OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: ADVANCING COLLEGIATE FEMALE SOCCER PROFICIENCY THROUGH POSITION-SPECIFIC CONDITION TRAINING

Authors

MNQ Nguyen
MJ Garver
K Finn
DA Crawford

Abstract

Minh N.Q. Nguyen¹, Matthew J. Garver², Kevin Finn,² & Derek A. Crawford²

¹Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory, Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas; ² Athlete Health, Performance, & Innovation Laboratory University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri

Compared to small-sided games and high-intensity running, position-specific conditioning training (PSCT), which addresses the distinct physical and technical demands of individual playing positions, has emerged as a promising training method for soccer performance. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to understand the influence of PSCT on physical and technical skills among collegiate female soccer players. METHODS: Two-period, two-group, controlled crossover design spanning 5 weeks of training per period was employed. Comprehensive testing was conducted before, at midpoint, and after the study. The test included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1), Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA), Agility T-test, and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) under non-fatigue and fatigued states. PSCT, developed based on FIFA guidelines, encompassed four drills for attackers and defenders with a high-intensity interval training structure. Each drill had a target intensity of 90-95% HRmax for 4-min work bouts, interspersed by 4-min active recoveries at 70% HRmax. Normal training method was served as the control. RESULTS: Post intervention, significant enhancements were observed in the YYIRT1 endurance test for both groups (MD = 18.5%, F = 7.16, p < 0.01, η² = 0.082), LSPT scores under non-fatigued (F =7.38, p < 0.01, η² = 0.095) and aerobic fatigued conditions (F=6.86, p < 0.01, η² = 0.079) for the PSCT group but not the control condition (see table). No significant improvement was seen in RSA and Agility T-test. CONCLUSION: PSCT emerges as a potentially effective method in developing position-specific technical and physical proficiency for soccer players. Future research should focus on optimizing PSCT as a training and testing method and exploring the potential of PSCT across various competitive levels.

Recommended Citation

Nguyen, MNQ; Garver, MJ; Finn, K; and Crawford, DA (2024) "OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: ADVANCING COLLEGIATE FEMALE SOCCER PROFICIENCY THROUGH POSITION-SPECIFIC CONDITION TRAINING," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 11: Iss. 11, Article 64.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol11/iss11/64