Effect of power on agility, linear speed and change of direction deficit in female soccer players

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine relationships between power of the lower limb and agility, speed, and change of direction (COD) deficit in professional female soccer players. Material and methods: Thirty-three elite Polish Extraliga league soccer players (aged 22 ±5 years; body height 166 ± 4 cm; body weight 58 ± 8 kg) performed the following fitness tests: lower limb muscle power (Leg Press, Half Squat, Counter Movement Jump), straight linear speed (SLS 20 m), and COD speed ( Zig-Zag test, COD deficit). Using the median value as a reference, the players were subdivided into two groups (n=17; n=16) according to their LP, HS 60% 1RM, CMJ (High values below median = stronger group and Low = weaker group ). Results: The COD deficit was calculated as the difference between the 20m speed and the Zig-Zag test. The stronger group was better than the weaker group in SLS 20m (p<0.05; ES=1.23; 0.83; 0.93), but in the Zig-Zag agility test, the difference in the results was not statistically significant (p>0.05; ES=0.48; 0.34; 0.34) and this affected the COD deficit, which was higher (p<0.05; ES=0.9; 0.73; 0.72). The most important finding was that the stronger group had a higher COD deficit and its improvement (reduction) occurs only if the results of the agility test are improved (through agility training) [Ydeficit All groups=0.10+0.87*20m - 0.83* Zig-Zag]. Increasing power (HS, LP) lead to the improvement in SLS p<0.05, not to COD abilities. Conclusion: This can be useful for coaches during agility training and to improve COD deficit in soccer players and women in general.

The effectiveness of using power fitness training loads to increase adaptive reserves of female athletes in hand-to-hand combat

“…Our research determined that using only power fitness training program, consisting of exercises with their own body weight and a complete change of standard kinematic and dynamic characteristics of equipment, helped hand-to-hand combat female athletes to improve special training results. The obtained data confirmed the results of research in power fitness using the same training loads for women of this age group [9,32,33].…”

Impact of Utilizing Visual Stimuli (BlazePod) on Agility, Vertical jump, and Visual Reaction Time Speed in Under-19 Volleyball Players

“…The entire research community completed electronic assessments on the Borg RPE 0-10 scale at the conclusion of each direct training session [19]. Following a three-week training period, each group underwent the identical pre-experiment physical testing to ascertain the degree to which the Blazepod technology had affected the athletes' performance.…”

“…Based on studies by Gunnar Borg from Stockholm University, this table (Figure 4) is useful for measuring exercise intensity. It can also be employed in training programs to characterize the level of intensity in training sessions, as it is in certain study for that purpose [19]. After every session, the players' responses were gathered to assess how well the training program was working with them.…”

The Influence of Hurdle Drill and Zig Zag Running Training Models on Agility at PFK Angels Football Club

“…According to (Rahardian et al, 2019), one of the training methods used to improve the agility of football players includes zig-zag running and hurdle drills. Zig-zag running training involves changing body positions while running in a zig-zag pattern (Fischerova et al, 2021). In line with (Freitas et al, 2021), the Zigzag Run is a type of exercise involving turning and maneuvering through cones that have been placed.…”