Development of a Soccer-Specific Running Protocol for Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of a novel soccer simulation protocol (SSP), which was designed to replicate the activity pattern typically recorded in U15 soccer player’s match-play. Twenty male outfield soccer players (n = 20, 1.67 ± 0.4 m, 55.3 ± 8.4 kg) from the Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil (SSBJ) volunteered to participate in this study. The SSP was performed on two occasions to determine test-retest reliability. Sprint speed (km·h−1) was measured in one direction (15 m) using 5 Hz (with interpolated 10 Hz output) global positioning system unit. Physiological, physical capacity and perceptual scales were also monitored. The SSP running intensities were devised in a cyclical pattern required the participants to complete 4 × 20 min blocks of exercise separated by 3 min recovery. No significant difference was observed between trials in peak sprint speed (p = 0.930), perceptual scales (RPE; p = 0.835, FS; p = 0.751, FAS; p = 0.222), countermovement jump (p = 0.280) and heart rate (p = 0.330) between trials. The physiological and physical performance was observed repeatable and reliable (ICC = 0.85 to 0.98, SEM 0.01 to 0.6). In conclusion, the SSP’s appears to be reliable protocol that replicated the physical demands of youth soccer match play.