Physical fitness changes among amateur soccer players: effects of the pre-season period

Abstract Study aim : To assess changes in physical fitness of amateur soccer players after a pre-season training period and baseline dependencies. Material methods Twenty-one were assessed during the pre-season. The following variables before two-month period: (i) cardiorespiratory fitness, (ii) strength power, (iii) change direction (COD). Results Significant decreases found for countermovement jump (CMJ) (p < 0.001; d = 1.161), drop (DJ) 0.014; 0.958), horizontal (HJ) 0.042; 0.640), while no significant overall from beginning to end Fit revealed CMJ 0.002; –2.495), DJ 0.004; –1.760), HJ 0.028; –1.005), COD deficit 0.034; 1.013), maximal aerobic speed (MAS) 0.026; –4.053). No unfit players. Conclusions Amateur coaches should consider assessing qualities at use free-of-charge monitoring tools such as session-rate perceived exertion (s-RPE) process.