The impact of locomotor characteristics on jumping ability and VO2max in professional soccer players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.114470Keywords:
V02max, Soccer, Jumping Ability, Performance, Physical FitnessAbstract
Introduction and Objective. The purpose of the study was to analyze the differences in locomotor profiles in professional football players and their relationship with performance in jumping and maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max).
Methodology. 23 players from the Second Division of the Belgian league (27.6 ± 4.2 years old; 182.5 ± 6 cm; 77.29 ± 7.16 kg) performed the countermovement jump test (CMJ), a 30-meter sprint and the 30-15 IFT test to estimate VO₂max. Players are classified in Speed, Hybrid and Endurance profiles.
Results. The descriptive analyzes showed the highest values of maximum aerobic speed (VAM) in the Endurance profile (5.98 ± 0.29), maximum sprint speed (MSS) in the Speed profile (9.59 ± 0.49), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) (3.96 ± 0.21) and CMJ also in the Speed profile (40.55 ± 5.97), while the VO₂max was higher in the Resistance profile (58.57 ± 2.95). The CMJ showed a significant contribution to the variation of the VAM in resistance players (Spearman's rho = -0.804; p = 0.029), and in the Velocity group the VO₂max was strongly associated with the VAM (Spearman's = 0.872; p = 0.054) and the MSS (Spearman's = 0.900; p = 0.083).
Conclusions. The results suggest that locomotor profiles are linked to specific neuromuscular and aerobic attributes. Individualized training based on locomotor characteristics can improve performance by enhancing specific strengths. Additional investigations are recommended to examine the long-term effects of personalized interventions on physical profiles and football performance.
References
Alves, B. M., Scoz, R. D., Burigo, R. L., Ferreira, I. C., Ramos, A. P., Mendes, J. J., Ferreira, L. M., & Amo-rim, C. F. (2022). Association between Concentric and Eccentric Isokinetic Torque and Unilate-ral Countermovement Jump Variables in Professional Soccer Players. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 7(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7010025
Andrzejewski, M., Chmura, J., Pluta, B., Strzelczyk, R., & Kasprzak, A. (2013). Analysis of Sprinting Ac-tivities of Professional Soccer Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27, 2134–2140. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0b013e318279423e
Baker, D., Heaney, N., & Heaney, N. (2015). Normative data for maximal aerobic speed for field sport athletes: a brief review. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 23, 60–67.
Bastida-Castillo, A., Gómez-Carmona, C. D., De la Cruz-Sánchez, E., & Pino-Ortega, J. (2018). Accuracy, intra- and inter-unit reliability, and comparison between GPS and UWB-based position-tracking systems used for time-motion analyses in soccer. European Journal of Sport Science, 18(4), 450–457. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1427796
Benítez-Jiménez, A., Falces-Prieto, M., & García-Ramos, A. (2020). Jump performance after different friendly matches played on consecutive days. International Journal of Medicine & Science of Physical Activity & Sport, 20(77), 185-196. https://doi.org/10.15366/rimcafd2020.77.012
Bradley, P. S., Di Mascio, M., Peart, D., Olsen, P., & Sheldon, B. (2010). High-intensity activity profiles of elite soccer players at different performance levels. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Re-search, 24(9), 2343–2351. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181aeb1b3
Buchheit M. (2008). The 30-15 intermittent fitness test: accuracy for individualizing interval training of young intermittent sport players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 22(2), 365–374. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181635b2e
Buchheit, M., Dikmen, U., & Vassallo, C. (2021). The 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test—Two decades of learnings. Sport Performance & Science Reports, 1, 1–13.
Buchheit, M., & Laursen, P. B. (2013). High-intensity interval training, solutions to the programming puzzle: Part I: cardiopulmonary emphasis. Sports Medicine, 43(5), 313-338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0029-x
Buchheit, M., & Mendez-Villanueva, A. (2014). Effects of age, maturity and body dimensions on match running performance in highly trained under-15 soccer players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 32(13), 1271–1278. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.884721
Buchheit, M., Mendez-Villanueva, A., Mayer, N., Jullien, H., Marles, A., Bosquet, L., Maille, P., Morin, J. B., Cazorla, G., & Lambert, P. (2014). Locomotor performance in highly-trained young soccer play-ers: does body size always matter? International Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(6), 494–504. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1353140
Clancy, C., Owen, A., Gilfillan, A., Duffie, K., & Weston, M. (2023). Comparative analysis of the anaerobic speed reserve in professional soccer: 1st team vs. Development team. Sport Performance, 190, 1-4.
Cohen, J. (2013). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Ed. Routledge.
Collings, T. J., Lima, Y. L., Dutaillis, B., & Bourne, M. N. (2024). Concurrent validity and test-retest relia-bility of VALD ForceDecks' strength, balance, and movement assessment tests. Journal of Sci-ence and Medicine in Sport, 27(8), 572–580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2024.04.014
Collings, T.J., Lopes-Lima, Y., Dutailiis, B., & Bourne, M.N. (2024). Concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of VALD ForceDecks´ strength, balance, and movement assessments tests. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 27,5 72-580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2024.04.014
Da Silva, M.L., & Alves-Ferreira, R.C. (2019). Anaerobic power analysis and training methods in profes-sional soccer athletes. International Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Journal, 4(4), 198-202. https://doi.org/10.15406/ipmrj.2019.04.00198
Di Credico, A., Perpetuini, D., Chiacchiaretta, P., Cardone, D., Filippini, C., Gaggi, G., Merla, A., Ghinassi, B., Di Baldassarre, A., & Izzicupo, P. (2021). The Prediction of Running Velocity during the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test Using Accelerometry-Derived Metrics and Physiological Parame-ters: A Machine Learning Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Pub-lic Health, 18, 10854. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010854
Dupont, G., Akakpo, K., & Berthoin, S. (2004). The effect of in-season, high-intensity interval training in soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 18(3), 584–589. https://doi.org/10.1519/1533-4287(2004)18<584:TEOIHI>2.0.CO;2
Falces-Prieto, M., González-Fernández, F. T., García-Delgado, G., Silva, R., Nobari, H., & Clemente, F. M. (2022). Relationship between sprint, jump, dynamic balance with the change of direction on young soccer players' performance. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 12272. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16558-9
Falces-Prieto, M., González-Fernández, F.T., Matas-Bustos, J., Ruiz-Montero, P.J., Rodicio-Palma, J., Torres-Pacheco, M., & Clemente, F.M. (2021). An Exploratory Data Analysis on the Influence of Role Rotation in a Small-Sided Game on Young Soccer Players. International Journal of Envi-ronmental Research and Public Health, 18(13), 6773. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136773
Falces-Prieto, M., Raya-González, J., Sáez de Villarreal-Sáez, E., Rodicio-Palma, J., Iglesias-García, J., & González-Fernández, F.T. (2021). Effects of combined plyometric and sled training on vertical jump and linear speed performance in young soccer players. Retos, 42, 228-235. http://dx.doi.org/10.47197/retos.v42i0.86423
Falces-Prieto, M., Raya-González, J., Sáez de Villarreal-Sáez, E., Martín-Moya, R., López-Mariscal, S., & González-Fernández, F.T. (2023). Effects of playing three matches consecutive days in U16-U19 soccer players´vertical jump, rate of perceived exertion and wellness. Retos, 50, 162-171. http://dx.doi.org/10.47197/retos.v50.98542
Kaplánová, A., Šagát, P., Gonzalez, P. P., Bartík, P., & Zvonař, M. (2020). Somatotype profiles of slovak and saudi arabian male soccer players according to playing positions. Kinesiology, 52(01), 143–150. http://dx.doi.org/10.26582/k.52.1.17
Karp, J. (2001). Muscle Fiber Types and Training. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 23(5), 21-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/00126548-200110000-00004
Kibler, W.B., Chandler, T.J., & Stracener, E.S. (1992). Musculoskeletal adaptations and injuries due to overtraining. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 20, 99-126.
Martínez-Cabrera, F. I., Núñez-Sánchez, F. J., Muñoz-López, A., & de Hoyo, M. (2021). High-intensity acceleration in soccer. Why is the evaluation method important? Retos, 39, 750–754. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v0i39.82281
Méndez-Villanueva, A., & Buchheit, M. (2013). Football-specific fitness testing: adding value or con-firming the evidence? Journal of Sports Sciences, 31(13), 1503–1508. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.823231
Méndez-Villanueva, A., & Buchheit, M. (2013). Football-specific fitness testing: adding value or con-firming the evidence? Journal of Sports Sciences, 31, 1503–1508. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.823231
Nugraha, U., Ilham, I., & Ali, M. (2024). Improved Fitness and VO2Max: Implementation of Traditional “Massallo” Games. Retos, 56, 699–706. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v56.104868
Oliva-Lozano, J. M., Gómez-Carmona, C. D., Pino-Ortega, J., Moreno-Pérez, V., & Rodríguez-Pérez, M. A. (2020). Match and Training High Intensity Activity-Demands Profile During a Competitive Mes-ocycle in Youth Elite Soccer Players. Journal of Human Kinetics, 75, 195–205. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2020-0050
Oleksy, Ł., Mika, A., Kuchciak, M., Stolarczyk, A., Adamska, O., Szczudło, M., Kielnar, R., Wolański, P., Deszczyński, J. M., & Reichert, P. (2024). Relationship between Countermovement Jump and Sprint Performance in Professional Football Players. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(15), 4581. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154581
Palacio, E. S., Rodríguez-Barroso, J., Bravo-Sánchez, A., & Fernández-Baeza, D. (2024). Physical train-ing and external load management for young athletes. Retos, 56, 663–671. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v56.104697
Papaevangelou, E., Metaxas, T., Riganas, C., Mandroukas, A., & Vamvakoudis, E. (2012). Evaluation of soccer performance in professional, semi-professional and amateur players of the same club. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 12(3), 362 – 370. http://dx.doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2012.03054
Prion, S., & Haerling, K. A. (2014). Making sense of methods and measurement: Spearman-rho ranked-order correlation coefficient. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 10(10), 535-536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2014.07.005
Quagliarella, L., Sasanelli, N., Belgiovine, G., Accettura, D., Notarnicola, A., & Moretti, B. (2011). Evalua-tion of counter movement jump parameters in young male soccer players. Journal of Applied Biomaterials and Biomechanics, 9(1), 40-46. http://dx.doi.org/10.5301/JABB.2011.7732
Sánchez-Oliva, D., Santalla, A., Candela, J. M., Leo, F. M., & García-Calvo, T. (2014). Analysis of the rela-tionship between Yo-Yo Test and maximum oxygen uptake in young football players. Interna-tional Journal of Sports Sciences, 37, 180–193. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-0081-x
Sandford, G., Sian, V., Andrew, E., Angus, R., & Paul, B. (2019). Anaerobic Speed Reserve: A Key Com-ponent of Elite Male 800-m running. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Perfor-mance, 14, 501-508. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0163
Sandford, G. N., Laursen, P. B., & Buchheit, M. (2021). Anaerobic Speed/Power Reserve and Sport Per-formance: Scientific Basis, Current Applications and Future Directions. Sports Medicine, 51(10), 2017–2028. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01523-9
Selmi, M.A., Al-Haddabi, B., Yahmed, M.H., & Sassi, R.H. (2020). Does Maturity Status Affect the Rela-tionship Between Anaerobic Speed Reserve and Multiple Sprint Sets Performance in Young Soccer Players? Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(12), 3600-3606. https://doi.org10.1519/JSC.0000000000002266
Silva, J. R., Magalhães, J. F., Ascensão, A. A., Oliveira, E. M., Seabra, A. F., & Rebelo, A. N. (2011). Indi-vidual match playing time during the season affects fitness-related parameters of male profes-sional soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(10), 2729–2739. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31820da078
Silva, A.F et al (2022a). Effects of a small-sided games training program in youth male soccer players: variations of the locomotor profile while interacting with baseline level and with the accumu-lated load. Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 14, 198. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00595-y
Silva, A.F., Alvurdu, S., Akyildiz, Z., & Clemente, F.M. (2022b). Relationships of Final Velocity at 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test and Anaerobic Speed Reserve with Body Composition, Sprinting, Change-of-Direction and Vertical Jumping Performances: A Cross-Sectional Study in Youth Soc-cer Players. Biology, 11, 197. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020197
Slimani, M., Znazen, H., Miarka, B., & Bragazzi, N.L. (2019). Maximum Oxygen Uptake of Male Soccer Players According to their Competitive Level, Playing Position and Age Group: Implication from a Network Meta-Analysis. Journal of Human Kinetic, 27(66), 233-245. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2018-0060
Smith, K., Wright, M. D., Chesterton, P., & Taylor, J. M. (2025). Estimating Maximal Aerobic Speed in Academy Soccer Players: A Comparison Between Time Trial Methods and the 30-15 Intermit-tent Fitness Test. European Journal of Sport Science, 25(6), e12315. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12315
Swinnen, W., Lievens, E., Hoogkamer, W., De Groote, F., Derave, W., & Vanwanseele, B. (2024). Inter‐Individual Variability in Muscle Fiber–Type Distribution Affects Running Economy but Not Running Gait at Submaximal Running Speeds. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 34(11), e14748. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14748
Swinton, P. A., Burgess, K., Hall, A., Greig, L., Psyllas, J., Aspe, R., & Murphy, A. (2022). Interpreting magnitude of change in strength and conditioning: Effect size selection, threshold values and Bayesian updating. Journal of Sports Sciences, 40(18), 2047–2054. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2022.2128548
Ziogas, G. G., Patras, K. N., Stergiou, N., & Georgoulis, A. D. (2011). Velocity at lactate threshold and running economy must also be considered along with maximal oxygen uptake when testing elite soccer players during preseason. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(2), 414–419. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181bac3b9
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Moisés Falces Prieto, Francisco Tomás González Fernández, Francisco Javier Iglesias Garcia, Samuel López Mariscal, José María Izquierdo Velasco
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and ensure the magazine the right to be the first publication of the work as licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of authorship of the work and the initial publication in this magazine.
- Authors can establish separate additional agreements for non-exclusive distribution of the version of the work published in the journal (eg, to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Is allowed and authors are encouraged to disseminate their work electronically (eg, in institutional repositories or on their own website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as to a subpoena more Early and more of published work (See The Effect of Open Access) (in English).
This journal provides immediate open access to its content (BOAI, http://legacy.earlham.edu/~peters/fos/boaifaq.htm#openaccess) on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. The authors may download the papers from the journal website, or will be provided with the PDF version of the article via e-mail.
