Naslov
Can the official soccer game be considered the most important contribution to player's physical fitness level?

Autori
Sporiš, Goran ; Jovanović, Mario ; Omrčen, Darija ; Matković, Branka

Izvornik
Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness (0022-4707) 51 (2011), 3; 374-380

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
soccer ; physical fitness ; physical conditioning

Sažetak
The purpose of this study was to determine whether official games influence physical fitness in top- level soccer players. It was hypothesized that official games represent considerable influence on overall physical performance. Sixty-four first division male soccer players were analysed during one competitive season. Participants were divided according to the number of minutes spent in the game as well as according to some additional criteria into starters (STA ; n=33, >1, 000 minutes spent in the official game) and non- starters (NON ; n=31, <1, 000 minutes spent in the official game). Both groups participated in the initial (end of pre-season) and in the final testing procedures (one week after the end of the competition period). The total of 28 variables covered players’ body fat percentage, power performance (quickness, acceleration, speed and Bosco jump tests), kicking the ball, aerobic capacity, agility and flexibility. The STA group showed positive significant differences (p<0.05) from the NON group in 21 out of 28 variables. The most significant findings of this study point to the fact that official games help in maintaining and improving agility parameters (6 out of 7 tests) as well as in maintaining and improving overall power performance of soccer players which includes sprinting, jumping and kicking the ball. This investigation gave an insight into what can be expected from players that spend more time in official games (STA). Due to specific physiological and psychological factors, official matches make it possible for the starters to develop the mentioned aspects to a higher level when compared to the non- starting team colleagues. Soccer experts and scientists should take these findings into consideration and find adequate alternatives for players that lack match performance.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kineziologija

POVEZANOST RADA