AIM This study investigated how performance was affected after soccer players, in a postprandial state, ingested a 7% carbohydrate (CHO) solution compared to a placebo (0% CHO) during a simulated soccer match. METHODS Using a double-blind placebo-controlled design, 22 trained male league soccer players (age: 24 ± 7 years, wt: 73.4 ± 12.0 kg, VO2max: 51.8 ± 4.3 mL O2/kg/min) completed two tria...

This study aimed to identify characteristics of match performance and physical ability that discriminate between elite and subelite under-14 soccer players. Players were assessed for closed performance and movement, physiological responses, and technical actions during matches. Elite players covered more total m·min-1 (115.7 ± 6.6 cf. 105.4 ± 7.7 m·min-1) and high-intensity m·min-1 (elite = 14....

Projecting how a player’s skill level will evolve in the future is a crucial problem faced by sports teams. Traditionally, player projections have been evaluated by human scouts, who are subjective and may suffer from biases. More recently, there has been interest in automated projection systems such as the PECOTA system for baseball and the CARMELO system for basketball. In this paper, we pres...

Previously published studies have found that concussion symptoms are underreported in youth athletics. This study evaluated the likelihood high school soccer players would identify themselves as having concussion related symptoms during game situations. A questionnaire inquiring about past concussion education and the likelihood of notifying their coach of concussion symptoms was administered t...

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Small-Sided Games (SSG) vs. Interval Training (IT) in soccer training on aerobic fitness and physical enjoyment in youth elite soccer players during the last 8 weeks of the season. Seventeen U-16 male soccer players (age = 15.5 ± 0.6 years, and 8.5 years of experience) of a Spanish First Division club academy were randomized to 2 different...

In sports, fast and accurate execution of movements is required. It has been shown that implicitly learned movements might be less vulnerable than explicitly learned movements to stressful and fast changing circumstances that exist at the elite sports level. The present study provides insight in explicit and implicit motor learning in youth soccer players with different expertise levels. Twenty...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the speed, agility, quickness (SAQ) training method on power performance in soccer players. Soccer players were assigned randomly to 2 groups: experimental group (EG; n = 50) and control group (n = 50). Power performance was assessed by a test of quickness--the 5-m sprint, a test of acceleration--the 10-m sprint, tests of maximal speed--t...

BACKGROUND The incidence of lower extremity injuries in female soccer players is high, but the risk factors for injuries are unknown. PURPOSE To investigate risk factors for lower extremity injuries in elite female soccer players. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS Players in the Norwegian elite female soccer league (N = 12 teams) participated in baseline screening t...

Evidence supporting performance enhancing effects of kinesiotape in sports is missing. The aims of this study were to evaluate effects of kinesiotape applications with regard to shooting and throwing performance in 26 amateur soccer and 32 handball players, and to further investigate if these effects were influenced by the players' level of performance. Ball speed as the primary outcome and acc...

BACKGROUND A high level of strength is inherent in elite soccer play, but the relation between maximal strength and sprint and jumping performance has not been studied thoroughly. OBJECTIVE To determine whether maximal strength correlates with sprint and vertical jump height in elite male soccer players. METHODS Seventeen international male soccer players (mean (SD) age 25.8 (2.9) years, he...