16 May FSI Football Science Update

Effects of Vest and Sled Resisted Sprint Training on Sprint Performance in Young Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Fernández-Galván LM, Casado A, García-Ramos A, Haff GG.

J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Apr 29. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004255.

This meta-analysis found published evidence that resisted sprint training reduced the acceleration phase time, with greater reduction in sprint time occurring in response to applying resistance with a vest when compared with a sled. Similar reductions were determined for resistive loads <20% and ≥20% of BW. Full sprint time showed a small reduction after RST, regardless of the training equipment and resistive load. No significant differences in the changes of the acceleration phase time or full sprint time were observed between the experimental (sled or vest RST) and control groups (only soccer or unresisted sprint training). In conclusion, RST is effective to improve sprint performance in young soccer players, but the improvements are not superior to unresisted sprint training.

 

 

Assessing isometric kicking force and post-match responses using the Kicker test.

Thomas RJ, Timmins RG, Tofari PJ, Williams MD, Opar DA.

J Sports Sci. 2022 May 2:1-7. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2065772.

This study found a high inter-session reliability of force output from a novel isometric strength assessment protocol (the Kicker) combining hip flexion and knee extension force capacity. In 17 male academy soccer players and across the 72-h post-match period, Kicker force for each limb was suppressed compared to baseline (force loss range = -5.8% to -12.5%).