engleski

Effects of two different tapering protocols on fitness and body composition in young soccer players: positional differences

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of two different tapering protocols on anthropological status in junior elite soccer players according to playing positions. One- hundred and fifty-eight junior elite soccer players (mean age: 17.07±0.79 years ; mean height: 177.85±6.64 cm ; mean weight: 71.27±7.96 kg ; mean body-mass index: 22.50±1.66 kg/m2) were randomly selected into two groups: (1) exponential and (2) linear tapering group. Training sessions were conducted 3 times a week per 8 weeks. After 4 weeks of training and 4 weeks of tapering period, participants were measured in morphological characteristics and tested in motor and functional abilities. In both groups, time changes occurred in all tested variables, except in height and sitting height. However, forwards in the exponential group had larger changes in 5, 10 and 30 m sprint and 96369 agility test, while midfielders performed somewhat better in the linear group in repeated sprint ability (ES=0.64). Maximal oxygen uptake significantly increased in both exponential and linear tapering group. However larger mean differences occurred in the exponential group. In conclusion, both tapers produced similar time changes, yet divided by playing positions, players in the exponential group had larger improvements in morphological characteristics and both motor and functional abilities.

taper ; soccer ; youth ; effects ; performance

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