The Effect of a Competitive Season on Performance Characteristics in Male Soccer Players

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

2-1-2015

Description

PURPOSE: Examine the effect that a competitive season has on performance characteristics in male soccer players. METHODS: 17 Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) male soccer players participated in this study. As part of an ongoing athlete monitoring program, each player completed two maximal effort countermovement jumps each with a PVC pipe, 11kg bar, and 20kg bar during pre- and post-season testing sessions. Jump height (JH), allometrically-scaled peak power (PPa), and reactive strength index-modified (RSImod) were compared using a series of 2 (season) x 3 (load) repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Statistically significant main effect differences existed for season for JH (p = 0.003) and RSImod (p = 0.016), but not for PPa (p = 0.081). Statistically significant main effect differences existed for load for JH and RSImod (both p < 0.001), but not for PPa (p = 0.369). CONCLUSIONS: A soccer season appears to negatively affect the explosive and reactive strength performance characteristics of Division I male soccer players, namely JH and RSImod. In contrast, the relative peak power of male soccer players remained unchanged following the completion of a season. The high volume and intensity of matches and practice experienced over the course of a collegiate season may negatively affect the explosive characteristics of Division I male soccer players, which indicates a need to consistently monitor and alter training loads to maintain performance levels.

Location

Jacksonville, Fl

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