Rodrigo Aquino

Influence of Match Location, Quality of Opponents, and Match Status on Movement Patterns in Brazilian Professional Football Players

Abstract Aquino, R, Munhoz Martins, GH, Palucci Vieira, LH, and Menezes, RP. Influence of match location, quality of opponents and match status on movement patterns in brazilian professional football players. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2155–2161, 2017—The aim of this study was to examine the independent and interactive effects of match location, quality of opponents, and match status on the movement patterns in a professional Brazilian football team. Sixteen matches of the fourth division Brazilian Championship of 2015 were analyzed during the competitive stages (classifier, 8 matches; octave-finals, 2 matches; quarterfinals, 2 matches; semifinals, 2 matches; and finals, 2 matches). A 5-Hz Global Positioning System Sports QSTARZ was used to record the total distance (TD), maximum speed (VMAX), average speed (VAVERAGE), and frequency of high-intensity activities (HIA). The Students t-test for independent samples showed significantly higher values (p ⩽ 0.05) of VMAX, VAVERAGE, and HIA in home matches when compared with away matches. Comparing the quality of opponents, statistically higher values of TD, VMAX, and HIA were found when the team played against strong opponents. Regarding match status, 1-way analysis of variance demonstrated that when the team won presented significantly higher values of TD, VMAX, VAVERAGE, and HIA compared with matches when the team lost. There were no substantial interactive effects of match situational variables on movement patterns. Finally, multiple linear regression showed that the variable quality of opponents has a higher relative contribution to the variance in HIA (19%) than match status (16%) and match location (4%). In particular, the results indicate that physical performance in professional football is influenced by match situational variables, resulting in a change in the teams style of play.

Periodization Training Focused on Technical-Tactical Ability in Young Soccer Players Positively Affects Biochemical Markers and Game Performance.

Abstract Aquino, RLQT, Cruz Gonçalves, LG, Palucci Vieira, LH, Oliveira, LP, Alves, GF, Pereira Santiago, PR, and Puggina, EF. Periodization training focused on technical-tactical ability in young soccer players positively affects biochemical markers and game performance. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2723–2732, 2016—The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 22 weeks of periodized training, with an emphasis on technical-tactical ability, on indirect markers of muscle damage, and the on-field performance of young soccer players. Fifteen players (age 15.4 ± 0.2 years, height 172.8 ± 3.6 cm; body mass 61.9 ± 2.9 kg; % fat 11.7 ± 1.6; V[Combining Dot Above]O2max 48.67 ± 3.24 ml·kg−1·min−1) underwent 4 stages of evaluation: prepreparatory stage—T0; postpreparatory stage—T1; postcompetitive stage I—T2 and; postcompetitive stage II—T3. The plasmatic activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated, as well as the on-field performance (movement patterns, tactical variables). Regarding the plasmatic activity of CK and LDH, there was a significant reduction (p ⩽ 0.05) throughout the periodization training (T0: 350 U·L−1; T3: 150 U·L−1). Significant increases were observed (p ⩽ 0.05) in the intensity of the game, high-intensity activities (HIA) (T0: 22%; T3: 27%), maximum speed (T0: 30 km·h−1; T3: 34 km·h−1) and tactical performance, team surface area (T0: 515 m2; T3: 683 m2), and spread (T0: 130 m; T3: 148 m). In addition, we found significant inverse correlations between the percentage variation of T0 to T3 in CK and LDH activities with percentage variation in high-intensity running (r = −0.85; p ⩽ 0.05 and r = −0.84; p < 0.01, respectively) and HIA (r = −0.71 and r = −0.70; p ⩽ 0.05, respectively) during the matches. We concluded that there was reduced activity in biochemical markers related to muscle damage, as well as increases in-game high-intensity performance and the tactical performance of the study participants. Furthermore, players who showed greater reduction in plasma activity of CK and LDH also obtained greater increases in-game high-intensity performance along the periodization. These results may contribute to the expansion and future consolidation of the knowledge of coaches and sport scientists to develop effective methodologies for training in soccer.

Multivariate Profiles of Selected Versus non-Selected Elite Youth Brazilian Soccer Players

Abstract This study determined whether a multivariate profile more effectively discriminated selected than non-selected elite youth Brazilian soccer players. This examination was carried out on 66 youth soccer players (selected, n = 28, mean age 16.3 ± 0.1; non-selected, n = 38, mean age 16.7 ± 0.4) using objective instruments. Multivariate profiles were assessed through anthropometric characteristics, biological maturation, tactical-technical skills, and motor performance. The Student’s t-test identified that selected players exhibited significantly higher values for height (t = 2.331, p = 0.02), lean body mass (t = 2.441, p = 0.01), and maturity offset (t = 4.559, p < 0.001), as well as performed better in declarative tactical knowledge (t = 10.484, p < 0.001), shooting (t = 2.188, p = 0.03), dribbling (t = 5.914, p < 0.001), speed – 30 m (t = 8.304, p < 0.001), countermovement jump (t = 2.718, p = 0.008), and peak power tests (t = 2.454, p = 0.01). Forward stepwise discriminant function analysis showed that declarative tactical knowledge, running speed –30 m, maturity offset, dribbling, height, and peak power correctly classified 97% of the selected players. These findings may have implications for a highly efficient selection process with objective measures of youth players in soccer clubs.

Relationship between Procedural Tactical Knowledge and Specific Motor Skills in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between offensive tactical knowledge and the soccer-specific motor skills performance. Fifteen participants were submitted to two evaluation tests, one to assess their technical and tactical analysis. The motor skills performance was measured through four tests of technical soccer skills: ball control, shooting, passing and dribbling. The tactical performance was based on a tactical assessment system called FUT-SAT (Analyses of Procedural Tactical Knowledge in Soccer). Afterwards, technical and tactical evaluation scores were ranked with and without the use of the cluster method. A positive, weak correlation was perceived in both analyses (rho = 0.39, not significant p = 0.14 (with cluster analysis); and rho = 0.35; not significant p = 0.20 (without cluster analysis)). We can conclude that there was a weak association between the technical and the offensive tactical knowledge. This shows the need to reflect on the use of such tests to assess technical skills in team sports since they do not take into account the variability and unpredictability of game actions and disregard the inherent needs to assess such skill performance in the game.

Kicking Performance in Young U9 to U20 Soccer Players: Assessment of Velocity and Accuracy Simultaneously

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the kicking performance of young soccer players in the U9 to U20 age groups. Method: Three hundred and sixty-six Brazilian players were evaluated on an official pitch using three-dimensional kinematics to measure (300 Hz) ball velocity (Vball), foot velocity (Vfoot), Vball/Vfoot ratio, last stride length, and distance between the support foot and the ball. Simultaneously, a two-dimensional procedure was also conducted to compute (60 Hz) the mean radial error, bivariate variable error, and accuracy. Possible age-related differences were assessed through one-way analysis of variance and magnitude-based inferences. Results: Ball velocity increased by 103% (p < .001, η2 = .39) from the U11 age group (48.54 ± 8.31 km/hr) to the U20 age group (98.74 ± 16.35 km/hr). Foot velocity presented a 59% increase (p < .001, η2 = .32) from the U11 age group (49.08 ± 5.16 km/hr) to U20 (78.24 ± 9.49 km/hr). This finding was due to improvement in the quality of foot–ball impact (Vball/Vfoot ratio) from U11 (0.99 ± 0.13 a.u.) to U20 (1.26 ± 0.11 a.u.; p < .001, η2 = .25). Parameters such as mean radial error and accuracy appeared to be impaired during the growth spurt (U13–U15). Last stride length was correlated, low to moderately high, with Vball in all age groups (r = .36–.79). Conclusions: In summary, we concluded that simple biomechanical parameters of kicking performance presented distinct development. These results suggest that different training strategies specific for each age group could be applied. We provide predictive equations to aid coaches in the long-term monitoring process to develop the kick in soccer or search for talented young players.

A PRODUÇÃO CIENTÍFICA ACERCA DO ASPECTO TÁTICO-TÉCNICO NOS JOGOS ESPORTIVOS COLETIVOS: ANÁLISE DOS PERIÓDICOS BRASILEIROS

This study examined scientific production on tactical-technical aspects of team sports, published in Brazilian journals between 2000 and 2015. After an online search in 14 journals, 335 articles were selected and classified under the following thematic categories: Tactical-technical performance analysis; Teaching methodologies; Energy-functional performance analysis; Coach training; Athletes’ training; and others. The number of publications has seen substantial increase since 2009. The higher frequencies of publications (60.9%) are distributed among themes related to Tactical-technical performance analysis and Teaching methodologies. Additionally, of 16 sports presented in the articles, Football and Futsal accounted for 50.7% of publications. We found that scientific production related to tactical-technical aspects in team sports is still not comprehensive and plural. Therefore, more studies are needed, especially on Coach and Athletes’ Training, as well as team sports for people with disabilities.

Effects of competitive standard, team formation and playing position on match running performance of Brazilian professional soccer players

Abstract This study examined the effects of competitive standard, team formation and playing position on match running performance in a Brazilian professional soccer team. Performance was investigated in 36 players in 48 matches at 3 competitive standards: 1st São Paulo State Championship; 3rd and 4th Brazilian leagues. Global Positioning System technology was used to determine total distance covered (TD), maximal running speed (MRS), mean speed (SMEAN) and frequency of high-intensity activities (HIA). Data were compared across competitive standards, team formations and playing positions. Magnitude-based inferences showed greater values for TD, SMEAN and HIA (likely to almost certain) in the lower national (3rd, 4th Brazilian) vs. the top state division (1st São Paulo). Higher values for all variables were reported for the 1–4–3–3 vs. the 1–4–4–2 formation (likely to almost certain). External defenders/midfielders and forwards reported greater values (likely to almost certain) vs. central defenders/midfielders, especially in HIA. Linear regression analyses showed that playing position demonstrated a higher relative contribution to the variance in MRS (24%) and HIA (29%) compared to team formation (16 and 25%, respectively). In a Brazilian professional soccer team, match running performance was dependent upon competitive standard, playing formation and playing position.

Effects of 22 weeks of training on functional markers and match performance of young soccer players

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of 22 weeks of training on functional markers and match performance through the use of earned points in competition. Twenty male soccer players were submitted to the same group of tests in four moments of the periodization: before the preparatory stage (T0); after the preparatory stage (T1); after the competitive stage I (T2); after the competitive stage II (T3). The functional markers were measured using the vertical and horizontal jump, T-40; Shuttle Run Test and RAST. The match performance was obtained by earned points in competition. An increase were found for all the variables analyzed for functional markers when T0 was compared with T3. In relation to the match performance, the team obtained 83.33% success in competitive stages. It is possible to conclude that training plan was efficient to improve technical-tactical skills and physical fitness of the studied athletes.

Long distance run induced hydration and kidney function changes in marathoners

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar o estado de hidratacao e a funcao renal de maratonistas durante uma temporada preparatoria e apos a competicao. Foram estudados nove maratonistas durante 12 semanas de treinamento. A urina foi coletada em quatro momentos: antes (C1) e durante (C2) o protocolo de treinamento, antes (C3) e apos (C4) a competicao. Foram mensurados o pH a partir de tiras de reagentes, a densidade por meio do refratometro, a proteinuria pelo ensaio de Bradford, concentracao de eritrocitos e de leucocitos por microscopia. Alteracoes foram encontradas quando comparado o C-4 com as coletas anteriores para todas as variaveis estudadas. Pode-se concluir que o exercicio fisico induziu a modificacoes importantes no estado de hidratacao dos corredores e na funcao da membrana glomerular, modificando assim, a funcao renal dos maratonistas no momento pos prova.The aim of the study was to verify the hydration status and the kidney function in marathoners during the training season and after a marathon race. Nine male runners were investigated during 12 weeks of training. Urine was collected in four moments; in the beginning (C1) and during (C2) the training program, before (C3) and after (C4) the competition. Urine pH was measured using reagent tapes, urine density with a refractometer, protein excretion by Bradford assay and erythrocytes and leucocytes by microscopy. Changes were observed when C-4 was compared to the other collection times for all variables investigated. It is possible to conclude that physical exertion induced important changes in the hydration status and glomerular membrane selectivity to macromolecules, modifying the kidney function of the marathoners in C4.