The Relationship Between Performance and Asymmetries in Different Multidirectional Sprint Tests in Soccer Players

Abstract

Practitioners usually include change of direction (COD) and linear speed measurements in the testing batteries of soccer players; however, despite being a commonly occurring action, curve sprint (CS) ability is rarely assessed in soccer. The aims of this study were to analyze the association between linear sprint, CS, and COD speed performances, and compare the association and direction of asymmetries between these skills. Thirty-three male soccer players performed linear sprint (17 m), CS (17 m), and COD-90⍛ speed tests (COD [8.5 + 8.5 m]). Our main findings were (a) a large relationship between linear and multidirectional tasks (COD-90⍛ and CS tests) (r = from 0.6 to 0.64, p < 0.05), (b) a moderate relationship between CS and COD-90⍛ tests (r = from 0.33 to 0.41, p < 0.05), with a certain opposite tendency (higher relationships between opposing directions [CurveLEFT - CODRIGHT; r = 0.41] than between equal directions [CurveLEFT – CODLEFT; r = 0.33]), and (c) no relationship (p > 0.05) between COD and CS asymmetries, with opposing directional dominance in ~70% of players (e.g., curve left and COD right dominance). These results indicate that performance in linear sprints is strongly related to performance in multidirectional trajectories, whereas CS and COD-90⍛ seem to be more independent actions. Additionally, the direction of asymmetry or dominance is generally opposite between the non-linear tasks measured.

Novel Curvilinear Sprint Test in Basketball: Reliability and Comparison With Linear Sprint

“…Short sprint acceleration plays a key role in multidirectional speed tasks (2,20). Accordingly, previous studies suggested that greater linear ACC and VEL outputs would lead to faster COD performance (20), whereas Fílter et al (9) and Kobal et al (18) reported moderate to large associations of CS time with performance in the zig-zag test in female and male soccer players. In that vein, our current findings showed very large to nearly perfect inverse associations of both LS and CS time with COD performance in basketball players (Table 3).…”

High-intensity Actions in Elite Soccer: Current Status and Future Perspectives

“…Further, another study has shown a "large" relationship between both non-linear tasks (curve sprints, COD-90º) and linear sprints, and a "moderate" relationship between curve sprints and COD tests (r = 0.37) (▶Fig. 3) [74]. In summary, the vast majority of curve-linear sprint relationship studies have shown strong correlations [65,[74][75][76][77].…”

“…In this sense, it has been postulated that ensuring that the test measures COD ability (e. g. neuromuscular capacity) over shorter times would avoid confusion [79,80]. In addition, as previous research showed [79], different COD tests may require different magnitudes of physical requirements [80,81] (e. g. eccentric vs. isometric vs. concentric strength), and technical demands (e. g. curvilinear running patterns for maintaining velocity, vs. a COD that requires rapid deceleration) [74,79,80]. Furthermore, COD tasks are angle and velocity dependent and are only representative of the athlete's ability to perform that COD, over a specific distance in a preplanned environment [82].…”

“…3 ) 74 . In summary, the vast majority of curve-linear sprint relationship studies have shown strong correlations 65 74 75 76 77 . However, all these findings imply that although the linear sprint is the most correlated action, faster soccer players in linear sprints are not necessarily faster in curve sprints or COD, with independent kinematic and neuromuscular behavior 78 .…”

Relationship between sprint, jump, dynamic balance with the change of direction on young soccer players' performance

“…However, in some moments of the soccer game, such as during set pieces, the team’s strategy may involve pre-planned actions in which COD tasks can be critical for scoring a goal 6 . Furthermore, COD tasks can be a complex and multifactorial skill that may be dependent on each player’s physical characteristics and capacities 7 . In fact, there is a growing interest on the physical determinants that may influence athletes' performance during COD tasks 8 – 10 .…”