|
|
Posted by
Richard Bucciarelli,
October 5, 2011
Email Richard Bucciarelli
Richard Bucciarelli, BKINE, CSEP-CEP, CSCS, CK, is a soccer fitness coach and President of Soccer Fitness Inc., a soccer-specific strength and conditioning company in Toronto. Richard has an extensive background and experience in both training and coaching soccer players of all ages and levels of ability. A certified Kinesiologist, Richard also holds certifications with the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP-CEP), National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS), and the American Council on Exercise (CPT, CLWM). He also holds the distinction of being the only trainer in Canada to attend and present research at both the 6th World Congress on Science and Football (Antalya, Turkey, January 2007), the First World Conference on Science and Soccer (Liverpool, England, May 2008), and the 7th World Congress on Science and Football (Nagoya, Japan, May, 2011).
In addition to his many qualifications in soccer fitness training, Richard is also an avid soccer coach. A graduate of York University's Coaching Certification Program, he also currently holds an Ontario Provincial "B" License, as well as United States National "B" and "Y" Licenses, in coaching.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Soccer Fitness Soccer-Specific Fitness Assessment Protocol - Part 2
|
|
In the previous installment of The Training Edge, I previewed the Soccer Fitness Soccer-Specific Fitness Assessment Protocol, including the theory and methodology, as well as a rationale for the specific tests chosen. Part 2 of this article contains a detailed written synopsis, as well as the attached video, which will give you the most accurate picture possible of the tests themselves and charts containing standards and norms for various levels of play have also been provided.
Soccer Fitness Inc. is conducting its Soccer-Specific Fitness Assessments every Saturday morning, 9:00am-12:00pm, at the Soccer Fitness Training Centre, starting this week Saturday, October 8th.
For more information, visit www.soccerfitness.ca.
TEST SYNOPSIS
1. Squat Jump / Counter Movement Jump / Drop Jump:
The purpose of the Soccer Fitness Jump Tests (Squat Jump / Counter Movement Jump / Drop Jump) is to assess the ability of each player to generate power. All jumps are performed with the athlete’s hands on the hips, to ensure that only leg power is measured.
The Squat Jump assesses athletes’ leg muscle power, with the athlete lowering their body into a fixed squat position, then jumping as high as possible.
The Counter Movement Jump assesses athletes’ leg muscle elasticity, with the athlete lowering their body and then exploding quickly upwards, keeping the hand on the hips.
The Drop Jump assesses athletes’ leg muscle reactive strength, with the athlete dropping down from a box 40 cm in height, then jumping upwards as high as possible. A strong correlation has been observed in jump heights over different age groups, as well as playing levels, with older and more elite players reaching higher jump heights.
2. 10 / 20 Metre Sprint Test:
The sprint tests indicate how fast a player covers the average sprint distance during the course of a soccer game. A strong correlation has been observed in sprint speeds over different age groups, as well as playing levels, with older and more elite players covering the distance in a faster time.
3. 35 Metre Sprint Test:
The 35 metre sprint test indicates how fast a player covers the longest sprint distance observed during the course of a soccer game. The test is also designed to determine the player’s peak speed. A strong correlation has been observed in sprint speeds differing over different age groups, as well as playing levels, with older and more elite players covering the distance in a faster time.
4. 10 x 20 Metre Repeated Sprint Test:
The purpose of the repeated sprint test is to assess how a player’s energy system responds to a multiple number of sprints with incomplete recovery. This information indicates how well an athlete will respond to periods of high intensity running during a game. The test involves running ten 20 metre sprints, with only 10 seconds of rest between sprints. The average time for each of the sprints is reported.
5. Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test:
The purpose of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test is to assess the anaerobic reserve and aerobic capacity of each athlete. The Yo-Yo Test involves the athlete performing two 20 metre running bouts, followed by a 10 second recovery interval. The running bouts are performed at a speed greater than the minimum speed required to elicit VO2Max. The test continues until the athlete cannot perform two consecutive bouts in the time required. The level reached and distance covered are reported.
This test is a performance test for soccer players. The distance covered during this test correlates highly with the amount of high intensity running covered in a game as assessed with time motion analysis. Therefore, a player who covers a greater distance in this test, can perform more high intensity running during a game.
The chart below defines some average performance parameters for female soccer players at different levels of play:
The chart below defines some average performance parameters for male soccer players at different levels of play:
Richard Bucciarelli, BKINE, CSEP-CEP, CSCS, CK, is a soccer-specific strength and conditioning coach and President of Soccer Fitness Inc., a soccer-specific fitness company located in Toronto. For more information about Soccer Fitness Inc., visit www.soccerfitness.ca
|