Latest research in football - week 15 - 2019

#1 And at the end, the Germans always win, don't they? An evaluation of country-specific scoring behaviour in the dying seconds of international club soccer games
Reference: PLoS One. 2019 Apr 16;14(4):e0202852. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202852. eCollection 2019.
Authors: Van Den Broucke L, Baert S
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0202852&type=printable
Summary: This article contributes to the literature on performance determinants in soccer by investigating country differences in goal scoring in the dying seconds of international soccer games (i.e. in the 90th minute or later). We analyse this goal-scoring behaviour in 1,008 recent soccer games played in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League and Europa League. In contrast to Gary Lineker's well-known quote that "at the end, the Germans always win", no significant evidence is found for German teams scoring a goal in the dying seconds more often than other teams. Our results indicate, however, that European clubs do have an interest in learning from the end-of-game tactics used by French and Spanish clubs in recent international games as these teams were less likely to concede a goal during the dying seconds. English teams were also in this situation but only if they had an English coach.


#2 Maximum Oxygen Uptake of Male Soccer Players According to their Competitive Level, Playing Position and Age Group: Implication from a Network Meta-Analysis
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2019 Mar 27;66:233-245. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2018-0060. eCollection 2019 Mar.
Authors: Slimani M, Znazen H, Miarka B, Bragazzi NL
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458571/pdf/hukin-66-233.pdf
Summary: The aim of the present meta-analysis was to compare the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) characteristics of male soccer players relative to their competitive level, playing position and age group and the interaction between them. The meta-analysis was based on 16 studies, employing 2385 soccer players aged 10-39 years. Higher-level soccer players showed greater (ES = 0.58 [95% CI 0.08-1.08], SE = 0.25, var = 0.06, z = 2.29, p = 0.022) VO2max performance with respect to their lower level counterparts. Furthermore, lower VO2max values in goalkeepers than defenders (ES = 1.31 (SE 0.46) [95% CI 0.41-2.21], var = 0.21, z = 2.84, p = 0.004) and midfielders (ES = 1.37 (SE 0.41) [95% CI 0.58 to 2.17], var = 0.16, z = 3.40, p = 0.001) were found. Thus, VO2max increased significantly with age (all, p < 0.01): Under 10 versus Under 11 years, Under 11 versus Under 12 years, Under 12 versus Under 13 years, Under 13 versus Under 14 years, Under 14 versus Under 15 years and Under 16-18 versus Under 20-23 years. VO2max performance is the most powerful discriminator between higher and lower-level soccer players. These findings indicate also the need for sports scientists and conditioning professionals to take the VO2max performance of soccer players into account when designing individualized position specific training programs.


#3 Characteristics of Very High Intensity Runs of Soccer Players in Relation to their Playing Position and Playing Half in the 2013-14 Spanish La Liga Season
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2019 Mar 27;66:213-222. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2018-0058. eCollection 2019 Mar.
Authors: Rivilla-García J, Calvo LC, Jiménez-Rubio S, Paredes-Hernández V, Muñoz A, van den Tillaar R, Navandar A
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458567/pdf/hukin-66-213.pdf
Summary: The objective of this study was to carry out a detailed quantitative analysis of the very high intensity runs during actual play in the 2013-2014 Spanish First Division, at a general level and according to the specific playing position and half. 380 matches of the Spanish First Division in the 2013 - 2014 season were monitored using the Mediacoach video motion analysis tool. Total distance, very high intensity (above 21 km/h) running distance and the number of runs at very high intensity of 230 players from 20 teams in the Spanish First Division were analysed. The main findings of the study were that the performance indicators at very high intensities decreased from the first half to the second half for all outfield players (covered distance: 4694 ± 538 m vs 4485 ± 437 m, sprint distance: 256 ± 72 m vs 239 ± 67 m, number of sprints: 14.3 ± 3.5 vs 13.2 ± 3.1), except the central defenders (sprint distance: 166 ± 37 vs 166 ± 40 m, number of sprints: 10.0 ± 2.1 vs 9.8 ± 3.8). Secondly, although wide defenders (9759 ± 665 m) and central midfielders (9776 ± 942 m) covered the most distance during matches, it were the wide defenders (30 ± 5), centre-forwards (28 ± 7) and wide midfielders (31 ± 8) who performed the most runs at very high intensity. Consequently, the distance they ran at these very high intensity runs followed the same pattern. Such results enable general and specific profiles by demarcation to be established based on the demands of the game at high-level competitive play.


#4 The Influence of Situational Variables on Ball Possession in the South African Premier Soccer League
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2019 Mar 27;66:175-181. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2018-0056. eCollection 2019 Mar.
Authors: Kubayi A, Toriola A
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458569/pdf/hukin-66-175.pdf
Summary: Although the influence of ball possession in soccer has been well studied in other leagues, such information is sparse concerning the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of situational variables on ball possession in the PSL. Thirty-two matches played during the 2016-2017 PSL season were analysed using a multiple-camera match analysis system (InStat®). Three situational variables (match outcome, match location, and quality of opposition) and team performance variables (percentage of ball possession, ball possession <5 s, ball possession 5-15 s, ball possession 15-45 s, and ball possession >45 s) were examined. The results showed that losing teams had the highest ball possession (52.35 ± 5.90%) compared to winning (47.65 ± 5.90%) and drawing (50.00 ± 9.98%) teams. Playing away significantly (p < 0.05) decreased ball possession by 5.21% compared to playing at home. Playing against weak opposition was associated with increased ball possession by 4.09%. Conclusively, soccer coaches should be aware of the potential role of situational variables in determining successful team performance in a league season.


#5 Characterization of the Weekly External Load Profile of Professional Soccer Teams from Portugal and the Netherlands
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2019 Mar 27;66:155-164. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2018-0054. eCollection 2019 Mar.
Authors: Clemente FM, Owen A, Serra-Olivares J, Nikolaidis PT, van der Linden CMI, Mendes B
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458578/pdf/hukin-66-155.pdf
Summary: The purpose of this study was to analyze the day-to-day variance of a typical weekly external training workload of two professional soccer teams from different countries. Twenty-nine players from two professional teams from Portugal and the Netherlands participated in this study. The players' external load was monitored for 7 weeks, by means of portable GPS devices (10 Hz, JOHAN, Noordwijk, Netherlands). Results revealed that match day -1 (MD-1), i.e. the training day before a match, had significantly (p = 0.001) less training volume (4584.50 m) than the other days. MD-5 (training five days before a match), MD-4 (four days before a match) and MD-3 (three days before a match) were the most intense (390.83, 176.90 and 247.32 m of sprinting distance, respectively) and with large volume (7062.66, 6077.30 and 6919.49 m, respectively). Interestingly, significant differences were found between clubs of different countries (p < 0.05) with the Portuguese team showing significantly higher intensity (sprinting distance) and volume (total distance) in all days with exception of MD-1 than the Dutch team. The results of this study possibly allow for the identification of different training workloads and tapering strategies between countries in relation to volume and intensity. It should be noted, however, that both clubs used a significant tapering phase in the last two days before the competition in an attempt to reduce residual fatigue accumulation.


#6 A New Approach to the Analysis of Pitch-Positions in Professional Soccer
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2019 Mar 27;66:143-153. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2018-0067. eCollection 2019 Mar
Authors: Konefał M, Chmura P, Zając T, Chmura J, Kowalczuk E, Andrzejewski M
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458575/pdf/hukin-66-143.pdf
Summary: The purpose of the study was to examine how various playing positions affected the number of (and percentage breakdowns for) physical and technical activities of soccer players in the Germany's Bundesliga. A further objective was to identify and present features distinguishing between the activities of players within the Defender, Midfielder and Forward formations. The study sample comprised 4426 individual match observations of 473 soccer players competing in the Bundesliga during the 2016/2017 domestic season. Data from the Impire AG motion analysis system, and the so-called "heat maps" it supplies, revealed areas in which players spent most time during a match, with 22 different playing positions on the pitch identified in consequence. Players in the formation comprising Defenders did not differ significantly in relation to the number of accelerations, the number of shots or the percentage of duels won. Furthermore, there were no significant differences among Midfielders in regard to total distance covered, mean running speed, the number of accelerations, the number of duels and the percentage of duels won. Likewise, Forwards did not differ in distances covered at ≥24 km/h, average running speed, the number of sprints, the number of shots, the proportion of on-target passes, the number of duels, or the percentage share of duels won. Irrespective of the formation or position on the pitch, today's game of soccer also pays great importance to the number of accelerations, as well as the number of duels engaged in, and their effectiveness.


#7 Anthropometric and Motor Characteristics of South African National Level Female Soccer Players
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2019 Mar 27;66:121-129. doi: 10.1515/hukin-2017-0189. eCollection 2019 Mar.
Authors: Booysen MJ, Gradidge PJ, Constantinou D
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458582/pdf/hukin-66-121.pdf
Summary: Data regarding anthropometric and motor characteristics of elite national level female soccer players are scarce. Determining these characteristics may likely assist in evaluating the specificity of current training programmes, identify players who might lack specific qualities deemed critical for the successful execution of their tactical roles, and benchmark norms for developing future playing talent. Therefore, the aims of this study were to describe anthropometric and motor characteristics of South African national level female soccer players (n = 37) and determine possible differences with regard to their playing position. The following measurements and tests were performed: anthropometry (body mass index and sum-of-skinfolds), the countermovement jump, sprints (10 m, 20 m and 40 m), upper body muscle endurance (push-ups) and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test - level 1. One-way analysis of variance revealed few differences in the main outcome variables. Fischer Least Significant Difference (LSD) showed that strikers had a greater body mass index than midfielders and defenders (both p = 0.04) and goalkeepers were heavier than defenders (p = 0.02). Goalkeepers were slower than strikers and defenders over 10 m (p = 0.01; p = 0.03) and 20 m (p = 0.001; p = 0.01). Midfielders were slower than strikers over 20 m (p = 0.02), and with strikers and defenders over 40 m (both p = 0.04). Defenders performed better than goalkeepers in the upper body muscle endurance test (p = 0.02). In conclusion, both strikers and defenders require speed to win ball possession, which may explain their fast sprint times. However, the similarity of certain motor characteristics across playing positions may suggest that conditioning coaches train players similarly, irrespective of their tactical position. The authors suggest that South African fitness professionals, particularly at a club level, develop physical conditioning programs specific to each field position. Furthermore, fitness assessments should occur on a continuous basis and comparisons should be made with existing normative data in order to guide the development of players over the course of their careers.


#8 Physiological and Psychological Changes at the End of the Soccer Season in Elite Female Athletes
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2019 Mar 27;66:99-109. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2018-0051. eCollection 2019 Mar.
Authors: Morales J, Roman V, Yáñez A, Solana-Tramunt M, Álamo J, Fíguls A
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458576/pdf/hukin-66-099.pdf
Summary: This study compares and describes relationships among stress-recovery indices, the heart rate variability index, and the Cooper and Yo-Yo IR1 tests among female soccer players during the last six weeks of the competitive season. Sixteen female soccer players engaged in a pre-test of all of the variables. After having their training monitored for six weeks, a post-test was administered. The results revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences in the specific stress-recovery scales of the RESTQ-sport and in the frequency-domain variables of the HRV, although there were no significant differences in the general stress or general recovery scales. The Yo-Yo IR1 test, the Cooper test scores, and the means of the time-domain HRV variables did not exhibit any significant differences between the pre- and the post-test. The RMSSD variations exhibited very large and large correlations with the performance test and the RESTQ-sport variables, respectively. The variations in the HRV frequency-domain variables exhibited significant moderate and large correlations among the variations of the RESTQ-sport scales. Monitoring athletes at the end of the season may reveal contradictions between some variables. To help with the interpretation of these scales, some external aspects, such as athlete strain and monotony of training, should be considered.


#9 Strength Profile of Hip Abductor and Adductor Muscles in Youth Elite Soccer Players
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2019 Mar 27;66:31-41. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2018-0069. eCollection 2019 Mar.
Authors: Karatrantou K, Gerodimos V, Katsareli E, Manouras N, Ioakimidis P, Famisis K
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458577/pdf/hukin-66-031.pdf
Summary: The main objective of this study was to provide an extensive isokinetic profile of the hip joint in youth soccer players, where the literature is limited. Additionally, this study investigated the effect of age on isokinetic peak torque values of hip abductor and adductor muscles and on reciprocal muscle group torque ratios in youth soccer players at different angular velocities (30 vs. 90o/s) and muscle actions (concentric vs. eccentric). Sixty young elite male soccer players were assigned into three equal groups (n = 20): children, young adolescents and older adolescents, and performed five maximal concentric and eccentric hip-abductions and adductions at 30o/s and 90o/s. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in peak torque values from childhood to adolescence, with the exception of young adolescents vs. older adolescents where no differences were observed. The reciprocal ratios were not affected by age, but improved with an increase in angular velocity with the exception of the CON/ECC ratio that was higher at 30o/s. The data presented in this study provide an extensive isokinetic profile of hip abductor and adductor muscle strength in youth soccer players to assist both coaches and sports medicine professionals in strength monitoring and training.


#10 Effects of 7-Week Hip Thrust Versus Back Squat Resistance Training on Performance in Adolescent Female Soccer Players
Reference: Sports (Basel). 2019 Apr 3;7(4). pii: E80. doi: 10.3390/sports7040080.
Authors: González-García J, Morencos E, Balsalobre-Fernández C, Cuéllar-Rayo Á, Romero-Moraleda B
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/7/4/80/pdf
Summary: Hip thrust (HT) is a loaded bridging exercise that requires more hip extension than a back squat (SQ) does, while in a back squat, triple flex extension occurs. Due to the specificity of each exercise, it is claimed that HT gains can be better transferred to actions where hip extension occurs. In addition, strength improvements during squatting can be transferred in a greater way to vertical plane movement, such as vertical jumping. However, its effects on the performance of female soccer players are unclear. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to analyze a 7-week training program on performance variables using either HT or SQ exercises in female adolescent soccer players without lifting experience (N = 24, age = 16.82 ± 1.56 years, height = 1.64 ± 0.55 cm, body mass = 58.35 ± 6.28 kg). Players were randomized into three groups: A back squat group (SQG; N = 8), hip thrust group (HTG; N = 8), and control group (CG; N = 8). Participants in the HTG and SQG joined a progressive resistance training program twice per week for 7 weeks with either HT or SQ exercises. A countermovement jump, 10-20 m sprint, T-test, and barbell velocity during HTs and SQs (with the load that represents ~60 and ~80% RM) were measured before and after the intervention. The HTG showed greater improvements in the 10-m sprint (d = 0.7), 20-m sprint (d = 0.46), T-test (d = 0.36), and barbell velocity at 80% repetition maximal (RM) (d = 0.53) and 60% RM (d = 1.02) during hip thrusts, while the SQG showed higher barbell velocity at 80% RM (d = -0.7) during back squats. These results may be useful for strength and conditioning coaches working with adolescent female soccer athletes, since both strengthening exercises improved performance in different ways due to the nature of the exercise.


#11 Fat-Free Mass and Bone Mineral Density of Young Soccer Players: Proposal of Equations Based on Anthropometric Variables
Reference: Front Psychol. 2019 Mar 29;10:522. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00522. eCollection 2019.
Authors: Gomez-Campos R, Santi-Maria T, Arruda M, Maldonado T, Albernaz A, Schiavo M, Cossio-Bolaños M
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6449479/pdf/fpsyg-10-00522.pdf
Summary: The assessment of body composition may assist in optimizing competitive efficiency and monitoring the success of training regimes for young soccer players. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors for Fat-Free Mass (FFM) and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of young soccer players. Also, the goal was to propose regression equations to estimate FFM and BDM through anthropometric variables. One hundred and sixty-seven young soccer players ages 10.0 to 19.9 years old were studied. Weight, height, trunk-cephalic length, right arm circumference, diameter of the humerus, and length of the foot were assessed. FFM and BDM were determined by using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Maturity status using Peak Height Velocity (PHV) was calculated. Maturity status, weight, and circumference of the relaxed arm positively related to the FFM (R 2 = 41-66%). Similarly, PHV, weight, diameter of the humerus, and length of the foot explained BDM in both groups of soccer players (goalkeepers and filed players) (R 2 = 45-82%). Six equations to predict FFM (R 2 = 62-69%) and six to predict BDM (R 2 = 69-90%) were created. Chronological age had a limited use for predicting FFM and BDM. Results suggested the use and application of the regression equations as a non-invasive alternative for everyday use in soccer clubs.


#12 Changes Over a Decade in Anthropometry and Fitness of Elite Austrian Youth Soccer Players
Reference: Front Physiol. 2019 Mar 28;10:333. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00333. eCollection 2019.
Authors: Gonaus C, Birklbauer J, Lindinger SJ, Stöggl TL, Müller E
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6447713/pdf/fphys-10-00333.pdf
Summary: Increases in physical (e.g., high-intensity running and sprinting), technical (e.g., passing rate), and tactical (e.g., player density) aspects made elite level soccer more challenging within the past years. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether these evolutions are also been reflected in changes in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between former (2002 to 2005) and current (2012 to 2015) elite Austrian youth development center (U13 to U14) and soccer academy (U15 to U18) players. A battery of anthropometric, general and soccer-specific fitness tests was conducted annually at the end of each year. Independent t-test and Cohen's d (ES) were calculated to compare the two four-year periods (2530 vs. 2611 players) at each age group separately. Current players were significantly faster in 20 m sprint (ES = 0.26-0.50) and reaction test (ES = 0.15-0.39, except for U18), but less flexible at sit-and-reach (ES = -0.19 to -0.55), in all age categories. Whereas height (ES = 0.26-0.32), body mass (ES = 0.11-0.18) and countermovement jump (ES = 0.24-0.26) increased significantly at youth development center level, current academy players performed superior at shuttle sprint (ES = 0.21-0.59), hurdles agility run (ES = 0.24-0.49), and endurance run (ES = 0.11-0.20). These changes over time in speed, change-of-direction ability, lower-body power, coordination, and endurance were attributed to modern training approaches (e.g., modified games and change-of-direction drills) and modifications in selection politics (e.g., coaches favor speed and decision-making skills).


#13 Recovery profiles following single and multiple matches per week in professional football
Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2019 Apr 18:1-9. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1601260. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Howle K, Waterson A, Duffield R
Summary: The purpose was to investigate player responses 48 h post single (SM) and multi-match (MM) weeks on two subjective and three objective outcome measures to infer recovery status. From 42 professional players over 2 seasons, outcome measures relevant to recovery status were collected 48 h following matches, as well as during pre-season training weeks as a comparative baseline. These included (1) 5-item subjective wellness questionnaire, (2) total quality recovery (TQR) scale, (3) hip adduction squeeze test, ankle knee to wall (KTW) test, and active knee extension (AKE) flexibility test. These outcome measures 48 h post-match were compared for SM (n = 79) and MM (n = 86) weeks where players completed >75 min of match time in only one (SM) or if both matches were played and had <96 h recovery (MM). Internal match load was collected from each match based on session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) multiplied by match duration. Subjective wellness (specifically fatigue, sleep and soreness), TQR and hip adduction squeeze test were all significantly reduced following match 1 at 48 h post for both SM and MM (p < 0.05), and further reduced following match 2 in MM (p < 0.05). No other outcome measures to infer recovery showed significant differences (p > 0.05) within or between-conditions. Subjective wellness, TQR and hip adduction strength showed reduction 48 h post match for players competing in multiple matches with <96 h recovery. Therefore, these outcome measures may be of use to practitioners to assess readiness to compete during congested competition schedules.


#14 Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Athletic Performance in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Reference: Nutrients. 2019 Mar 31;11(4). pii: E757. doi: 10.3390/nu11040757.
Authors: Mielgo-Ayuso J, Calleja-Gonzalez J, Marqués-Jiménez D, Caballero-García A, Córdova A, Fernández-Lázaro D
Summary: Studies have shown that creatine supplementation increases intramuscular creatine concentrations, favoring the energy system of phosphagens, which may help explain the observed improvements in high-intensity exercise performance. However, research on physical performance in soccer has shown controversial results, in part because the energy system used is not taken into account. The main aim of this investigation was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of creatine supplementation for increasing performance in skills related to soccer depending upon the type of metabolism used (aerobic, phosphagen, and anaerobic metabolism). A structured search was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in the Medline/PubMed and Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases until January 2019. The search included studies with a double-blind and randomized experimental design in which creatine supplementation was compared to an identical placebo situation (dose, duration, timing, and drug appearance). There were no filters applied to the soccer players' level, gender, or age. A final meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) (Hedges's g). Nine studies published were included in the meta-analysis. This revealed that creatine supplementation did not present beneficial effects on aerobic performance tests (SMD, -0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.37 to 0.28; p = 0.78) and phosphagen metabolism performance tests (strength, single jump, single sprint, and agility tests: SMD, 0.21; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.45; p = 0.08). However, creatine supplementation showed beneficial effects on anaerobic performance tests (SMD, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.55⁻1.91; p <0.001). Concretely, creatine demonstrated a large and significant effect on Wingate test performance (SMD, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.40⁻3.11; p <0.001). In conclusion, creatine supplementation with a loading dose of 20⁻30 g/day, divided 3⁻4 times per day, ingested for 6 to 7 days, and followed by 5 g/day for 9 weeks or with a low dose of 3 mg/kg/day for 14 days presents positive effects on improving physical performance tests related to anaerobic metabolism, especially anaerobic power, in soccer players.