V
IFT), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) as well as jumping performance (countermovement jump with (CMJa) and without an arm swing (CMJ)) in elite 3x3 basketball players. A total of 15 Polish Olympic 3x3 team players (age: 26.86 ± 8.28 years; body height: 191 ± 5.33 cm; body mass: 90.68 ± 10.03 kg, basketball experience: 15.53 ± 5.8 years) participated in the study. Athletes were tested for the following measures: the linear speed at the first section (5 m), the second section (9 m), the third section (10 m) and total distance (24 m), two sets; the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (first session); COD speed by the Change of Direction and Acceleration Test (CODAT) (the same sections and total distance as in the linear speed test), five repetitions, two sets; and jumping performance by the CMJ with and without an arm swing (second session). CODD was calculated by subtracting the COD speed time from linear speed time at adequate sections and total distance. Maximal sprinting speed (MSS), maximal aerobic velocity (V
IFT), and anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) were also considered. Anaerobic Speed Reserve (ASR) was calculated as the difference between MSS and V
IFT. A Pearson’s correlation test was used to determine the relationship between power-speed-related variables and CODD, final velocity attained at the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (V
IFT), ASR, and COD performance. Moderate to strong correlations were registered between COD and linear speed at 5, 10, and 24 m, while moderate to strong negative correlations were detected between COD, CODD, and CMJ, CMJa. Moreover, moderate to strong correlations were observed between COD, CODD, and V
IFT, MSS at 9, 10, and 24 m sprints. No relationship was detected between COD, CODD, LS, and ASR in any measured sector. Finally, statistically significant differences were registered in COD and CODD between trial 1 and trial 2.
This field study investigated the effect of unilateral dominance (handedness of players) on the change of direction speed in a specific cutting manoeuvre with a ball (in the direction of the throwing ...arm vs. against the direction of the throwing arm) in team handball. In addition, the effect of a cutting manoeuvre in response to an immediate stimulus compared to one planned in advance on the movement speed was analysed. Forty participants (22 male, 18 female, M
23 years) performed change of direction actions to the left and the right side (the direction of the throwing arm vs. against the direction of the throwing arm) under planned and reactive (light as visual stimuli) conditions. Change of direction speed was measured post-hoc by video-analyses. The results showed two effects. First, the decision demand in reaction to a visual stimulus reduced the speed in the change of direction compared to the planned action. Second, participants performed their action faster in the direction of the throwing arm than against it. The results replicate the effects of decision demands of previous studies and regardless of the reaction to the stimuli being unspecific, further studies could investigate if specific training can reduce the speed loss due to decision demands. The lateral speed differences of cutting manoeuvres of handball players have been analysed for the first time in this study. This effect could have several causes (e.g., coordination, power, motivation) which should be investigated in future studies in more detail.
The main aim of the present study was to examine the effects of the age group (U-15, U-17 and U-19) on change of direction (COD) performance and its specific physical determinants among young ...basketball male players. Thirty-one young male basketball players (13–18 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The sample was divided into 3 age groups (U-15, U-17, U-19). All the evaluations were carried out in the same order in 3 sessions as follows: 1) body composition, self-reported sexual maturation, COD performance, and intermittent endurance capacity; 2) reactive strength index (RSI), 15-m sprint, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) test; 3) vertical and horizontal jumps and lower-limb strength. The results showed significant differences between groups for age, sexual maturation, endurance capacity, horizontal and vertical jump performances, RSI, COD, RSA, and lower-limb strength (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were identified between COD performances and some physical determinants such as jumping ability and RSA performance (-0.43 < r < 0.85; p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, there are age effects on COD performance and its specific physical determinants among young basketball male players. The associations between COD performance and its determinants should be considered by practitioners when programing athletic talent development for this population.
Limited evidence is available providing specific details about the perceptual-cognitive and motor factors that contribute to reactive agility (RA) and variations between genders in young athletes. ...The aim of the study was to investigate perceptual-cognitive and motor determinants of RA in competitive youth volleyball players. A total of 135 volleyball players (61 males, 74 females) aged 16–18 years were included in this study. The independent variables were as follows: explosive strength, maximal frequency of movements, simple and complex reaction time, selective attention, sensory sensitivity, and saccadic dynamics. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that explosive strength (ß = - 0.494; p < 0.001) and complex reaction time (ß = 0.225; p = 0.054) accounted for 23% of the variance in RA performance in male players. The best exploratory model for RA contributed 34.5% of the variance in RA for female players with significant determinants of explosive strength (ß = -0.387; p < 0.001), sensory sensitivity (ß = -0.326; p = 0.001) and selective attention (ß = 0.229; p = 0.020). Male athletes obtained better results in RA, in all motor tests (effect size of 0.88 to 2.58) and in five variables of perceptual-cognitive skills (effect size of 0.35 to 0.98). Motor and perceptual-cognitive components significantly contributed to performance in RA in competitive youth volleyball players. Gender differentiates between players’ RA performance, motor properties and saccadic dynamics to a large extent, while the remaining analyzed perceptual-cognitive components vary between female and male players to a small and moderate extent.
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