Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 I recently read the post below about the myths of soccer training. I disagree with what was posted. Soccer is an aerobic sport #1 You need aerobic fitness in soccer. First of all it has been shown that the better aerobic (up to a certain degree) the better the recovery from sprints. Which is the name of the game in soccer. Lactate plays of role in soccer. If you train aerobically you will be able to ward of fatigue later in the game better because you will better be able to clear the byproducts of high intensity work. Next, recent study showed that doing 4X4minutes at 90-95%max hr training for increased vo2 and lactate threshold) helped players be to the ball more and increased their work in the game. Soccer is a movement sport and if you can be in the right positions at the right time you will probably be more successful. I would say more studies now show that aerobic training does help more than it hurts soccer training. I do agree with some of what was posted below. Anaerobic fitness is very important it accounts for about 10-20% of the game. Players average work is 75-80%vo2max. I would say that we should train both components, aerobic and anerobic, to be successful in soccer especially when you look at the positions of each players. At the highest level of soccer I think it is even more important to focus on each energy system where the littlest improvement in each component of the players ability can be the difference. Now don't get me wrong. It is speed that wins the game. High intensity bouts are when certain scoring opporunities happen. Power is very key is the sport of soccr. And aerobic training will decrease sprint and verticle jump performance. My basic point is that there needs to be a certain amount of aerobic training for optimal success in soccer. Tollison Salt Lake City, UT Soccer training Quite recently a number of posts concerning soccer training have appeared on the list. Members may find the following articles useful: ----- ARNASON, A., S. B. SIGURDSSON, A. GUDMUNDSSON, I. HOLME, L. ENGEBRETSEN, and R. BAHR. Physical Fitness, Injuries, and Team Performance in Soccer. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 278-285, 2004. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between physical fitness and team success in soccer, and to test for differences in physical fitness between different player positions. Methods: Participants were 306 male soccer players from 17 teams in the two highest divisions in Iceland. Just before the start of the 1999 soccer season, the following variables were tested: height and weight, body composition, flexibility, leg extension power, jump height, and peak O2 uptake. Injuries and player participation in matches and training were recorded through the 4-month competitive season. Team average physical fitness was compared with team success (final league standing) using a linear regression model. Physical fitness was also compared between players in different playing positions. Results: A significant relationship was found between team average jump height (countermovement jump and standing jump) and team success (P = 0.009 and P = 0.012, respectively). The same trend was also found for leg extension power (P = 0.097), body composition (% body fat, P = 0.07), and the total number of injury days per team (P = 0.09). Goalkeepers demonstrated different fitness characteristics from outfield players. They were taller and heavier, more flexible in hip extension and knee flexion, and had higher leg extension power and a lower peak O2 uptake. However, only minor differences were observed between defenders, midfield players, and attackers. Conclusion: Coaches and medical support teams should pay more attention to jump and power training, as well as preventive measures and adequate rehabilitation of previous injuries to increase team success. Soccer is one of the most widely played sports in the world (15,29) and is a sport characterized by short sprints, rapid acceleration or deceleration, turning, jumping, kicking, and tackling (4,30). It is generally assumed that through the years, the game has developed to become faster, with more intensity and aggressive play than seen previously (29). Elite soccer is a complex sport, and performance depends on a number of factors, such as physical fitness, psychological factors, player technique, and team tactics. Injuries and sequelae from previous injuries can also affect the players' ability to perform. ------------------ Exploring the Myths of Conditioning for Soccer http://www.charlespoliquin.net/articles/soccer.html Poliquin and Curt Pederson Since most soccer players weigh less than 200 pounds and soccer is not a traditional American sport, many players and authorities have established many myths regarding physical conditioning for soccer. Generally speaking, the most common myths or misconceptions are that soccer is an aerobic sport and that strength training isn't necessary for success in soccer. In actuality, soccer performance is hindered by the excessive amounts of aerobic training and inadequate strength training in many players. Proper use of aerobic, anaerobic, and strength training is paramount for success in soccer at any level. Today, both male and female soccer players need to know how to train properly to be able to run intermittently at high speeds for 90 minutes and be able to both win and keep possession of the ball on the ground and in the air. Very few players today at any level are training properly in order to possess these physical attributes. This article dispels the training myths that surround soccer and provides the proper training information required for soccer excellence. Soccer Training Myth #1 Soccer is an Aerobic Sport The belief that soccer is an aerobic sport is one of the biggest fallacies regarding the physical requirements for soccer. While it is true that soccer is aerobic in duration, it is actually anaerobic in intensity. Studies have shown that during the course of a 90 minute match, a player will run over 6 miles at an average intensity of 80% of their maximal heart rate. .... Soccer Training Myth #2 To get in shape for soccer, you must run five miles a day! Soccer Training Myth #3 An aerobic conditioning base is required for soccer success Soccer players and coaches need to understand the difference between optimal and maximal aerobic fitness. Depending upon the player's position and the team's style of play, varying degrees of aerobic conditioning are required in soccer. Studies have shown that high level of aerobic fitness can hinder a soccer player's performance in the following ways: *High levels of aerobic fitness have no bearing on an athlete's ability to perform high-intensity, intermittent activities such as those required by soccer. The muscular strength and power used to shoot, throw, and kick in soccer come from type IIB muscle fibers. These fibers are developed through strength training, not endurance training. *Every position in soccer requires that the player be able to jump as high as possible for head balls. Research has shown that the more aerobically fir the soccer player, the more their vertical jump will decrease (i.e., the vertical jump is inversely correlated with increases in V02 max). * Strength training, when performed concurrently with endurance training, may actually enhance performance in explosive activities such as shooting, jumping, and throwing Soccer Training Myth #4 The leg extension exercise is better for improved kicking power and soccer movement than leg squats Many soccer coaches and players believe that kicking power and accuracy come from the quadriceps muscles, which allow the knee to extend. Therefore it is assumed that to improve one's kicking strength, leg extension exercises should be performed. In actuality, maximal shooting and passing accuracy and power stem from the muscles involved with hip extension and flexion, not the quadriceps. To test this, sit on the ground with both legs flexed at approximately a 90- degree angle. Kick a soccer ball from this position-as if you were performing a shot or volley. When performed properly, you will feel the hamstring and gluteal (buttocks) muscles being recruited. These muscles are the muscles used during a shot, punt or volley and are best trained by using the barbell squat exercise and its many variations... Some of the many reasons soccer players choose knee extensions in favor of squatting exercises are: 1. Most people will avoid the highly rewarding but of course very demanding squats simple because they are way more taxing than knee extensions. In other words, out culture teaches us to use the easiest, but of course not the most rewarding route. 2. Players will rationalize (rational lies) that isolation exercises are better than compound exercises (i.e., squat) and in this way, repress their feeling of guilt for avoiding them. Soccer Training Myth #5 Upper body strength isn't required in soccer We are not saying that you should look like Ronnie . In soccer you need upper body strength for three reasons: to improve running speed, ward off opponents, and allow for maximal leg strength and power to be obtained. Yes you read correctly: upper body strength makes you sprint faster. This principle has been clearly shown in recent years with track and speed-skating sprinter. Acceleration begins with the upper body. If you look at the muscular development of a World-Class sprinter, you will recognize this valuable point. To achieve maximal speed, the torque of the right leg must be countered by the torque of the left upper torso, and vice versa. Upper body strength also helps players of every position to ward off opponents whether they are defending or trying to gain possession of the ball. When shielding the ball from another player, a strong upper body will help to prevent the athlete from being knocked off of the ball. Strong trunk muscles help the soccer player to hold a defenseman off of the ball and maintain their balance while a strong upper body and arms will further strengthen the soccer player in one- on-one offensive and defensive situations..... Soccer Training Myth #6 Leg squats are bad for the knee Not only are squats not bad for the knees, every legitimate study on this subject has shown that squats improve knee stability and therefore reduce the risk of injuries. (The National Strength and Conditioning Association had published an excellent position paper on this subject with an extensive literature review).... Soccer Training Myth #7 Strength Training will make you Slow Tell that one to Olympic Gold medalists in bobsled, speed skating, track and field sprinting. Setting the drug issue aside, at his prime, Ben was respected by competitors not only for his lightning starts but his performance levels in the weight room and his well-developed thighs. Ben's leg training revolved around the squat. Since then, the training of World Class has shifted to greater volumes of work in the weight room. -------- Football injuries during the World Cup 2002. Junge A, Dvorak J, Graf-Baumann T. Am J Sports Med. 2004 Jan-Feb;32(1 Suppl):23S-7S. BACKGROUND: The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup is one of the largest, most popular sporting events but is associated with a certain risk of injury for the players. PURPOSE: Analysis of the incidence, circumstances, and characteristics of soccer injury during the World Cup 2002. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective survey. METHODS: The physicians of all participating teams reported all injuries after each match on a standardized injury report form. The response rate was 100%. RESULTS: A total of 171 injuries were reported from the 64 matches, which is equivalent to an incidence of 2.7 injuries per match; approximately 1 to 2 injuries per match resulted in absence from training or match. More than a quarter of all injuries were incurred without contact with another player, and 73% were contact injuries. Half of the contact injuries, or 37% of all injuries, were caused by foul play as rated by the team physician and the injured player. CONCLUSION: The incidence of injuries during the World Cup 2002 was similar to those reported for the World Cup in 1994 and in 1998. Increased awareness of the importance of fair play may assist in the prevention of injury. ----------- C Woods1, R D Hawkins2, S Maltby2, M Hulse2, A 2 and A Hodson2 The Football Association Medical Research Programme: an audit of injuries in professional football-analysis of hamstring injuries. Br J Sports Med 2004;38:36-41 Objective: To conduct a detailed analysis of hamstring injuries sustained in English professional football over two competitive seasons. Methods: Club medical staff at 91 professional football clubs annotated player injuries over two seasons. A specific injury audit questionnaire was used together with a weekly form that documented each clubs' current injury status. Results: Completed injury records for the two competitive seasons were obtained from 87% and 76% of the participating clubs respectively. Hamstring strains accounted for 12% of the total injuries over the two seasons with nearly half (53%) involving the biceps femoris. An average of five hamstring strains per club per season was observed. A total of 13 116 days and 2029 matches were missed because of hamstring strains, giving an average of 90 days and 15 matches missed per club per season. In 57% of cases, the injury occurred during running. Hamstring strains were most often observed during matches (62%) with an increase at the end of each half (p<0.01). Groups of players sustaining higher than expected rates of hamstring injury were Premiership (p<0.01) and outfield players (p<0.01), players of black ethnic origin (p<0.05), and players in the older age groups (p<0.01). Only 5% of hamstring strains underwent some form of diagnostic investigation. The reinjury rate for hamstring injury was 12%. Conclusion: Hamstring strains are common in football. In trying to reduce the number of initial and recurrent hamstring strains in football, prevention of initial injury is paramount. If injury does occur, the importance of differential diagnosis followed by the management of all causes of posterior thigh pain is emphasised. Clinical reasoning with treatment based on best available evidence is recommended. ------------- Carruthers Wakefield, UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Hello , Thanks for the post which cited the web page:http://www.charlespoliquin.net/articles/soccer.html. Titled " Exploring the Myths of Conditioning for Soccer " by Poliquin and Curt Pederson. Forgive me but it refered to research that showed the " more aerobically fit the soccer player, the more their vertical jump will decrease (i.e., the vertical jump is inversely correlated with increases in V02 max) " . Not that I am a fan of spending time specifically running long distances doing I suppose " traditional aerobic training " for soccer, but I find this statement a little OTT! Does anyone have this research that they refer to?? Below is an article that focuses on " aerobic endurance training " this training was interval type and as seen in the results " no changes were found in maximal vertical jumping height, strength, speed, kicking velocity, kicking precision, or quality of passes after the training period. I hope this is also of interest. Cheers Melbourne, Australia Title Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Source Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 33(11):1925-1931, November 2001. Abstract HELGERUD, J., L. C. ENGEN, U. WISLOFF, and J. HOFF. Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 33, No. 11, 2001, pp. 1925-1931. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to study the effects of aerobic training on performance during soccer match and soccer specific tests. Methods: Nineteen male elite junior soccer players, age 18.1 +/- 0.8 yr, randomly assigned to the training group (N = 9) and the control group (N = 10) participated in the study. The specific aerobic training consisted of interval training, four times 4 min at 90-95% of maximal heart rate, with a 3-min jog in between, twice per week for 8 wk. Players were monitored by video during two matches, one before and one after training. Results: In the training group: a) maximal oxygen uptake ([latin capital V with dot above]O2max) increased from 58.1 +/- 4.5 mL[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1 to 64.3 +/- 3.9 mL[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1 (P < 0.01); lactate threshold improved from 47.8 +/- 5.3 mL[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1 to 55.4 +/- 4.1 mL[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1 (P < 0.01); c) running economy was also improved by 6.7% (P < 0.05); d) distance covered during a match increased by 20% in the training group (P < 0.01); e) number of sprints increased by 100% (P < 0.01); f) number of involvements with the ball increased by 24% (P < 0.05); g) the average work intensity during a soccer match, measured as percent of maximal heart rate, was enhanced from 82.7 +/- 3.4% to 85.6 +/- 3.1% (P < 0.05); and h) no changes were found in maximal vertical jumping height, strength, speed, kicking velocity, kicking precision, or quality of passes after the training period. The control group showed no changes in any of the tested parameters. Conclusion: Enhanced aerobic endurance in soccer players improved soccer performance by increasing the distance covered, enhancing work intensity, and increasing the number of sprints and involvements with the ball during a match. _________________________________________________________________ Use MSN Messenger to send music and pics to your friends http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Hello , Thanks for the post which cited the web page:http://www.charlespoliquin.net/articles/soccer.html. Titled " Exploring the Myths of Conditioning for Soccer " by Poliquin and Curt Pederson. Forgive me but it refered to research that showed the " more aerobically fit the soccer player, the more their vertical jump will decrease (i.e., the vertical jump is inversely correlated with increases in V02 max) " . Not that I am a fan of spending time specifically running long distances doing I suppose " traditional aerobic training " for soccer, but I find this statement a little OTT! Does anyone have this research that they refer to?? Below is an article that focuses on " aerobic endurance training " this training was interval type and as seen in the results " no changes were found in maximal vertical jumping height, strength, speed, kicking velocity, kicking precision, or quality of passes after the training period. I hope this is also of interest. Cheers Melbourne, Australia Title Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Source Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 33(11):1925-1931, November 2001. Abstract HELGERUD, J., L. C. ENGEN, U. WISLOFF, and J. HOFF. Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 33, No. 11, 2001, pp. 1925-1931. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to study the effects of aerobic training on performance during soccer match and soccer specific tests. Methods: Nineteen male elite junior soccer players, age 18.1 +/- 0.8 yr, randomly assigned to the training group (N = 9) and the control group (N = 10) participated in the study. The specific aerobic training consisted of interval training, four times 4 min at 90-95% of maximal heart rate, with a 3-min jog in between, twice per week for 8 wk. Players were monitored by video during two matches, one before and one after training. Results: In the training group: a) maximal oxygen uptake ([latin capital V with dot above]O2max) increased from 58.1 +/- 4.5 mL[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1 to 64.3 +/- 3.9 mL[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1 (P < 0.01); lactate threshold improved from 47.8 +/- 5.3 mL[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1 to 55.4 +/- 4.1 mL[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1 (P < 0.01); c) running economy was also improved by 6.7% (P < 0.05); d) distance covered during a match increased by 20% in the training group (P < 0.01); e) number of sprints increased by 100% (P < 0.01); f) number of involvements with the ball increased by 24% (P < 0.05); g) the average work intensity during a soccer match, measured as percent of maximal heart rate, was enhanced from 82.7 +/- 3.4% to 85.6 +/- 3.1% (P < 0.05); and h) no changes were found in maximal vertical jumping height, strength, speed, kicking velocity, kicking precision, or quality of passes after the training period. The control group showed no changes in any of the tested parameters. Conclusion: Enhanced aerobic endurance in soccer players improved soccer performance by increasing the distance covered, enhancing work intensity, and increasing the number of sprints and involvements with the ball during a match. _________________________________________________________________ Use MSN Messenger to send music and pics to your friends http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2004 Report Share Posted March 3, 2004 , I commend you for the articles presented on soccer training. In regard to the soccer myths by Poliquin, I believe he contradicts himself in some of them. I agree and as I bring out in Womens Soccer: Using Science to Improve Speed, soccer is mainly a game of quick bursts, starts and accelerations. However, to say that an aerobic conditioning base is not required for soccer success is erroneous. You cannot have anaerobic conditioning by itself without having a strong aerobic base. The anaerobic system cannot function by itself; the aerobic is always involved, especially in recovery between bouts of anaerobic work. How high a level of aerobic fitness is needed depends upon each individual. If the aerobic training means training as a marathoner, then he is correct in his assessment, but aerobic training is still an important component for all soccer players. The myth that " The leg extension exercise is better for improved kicking power and soccer movement than leg squats " is misleading. Leg extension contributes a great deal of power to the kick. To state that " maximal shooting and passing accuracy and power stem from the muscles involved with hip extension and flexion, not the quadriceps " is erroneous. Hip extension is not involved in kicking or passing. Hip flexion is and the quadriceps are very strongly involved. His test does nothing to substantiate his point of view. To say that the hamstring and gluteal muscles are used during a shot and are best trained by using the barbell squat exercise is false. The barbell squat is the best exercise for the quadriceps, not for the hip muscles. (See Kinesiology of Exercise for more information on these exercises.) If kicking technique is analyzed, it would become obvious that you need both isolation and compound exercises, and not only the squat. You need hip flexion exercises (which he says are strengthened by the squat exercise!) and leg extension exercises. Both of these actions should be strengthened in isolation and sequentially. This is why we use Active Cords to duplicate these movements in isolation and in sequence. It cannot be done with barbell or free weight exercises to be specific. I disagree with the statement that " acceleration begins with the upper body. " You accelerate or run with the legs, not with the arms. If you stand still and move the arms as fast as possible, you will not go anyplace. Moving the arms faster than the legs during a run will get you discombobulated. There are also other factors that are involved here and they are brought out in Explosive Running. I agree that " strength training will make you slow " is a myth, but to believe that leg training revolving around the squat is the key to running success is erroneous. The squat is not the key exercise to develop pushoff power. In fact, if you push off with leg extension, you will be running up and down, not horizontally. In regard to the study by C Woods, et. al., the conclusion that hamstring strains are common if football is very true. But I am a firm believer that hamstring strains can be prevented. The key is to make sure that the player has proper running and cutting technique and has his physical qualities developed commensurate with his running and cutting technique. When you do this, as we have done with many soccer players and players in other sports, we have not experienced any hamstring problems. For information on the exercises that we use, see Explosive Running and Womens Soccer: Using Science to Improve Speed. (Note: Although the book title says women, it applies equally to men.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Yessis, Ph.D President, Sports Training, Inc. www.dryessis.com PO Box 460429 Escondido, CA 92046 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Message: 16 Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 18:57:07 -0000 Subject: Soccer training Quite recently a number of posts concerning soccer training have appeared on the list. Members may find the following articles useful: ----- ARNASON, A., S. B. SIGURDSSON, A. GUDMUNDSSON, I. HOLME, L. ENGEBRETSEN, and R. BAHR. Physical Fitness, Injuries, and Team Performance in Soccer. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 278-285, 2004. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between physical fitness and team success in soccer, and to test for differences in physical fitness between different player positions. Methods: Participants were 306 male soccer players from 17 teams in the two highest divisions in Iceland. Just before the start of the 1999 soccer season, the following variables were tested: height and weight, body composition, flexibility, leg extension power, jump height, and peak O2 uptake. Injuries and player participation in matches and training were recorded through the 4-month competitive season. Team average physical fitness was compared with team success (final league standing) using a linear regression model. Physical fitness was also compared between players in different playing positions. Results: A significant relationship was found between team average jump height (countermovement jump and standing jump) and team success (P = 0.009 and P = 0.012, respectively). The same trend was also found for leg extension power (P = 0.097), body composition (% body fat, P = 0.07), and the total number of injury days per team (P = 0.09). Goalkeepers demonstrated different fitness characteristics from outfield players. They were taller and heavier, more flexible in hip extension and knee flexion, and had higher leg extension power and a lower peak O2 uptake. However, only minor differences were observed between defenders, midfield players, and attackers. Conclusion: Coaches and medical support teams should pay more attention to jump and power training, as well as preventive measures and adequate rehabilitation of previous injuries to increase team success. Soccer is one of the most widely played sports in the world (15,29) and is a sport characterized by short sprints, rapid acceleration or deceleration, turning, jumping, kicking, and tackling (4,30). It is generally assumed that through the years, the game has developed to become faster, with more intensity and aggressive play than seen previously (29). Elite soccer is a complex sport, and performance depends on a number of factors, such as physical fitness, psychological factors, player technique, and team tactics. Injuries and sequelae from previous injuries can also affect the players' ability to perform. ------------------ Exploring the Myths of Conditioning for Soccer http://www.charlespoliquin.net/articles/soccer.html Poliquin and Curt Pederson Since most soccer players weigh less than 200 pounds and soccer is not a traditional American sport, many players and authorities have established many myths regarding physical conditioning for soccer. Generally speaking, the most common myths or misconceptions are that soccer is an aerobic sport and that strength training isn't necessary for success in soccer. In actuality, soccer performance is hindered by the excessive amounts of aerobic training and inadequate strength training in many players. Proper use of aerobic, anaerobic, and strength training is paramount for success in soccer at any level. Today, both male and female soccer players need to know how to train properly to be able to run intermittently at high speeds for 90 minutes and be able to both win and keep possession of the ball on the ground and in the air. Very few players today at any level are training properly in order to possess these physical attributes. This article dispels the training myths that surround soccer and provides the proper training information required for soccer excellence. Soccer Training Myth #1 Soccer is an Aerobic Sport The belief that soccer is an aerobic sport is one of the biggest fallacies regarding the physical requirements for soccer. While it is true that soccer is aerobic in duration, it is actually anaerobic in intensity. Studies have shown that during the course of a 90 minute match, a player will run over 6 miles at an average intensity of 80% of their maximal heart rate. .... Soccer Training Myth #2 To get in shape for soccer, you must run five miles a day! Soccer Training Myth #3 An aerobic conditioning base is required for soccer success Soccer players and coaches need to understand the difference between optimal and maximal aerobic fitness. Depending upon the player's position and the team's style of play, varying degrees of aerobic conditioning are required in soccer. Studies have shown that high level of aerobic fitness can hinder a soccer player's performance in the following ways: *High levels of aerobic fitness have no bearing on an athlete's ability to perform high-intensity, intermittent activities such as those required by soccer. The muscular strength and power used to shoot, throw, and kick in soccer come from type IIB muscle fibers. These fibers are developed through strength training, not endurance training. *Every position in soccer requires that the player be able to jump as high as possible for head balls. Research has shown that the more aerobically fir the soccer player, the more their vertical jump will decrease (i.e., the vertical jump is inversely correlated with increases in V02 max). * Strength training, when performed concurrently with endurance training, may actually enhance performance in explosive activities such as shooting, jumping, and throwing Soccer Training Myth #4 The leg extension exercise is better for improved kicking power and soccer movement than leg squats Many soccer coaches and players believe that kicking power and accuracy come from the quadriceps muscles, which allow the knee to extend. Therefore it is assumed that to improve one's kicking strength, leg extension exercises should be performed. In actuality, maximal shooting and passing accuracy and power stem from the muscles involved with hip extension and flexion, not the quadriceps. To test this, sit on the ground with both legs flexed at approximately a 90- degree angle. Kick a soccer ball from this position-as if you were performing a shot or volley. When performed properly, you will feel the hamstring and gluteal (buttocks) muscles being recruited. These muscles are the muscles used during a shot, punt or volley and are best trained by using the barbell squat exercise and its many variations... Some of the many reasons soccer players choose knee extensions in favor of squatting exercises are: 1. Most people will avoid the highly rewarding but of course very demanding squats simple because they are way more taxing than knee extensions. In other words, out culture teaches us to use the easiest, but of course not the most rewarding route. 2. Players will rationalize (rational lies) that isolation exercises are better than compound exercises (i.e., squat) and in this way, repress their feeling of guilt for avoiding them. Soccer Training Myth #5 Upper body strength isn't required in soccer We are not saying that you should look like Ronnie . In soccer you need upper body strength for three reasons: to improve running speed, ward off opponents, and allow for maximal leg strength and power to be obtained. Yes you read correctly: upper body strength makes you sprint faster. This principle has been clearly shown in recent years with track and speed-skating sprinter. Acceleration begins with the upper body. If you look at the muscular development of a World-Class sprinter, you will recognize this valuable point. To achieve maximal speed, the torque of the right leg must be countered by the torque of the left upper torso, and vice versa. Upper body strength also helps players of every position to ward off opponents whether they are defending or trying to gain possession of the ball. When shielding the ball from another player, a strong upper body will help to prevent the athlete from being knocked off of the ball. Strong trunk muscles help the soccer player to hold a defenseman off of the ball and maintain their balance while a strong upper body and arms will further strengthen the soccer player in one- on-one offensive and defensive situations..... Soccer Training Myth #6 Leg squats are bad for the knee Not only are squats not bad for the knees, every legitimate study on this subject has shown that squats improve knee stability and therefore reduce the risk of injuries. (The National Strength and Conditioning Association had published an excellent position paper on this subject with an extensive literature review).... Soccer Training Myth #7 Strength Training will make you Slow Tell that one to Olympic Gold medalists in bobsled, speed skating, track and field sprinting. Setting the drug issue aside, at his prime, Ben was respected by competitors not only for his lightning starts but his performance levels in the weight room and his well-developed thighs. Ben's leg training revolved around the squat. Since then, the training of World Class has shifted to greater volumes of work in the weight room. -------- Football injuries during the World Cup 2002. Junge A, Dvorak J, Graf-Baumann T. Am J Sports Med. 2004 Jan-Feb;32(1 Suppl):23S-7S. BACKGROUND: The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup is one of the largest, most popular sporting events but is associated with a certain risk of injury for the players. PURPOSE: Analysis of the incidence, circumstances, and characteristics of soccer injury during the World Cup 2002. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective survey. METHODS: The physicians of all participating teams reported all injuries after each match on a standardized injury report form. The response rate was 100%. RESULTS: A total of 171 injuries were reported from the 64 matches, which is equivalent to an incidence of 2.7 injuries per match; approximately 1 to 2 injuries per match resulted in absence from training or match. More than a quarter of all injuries were incurred without contact with another player, and 73% were contact injuries. Half of the contact injuries, or 37% of all injuries, were caused by foul play as rated by the team physician and the injured player. CONCLUSION: The incidence of injuries during the World Cup 2002 was similar to those reported for the World Cup in 1994 and in 1998. Increased awareness of the importance of fair play may assist in the prevention of injury. ----------- C Woods1, R D Hawkins2, S Maltby2, M Hulse2, A 2 and A Hodson2 The Football Association Medical Research Programme: an audit of injuries in professional football-analysis of hamstring injuries. Br J Sports Med 2004;38:36-41 Objective: To conduct a detailed analysis of hamstring injuries sustained in English professional football over two competitive seasons. Methods: Club medical staff at 91 professional football clubs annotated player injuries over two seasons. A specific injury audit questionnaire was used together with a weekly form that documented each clubs' current injury status. Results: Completed injury records for the two competitive seasons were obtained from 87% and 76% of the participating clubs respectively. Hamstring strains accounted for 12% of the total injuries over the two seasons with nearly half (53%) involving the biceps femoris. An average of five hamstring strains per club per season was observed. A total of 13 116 days and 2029 matches were missed because of hamstring strains, giving an average of 90 days and 15 matches missed per club per season. In 57% of cases, the injury occurred during running. Hamstring strains were most often observed during matches (62%) with an increase at the end of each half (p<0.01). Groups of players sustaining higher than expected rates of hamstring injury were Premiership (p<0.01) and outfield players (p<0.01), players of black ethnic origin (p<0.05), and players in the older age groups (p<0.01). Only 5% of hamstring strains underwent some form of diagnostic investigation. The reinjury rate for hamstring injury was 12%. Conclusion: Hamstring strains are common in football. In trying to reduce the number of initial and recurrent hamstring strains in football, prevention of initial injury is paramount. If injury does occur, the importance of differential diagnosis followed by the management of all causes of posterior thigh pain is emphasised. Clinical reasoning with treatment based on best available evidence is recommended. ------------- Carruthers Wakefield, UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2004 Report Share Posted March 10, 2004 Forgive me but it referred to research that showed the " more aerobically fit the soccer player, the more their vertical jump will decrease (i.e., the vertical jump is inversely correlated with increases in V02 max) " . Not that I am a fan of spending time specifically running long distances doing I suppose " traditional aerobic training " for soccer, but I find this statement a little OTT! Does anyone have this research that they refer to?? 1. Maximum power output of human skeletal muscle are positively correlated to the percentage of fast-twitch fibers in a given muscle (Bosco et.al., 1983; Hakkinen et. al., 1984). 2. Hypertrophy -- increased size -- of muscle fibers occurs mainly in fast-twitch fibers (especially Type IIb fibers if stimulated to fuse with surrounding satellite cells) in response to stimulation afforded by weight training, and most especially weight training that is explosive in nature (Hakkinen et.al., 1985; Thorstensson et. al., 1976; Connelly, 1992). 3. The ultimate potential for explosive movements is determined by the fast-twitch composition of muscles (Hakkinen et. al 1985), and probably by the nature of the ATPase secreted by the respective fibers' cross-bridges (Connelly, 1992). 4. Endurance training reduces the inherent capability of the neuromuscular system for maximum power output (Dudley & Fleck, 1987). 5. Vertical jumping ability -- inherently a fast-twitch muscle function -- decreases with endurance training (Bosco et. al 1983; Ono et. al. 1976). 6. Strength training with weights induces little or no increase in aerobic power (max VO2 uptake), but markedly improves anaerobic endurance (i.e., short-term strength endurance such as the type necessary in sprinting, football, etc.) (Hickson et. al., 1980). 7. Strength training in conjunction with endurance training may enhance performances in endurance events where occasional explosive bouts of effort are called for (Dudley & Fleck, 1987). 8. Endurance training performed concurrently with weight training (e.g., an every other day approach) interferes with optimal strength, power and size development in muscles involved (Hickson, 1980; Dudley & Djamil, 1985). 9. Concurrent endurance training and weight training markedly interferes with an athlete's ability to perform explosive movements, due mainly to adaptive responses in the muscle (Hickson, 1980; Dudley & Djamil, 1985; Dudley & Fleck, 1987). 10. None of the above findings from research conducted prior to 1987 is resultant of states of overtraining or poor research design (Dudley & Fleck, 1987). Thus, it would appear that these findings are real, and should be considered by strength coaches and strength athletes. 11. The mechanisms by which power, size and limit strength are reduced as a result of endurance training most probably are 1) mechanical destruction of existing white (fast-twitch) fibers, particularly from the eccentric portion of the repetitive movements, 2) their replacement by red (slow-twitch) fibers, and 3) enzymatic and neuromuscular changes more appropriate for slow, endurance types of movements (Armstrong, 1987; Connelly, 1992). Baggett AR, USA www.higher-faster-sports.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2004 Report Share Posted March 14, 2004 In a message dated 3/12/2004 11:53:20 PM Central Standard Time, Nemopreds writes: I recently read the post below about the myths of soccer training. I disagree with what was posted. >> Soccer is an aerobic sport #1 You need aerobic fitness in soccer. First of all it has been shown that the better aerobic (up to a certain degree) the better the recovery from sprints. Which is the name of the game in soccer. Lactate plays of role in soccer. If you train aerobically you will be able to ward of fatigue later in the game better because you will better be able to clear the byproducts of high intensity work. << Please provide references to support the above assumptions. There was a study conducted a few years ago which examimed recovery between anaerobic-lactate sprints. They classified basketball players into high and lower aerobic capacity (I forgot the VO2 max numbers) and tested them in repeat sprints that were definitely in the classification of anaerobic-lactate. There was no added benefit of having a higher VO2 max on the recovery between anaerobic-lactate sprinting. Furthermore, I take issue with your statement regarding training aerobically to enhance the buffering capacity of athletes during high intensity work. Parkhouse et al.(1983) found that the buffer capacity of the vastus lateralis muscle is higher in anaerobically trained athletes (sprinters and rowers) than in aerobically trained athletes and untrained persons. Over an eight week period, Sharp et al. (1986) trained untrained men with 30s sprints over 4 minute rest periods and increased their buffering capacity significantly. In fact, their post-training buffering capacity was greater than in endurance-trained cyclists who had VO2 maxes of 70 ml/kg/min. Finally, in my first year of testing professional hockey players, I found no correlation to VO2 max and repeat sprint performance on the ice. The sprints were approximately 35 - 40s in duration and with maximal intent. The recovery between sprints was 2:00 and the number of repeats was 5. After this first year of testing, I abandoned VO2 max testing altogether. In my opinion, those who subscribe to your aforementioned statements regarding aerobic training are the ones still hanging on to old myths. Mark Nemish Nashville Predators Nashville, TN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2004 Report Share Posted March 14, 2004 Thanks for your response, I must say that to my understanding what was originally being presented, i.e. high intensity training (strength, jumping, plyometrics, sprinting, etc) must be considered and not simply long slow distance running for soccer I agree with that and have no problems with it. Your information provided supports that but does not take into consideration the 'demands' of playing soccer itself. What I was hoping for was a specific reference that shows that specifically soccer players who are aerobically fitter (I assume a higher VO2max) display a lower vertical jump. From my experience this is not the case. That is what I found interesting. The Dudley and Fleck, (1987) article reviews a number of studies but again is not specfic to soccer. I recall that it has been suggested that players start the season with sub-optimal levels of muscular power (predicted from vertical jump) as vertical jump performance increased during the season. An observation was made that playing soccer therefore provided a stimulus for the increase and suggesting that the pre-season training was directed more to endurance (Reilly and , 1976 and Koutedakis, 1995). From this recommendations for explosive strength training has been made during the off-season so that the players would start the season prepared (again agrees with the general message of the original article). But no evidence to suggest that the inverse relationship exists between vertical jump and aerobic power (VO2max). I have an interest in soccer and jumping research and have not come across such an article. I hoping that someone would have one. I agree that If you spend all your time doing " slow and long duration " running (endurance) then I can see that it will be detrimental to performance of the vertical jump. If I'm correct Bosco et al. (1983) used male long and high jumpers to investigate the relationship between mechanical power and fibre composition. The test consisted of maximal consecutive vertical jumps during a 60s period and the results suggested that average power output in the early phase of the test is related to muscle fibre composition. Not maximal power output. I can't remember all the details but I remember the author cited one limitation that was training status. I suppose what I'm trying to explain is that I doubt if an inverse relationship between vertical jump and VO2 max exists in elite soccer players. I hope I have explained myself a little better, Thanks, Melbourne Australia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 **Did you write this material? If not could you provide a reference? ------ 1. Maximum power output of human skeletal muscle are positively correlated to the percentage of fast-twitch fibers in a given muscle (Bosco et.al., 1983; Hakkinen et. al., 1984). 2. Hypertrophy -- increased size -- of muscle fibers occurs mainly in fast-twitch fibers (especially Type IIb fibers if stimulated to fuse with surrounding satellite cells) in response to stimulation afforded by weight training, and most especially weight training that is explosive in nature (Hakkinen et.al., 1985; Thorstensson et. al., 1976; Connelly, 1992). 3. The ultimate potential for explosive movements is determined by the fast-twitch composition of muscles (Hakkinen et. al 1985), and probably by the nature of the ATPase secreted by the respective fibers' cross-bridges (Connelly, 1992). 4. Endurance training reduces the inherent capability of the neuromuscular system for maximum power output (Dudley & Fleck, 1987). 5. Vertical jumping ability -- inherently a fast-twitch muscle function -- decreases with endurance training (Bosco et. al 1983; Ono et. al. 1976). 6. Strength training with weights induces little or no increase in aerobic power (max VO2 uptake), but markedly improves anaerobic endurance (i.e., short-term strength endurance such as the type necessary in sprinting, football, etc.) (Hickson et. al., 1980). 7. Strength training in conjunction with endurance training may enhance performances in endurance events where occasional explosive bouts of effort are called for (Dudley & Fleck, 1987). 8. Endurance training performed concurrently with weight training (e.g., an every other day approach) interferes with optimal strength, power and size development in muscles involved (Hickson, 1980; Dudley & Djamil, 1985). 9. Concurrent endurance training and weight training markedly interferes with an athlete's ability to perform explosive movements, due mainly to adaptive responses in the muscle (Hickson, 1980; Dudley & Djamil, 1985; Dudley & Fleck, 1987). 10. None of the above findings from research conducted prior to 1987 is resultant of states of overtraining or poor research design (Dudley & Fleck, 1987). Thus, it would appear that these findings are real, and should be considered by strength coaches and strength athletes. 11. The mechanisms by which power, size and limit strength are reduced as a result of endurance training most probably are 1) mechanical destruction of existing white (fast-twitch) fibers, particularly from the eccentric portion of the repetitive movements, 2) their replacement by red (slow-twitch) fibers, and 3) enzymatic and neuromuscular changes more appropriate for slow, endurance types of movements (Armstrong, 1987; Connelly, 1992). ---- Many thanks in advance Carruthers Wakefield, UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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