The aim of this study was to assess the technical skills of both male and female players according to their position. Twenty seven female (M= 12.52 ± .51) and thirty seven male soccer players (M= 12.46 ± .51) who were members of amateur youth leagues participated in the study. Players were classified according to their playing position into the following groups: central defenders (CD), fullbacks (FB), midfielders (M), wingers (W), forwards (F). Shooting, short and long passing, dribbling, and dribbling after passing abilities were assessed. Although there were not significant differences between players of various positions the central defenders as well as the female players performed significantly lower scores in most of the technical skills.

Bekris, E, Gioldasis, A, Gissis, I, Katis, A, Mitrousis, I, and Mylonis, E. Effects of a futsal game on metabolic, hormonal and muscle damage indicators of male futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 545-550, 2022-The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a futsal game on several metabolic, hormonal, and muscle damage indicators. Twenty-one male top-level futsal players participated in the study. Players were divided into 2 groups according to playing time: the long playing time (LPT) group and the short playing time (SPT) group. Game intensity parameters such as percentage of the HRmax and blood lactate concentration, as well as metabolic, hormonal, and muscle damage indicators were examined before and after a futsal game. The results showed that during the game, the intensity was up to 93% of HRmax and lactate concentrations ranged from 5.8 to 21.8 mmol•L 21 . The LPT group showed an increased lactate dehydrogenase level compared with the SPT group (p , 0.05). Similarly, creatine kinase was significantly increased in the LPT group (p , 0.05) after the game. By contrast, nonsignificant differences were observed between groups for alanine transaminase (ALT-SGPT), aspartate transaminase (AST-SGOT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase enzymes (p . 0.05). The testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C) reduced for both groups after the game (p , 0.05). The results of this study indicated that a futsal game have a significantly effect on several hormonal, metabolic, and muscle damage indicators for players who participate for a longer playing time in the game. Therefore, the evaluation of these volumes could assist coaches to organize specific, effective, and individualized training programs.

The aim of the current study was to compare scored and conceded goals as well as the time period among teams of different league ranking. Researchers recorded the total games (n= 1446) of the top European leagues of Spain, Italy, Germany, and France for the period 2015-2016. The teams were divided into the ones which achieved their participation for European cups (L1), teams that remained to the category (L2), and teams which relegated to the lower category (L3). The researchers recorded the scored goals, the conceded goals, and the goal differences, per game, per half, and per 15min in total games for 2015-2016 season. The results showed that L1 teams were superior to L2 and L3 in overall goal scoring characteristics in both halves. The superior 15min periods were also explored. In addition, L2 teams performed higher than L3 teams in most of the variables. In conclusion, the difference between L1 with L2 and L3 teams is based in goal scoring during the whole game, in contrast with the difference between L2 and L3 teams that relies on stronger defense. On the other hand, L3 teams did not perform higher in any goal scoring pattern than the other two groups. It is obvious, that performance difference is achieved by the first half which is difficult to change during the second half. Thus, coaches have to emphasize achieving high performance in the first half of the game. Furthermore, they must use their substitutions so as to avoid poor performance periods and

Futsal is an upcoming sport which is already widespread in several countries around Europe, Asia and South America. The current review includes topics about the history of the sport, its anthropometrical, physiological, psychological demands, characteristics of training, match analysis and coach as well as injury risks. It aims to present recent studies about futsal as the literature review showed that most of the current ones were only in Portugesse and Spanish language. This document acts as a guide for futsal trainers to organize their training sessions and their behavior to the needs of the sport. Furthermore, researchers may develop new interests and find out gaps about future research.

Hematological parameters affect the aerobic capacity which is considered as basic for technical and tactical development of soccer players. However, the hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (HBG), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBC), iron status and ferritin concentration, change throughout a season. Therefore, the current longitudinal study aimed to examine the changes of hematological parameters in professional soccer players throughout a 6-month period. The researchers examined 25 soccer players (25.7 ± 2.1) at the beginning of the preparation period, at the middle, and at the end of the preparation period, as well as at the competitive period. The results indicated that in the first part of the preparation period there was an increasing trend for all the hematological parameters. This trend developed significant increases at the end of the preparation period, which corresponds at the beginning of the competitive period. In summary, the current findings showed that the players improve and maintain their hematological values throughout the season because of aerobic training during preparation period.