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It has recently been identified that the assessment of peak periods of activity better considers the stochastic nature of match-play and the influence that contextual factors have on these peak periods. Limited research exists attempting to link the tactical and physical aspects of performance, especially in female players. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess post-goal locomotor patterns and positional differences on peak match demands in elite female soccer players. Using 10 Hz global positioning system units, a total of 133 player match observations were recorded from 14 matches played by an elite Scottish women's professional soccer team. The total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (>18 km/h) (HSRD) and PlayerLoad™ (PL) were assessed for 1, 3 and 5-minute peak periods using a rolling epoch approach. Playing position and post-goal activity were used as modulating factors. Linear mixed models established a main effect for playing position for the HSRD at peak 1-minute (p<.001), 3-minute (p <.001) and 5-minute (p <.001) epochs. There were also main effects for the playing position for TD at peak 1-minute (p=.001) and PL at peak-3minute (p =.002). Team-level data showed a main effect for condition (score vs. concede) for 3-minute TD data and main effects for time (pre vs. post) for 1,3 and 5-minute epochs for PL data. The average and peak values were shown to differ across playing positions for all variables. Likewise, potentially indicative of tactical adjustments significant differences were observed at both a team and player level following scoring or conceding a goal.

A think aloud (TA) protocol was used to explore whether thought processes and attentional focus differed between well-trained, trained, and recreationally-trained runners across a 5km tempo run. Eighteen runners completed a self-paced 5km tempo treadmill run. Participants were asked to TA and provided their ratings of perceived exertion alongside breathlessness, cognitive demands and lower-body effort, every 1 km. Verbalisations were coded using content analysis into categories and sub-categories and were compared across groups and over every kilometre of the run. Speed and Rate of Perceived Exertion scores increased over the 5km but there were no significant differences across groups. The nature of verbalisations for categories and sub-categories varied across groups with the majority of the well-trained runner’s thoughts relating to active self-regulation, while internal sensory monitoring was used most frequently by the trained runners and distraction was most widely verbalised by the recreationally-trained group. There was a statistically significant difference between the use of active self-regulation across groups, with differences also seen for the sub-categories of running form and motivational self-talk. The number of verbalisations across categories changed over time, but there was no statistically significant interaction with group. Results highlight active self-regulatory differences between well-trained, trained and recreationally-trained runners in the study, suggesting that it is likely not just exposure to running that enables runners to develop effective psychological skills. Findings could be used by coaches to offer targeted support and opportunities for lower-level runners to develop effective cognitive skills to impact on performance and running adherence.

This study sought to examine differences in measures of intense periods of physical performance during competitive match-play, between one-match (1 match weeks) and two-match microcycles (2 match week). 1, 3 and 5 min ‘peak’ and mean averages for total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR) and metabolic power (MP) were analysed for each 15 min period of match-play. Linear mixed models were employed to examine the differences in dependent variables for each method of measurement between the 1 and 2 game microcycles. No differences were reported for ‘peak’ values for all epoch lengths, however, results revealed significantly reduced ‘average’ values, during periods of fixture congestion, for 1, 3 and 5 min epochs for average TD, and 3 min epochs for average HSR toward the end of the match (75-90 min split). There was, however, a trend for the opposite response to occur in the 60-75-minute period. The current data suggests that players potentially display altered pacing strategies during periods of fixture congestion, with these observed responses being dependent on sampling method and epoch length.

FC Barcelona is a multi-sport organisation that adopts a talent identification approach that emphasises the technical, psychological and perceptual-cognitive attributes. It is unclear within this type of sporting selection model whether the RAE exists. Consequently, the aim of the study was to evaluate the relative age effect (RAE) across multiple sports and age groups at FC Barcelona. The birth-dates of all players (n = 6542) affiliated to each sport (male basketball [n = 1013], male [n = 3012] and female [n = 449] soccer, male futsal [n = 761], male handball [n = 999] and male indoor roller hockey [n = 308]) across all age groups from U10 to Senior were recorded. These were then categorised into quartiles from the start of the selection year (Q1 = Jan-Mar; Q2 = Apr-Jun; Q3 = Jul-Sep; Q4 = Oct-Dec) and analysed for; a) each sport, b) each age group, irrespective of the sport and c) each age group within each sport, using Chi-squared statistics and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Birthdates across the entire club revealed a RAE (Q1 = 46.1%, Q2 = 27.1%, Q3 = 17.1% & Q4 = 9.7%, X2 = 29.8, P < 0.01), with OR in Q1, Q2 and Q3 representing a 4.76 (95% CIs:1.96-11.57), 2.80 (1.12-7.03) and 1.77 (0.67-4.63) increased likelihood for selection when compared to Q4, respectively. Despite FC Barcelona’s approach to talent identification and development, the RAE was still present within youth age groups (< 18 years old). The current findings provide support that the RAE is more prevalent within regionally popular sports and reduces with increasing age; however, given the talent identification processes within FC Barcelona’s sporting model, additional factors beyond the physical attributes, such as enhanced psychological and perceptual-cognitive attributes, in those born earlier in the selection year might further influence the RAE. Consequently, current results provide indirect evidence to suggest that sociological and psychological determinants m

Purpose: To examine the reliability of heart rate (HR) measures obtained during a 6-min Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), and following a 3-min passive recovery, within a group of highly trained youth soccer players Methods: Eight players completed three separate 6-min Yo-Yo IR1 tests, with a passive recovery, over a 2-week period. Measures of absolute heart rate (bpm) and relative HR (%HR max) were obtained at the 3 rd and 6 th min of the test, with measures relative to the end HR (%HR end) 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, and 180 s, during the 3-min passive recovery. Variability in HR measures were assessed across successive trials (trial 1 vs. 2 and trial 2 vs. 3) and across all three trials, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and typical error (TE). Results: HR measures obtained during the 6-min Yo-Yo IR1 test displayed good levels of reliability (ICC: 0.95–0.98, CV: 1.1–1.3% and TE: 0.96–2.44). Results, display a potential learning effect, with lower levels of variability between trial 2 and trial 3. Examination of %HR end obtained during the passive 3-min recovery demonstrated an increased variance, as the passive-recovery period progressed. Conclusion: The 6-min Yo-Yo IR1 test presents a novel and potentially practical approach to regularly assessing youth soccer players’ physical response to intermittent exercise. Practitioners and researchers should, however, consider the need for appropriate familiarisation when undertaking this test.

Purpose: Examine differences in measures of cardio-respiratory fitness and determinants of running economy with respect to maturity status, in a group of highly trained youth soccer players. Methods: Twenty-one highly trained youth soccer players participated. On separate visits, players’ peak oxygen uptake, running economy, at three different speeds (8km•h-1, 80%GET and 95%GET), and pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics (VO2 kinetics) were determined. Players also performed a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Players were categorised as either ‘pre-PHV’ or ‘mid-PHV’ using the measure of maturity offset. Independent t-tests and Cohen’s d effect sizes were then used to assess differences between groups. Results: The mid-PHV group were significantly taller, heavier and advanced in maturity status. Absolute measures of VO2peak were greater in the mid-PHV group, however, when expressed relative to body mass, FFM and theoretically derived exponents, VO2peak values were similar between groups. Pre-PHV group presented a significantly reduced VO2 response, during relative submaximal running speeds, when theoretically derived exponents were used, or expressed as %VO2peak. VO2 kinetics (tau) were faster during a low (standing) to moderate (95% GET) transition in the pre-PHV group. Yo-Yo IR1 performance was similar between groups. Conclusion: While measures of VO2peak and Yo-Yo IR1 performance are shown to be similar between groups, those classed as Pre-PHV display a superior running economy at relative submaximal running speeds and faster taus during a low-moderate exercise transition, than their more mature counterparts.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between: Peak oxygen uptake (VO2max) and running economy (RE) with physical measures associated with elite youth soccer performance obtained during soccer match-play. Seventeen highly trained youth soccer players (age: 13.3±0.4y) volunteered to participate. Initially player’s ventilatory threshold (VT) and VO2max was established using a treadmill protocol. On the subsequent visit, players ran for 4 min, at three different speeds (8km/h, 80%VT and 95%VT). Physical soccer-based performance was assessed using a maximal Yo-Yo IR1 and via Global positioning systems (GPS) derived variables obtained during three, 2x20min, 11 v 11 soccer matches. Partial correlations revealed significant relationships between relative VO2max and measures of physical soccer performance (r = 0.54–0.88). Moreover, measures of ventilatory equivalent (VEVO2), a determinant of RE, at all sub-maximal exercise intensities were inversely related to the volume (m) and percentage (%) of very high intensity activities. Current findings emphasise the need for high levels of cardio-respiratory fitness in high level youth soccer players, with superior levels of fitness being associated with a greater amount of high and very high intensity activity during soccer match-play.

Following my progression and development from an undergraduate Sports Science student to my present position as a lecturer in Coaching and Performance, I sought to reflect upon this journey and how each significant stage of my development has either challenged, developed or influenced my career. In attempting to articulate and disseminate such information I have utilised reflective accounts which have been recorded throughout this time. Consequently, the current paper seeks to present a reflective account of key stages within my own development and career, beginning with the initial stages of a newly graduated sports science intern, into a novice practitioner undertaking a PhD before finally attaining a full-time position in academia. As such, it is hoped that those seeking employment or working in the Sports Science industry will themselves be able to utilise the information provided with their own personal and professional development.

Doncaster, G and Unnithan, V. Between-game variation of physical soccer performance measures in highly trained youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1912-1920, 2019-To assess the between-game variation in measures of physical performance during 11 vs. 11 soccer match play, over a short period, in highly trained youth soccer players. A single-cohort, observational, study design was used. Physical match performance data were collected from 17, male, highly trained, youth soccer players (age, 13.3 ± 0.4 years) over 3, 2 × 20 minutes, 11 vs. 11 matches. Using 10-Hz global positioning systems, the variables selected for analyses were total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), very high-speed running (VHSR), number of high-speed running efforts (HSReff), and number of very high-speed running efforts (VHSReff). Match data were also separated into cumulative 5-minute epochs, to identify the peak 5-minute epoch and the mean of the cumulative 5-minute epochs for each match. Variability was quantified using the coefficient of variation (CV), standard error of measurement, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Between- and within-player smallest worthwhile changes (SWC) were also calculated for each variable to aid in the interpretation of the data. Analysis of the variance between games reported a low CV for TD (3.8%) but larger CVs for HSR (33.3%), HSReff (35.4%), and VHSR and VHSReff (59.6 and 57.4%, respectively). Analysis of 5-minute epochs (peak and average) found an increase in the CVs beyond that of the values reported for the whole match. Between-player SWC in high-intensity physical performance data ranged from 24.7 to 42.4%, whereas within-player SWC ranged from 1.2 to 79.9%. The between-game variability of high-intensity and very high-intensity activities in youth soccer players, across 3 soccer matches over a short period (2 weeks), is relatively "large" and specific to the individual, thus highlighting the need for caution when interpreting phy

Session-RPE has emerged in recent years as a useful subjective method of quantifying training intensity in elite team sports. When expressed as a product of training duration (‘training load’), its validity against objective markers of volume and intensity in soccer has been advocated. 13 elite soccer players, aged 16-18 years old (17.6 ± 0.6 y, 182.5 ± 4.9 cm, 77.2 ± 5.9 kg) from the Stoke City F.C. youth academy, England. All participants completed multiple, coach-led training (small-sided games) sessions (mean = 30.1, range = 23 to 36), generating ‘typical’ data. Session-RPE was positively and significantly (p< .001) correlated with GPS variables (r = 0.28-0.63) and time spent above 85% HRmax (r = 0.45). These findings provide evidence that session-RPE TL is a valid, inexpensive measure for quantifying global training load within elite youth soccer players and can distinguish between the efforts of positional groups.