Elite soccer players – attributes of success

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe structural and functional characteristics of elite Yugoslav soccer players and to make comparisons with non-elite counterparts.

Method and results. One of the teams in the study (Squad A; nA = 16) competed in the professional First National League while the other team (Squad B; nB = 16) played in the amateur Third Division. Physiological measurements were made of 32 players (4 goalkeepers, 16 defense players, 16 midfield players and 8 forward players - equally represented in both teams), during the final week of preparatory training period. Subjects from Squad A were older (23.8 ± 3.4 vs. 21.5 ± 3.2 years, respectively; P < 0.05) and more experienced (7.5 ± 3.1 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8 years, respectively; P < 0.01) as compared to players in Squad B. Players from Squad B had significantly lower VO2 max values compared with elite subjects in Squad A (42.9 ± 6.6 vs. 53.5 ± 8.6 ml·kg-1·min-1, respectively; P < 0.01). In addition, the highest heart rate frequencies during the last minute of the 20-m shuttle run test were lower in elite players (183.1 ± 6.1 vs. 189.9 ± 8.1 beats·min-1, respectively; P < 0.01). Vertical jump height was significantly higher in Squad A (47.6 ± 5.7 vs. 46.2 ± 5.5 cm, respectively; P < 0.05) and estimated percentage of fast muscle fibers (fast twitches) were higher in Squad A as compared to Squad B (62.8 ± 7.7 vs. 57.4 ± 8.1%, respectively; P < 0.05).

Results. The results of the present study support previous investigations indicating a strong relationship between aerobic fitness, anaerobic power and performance results in elite soccer.

Keywords:

soccer, body composition, VO2 max, physical endurance, muscle fiber types