Physical Condition Differences between Semi-professional and Amateur Soccer Players

Authors : Yiannis MICHAILIDIS

Pages : 191-202

View : 36 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2018-06-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The purpose of the study was to examine and compare the physical fitness of Greek soccer players participating in teams of different divisions before the beginning of the preparation period. Eighteen semi-professional soccer players and nineteen amateur soccer players participated. All the tests performed on field insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(30m sprint, Illinois agility test, counter movement jump, squat jump, YoYo IR test and sit and reach test);. The measurements performed before the beginning of the preparation period. Semi-professionals presented significantly faster values in 30m sprint and agility test compared to amateur by 7.6% and 8.2% respectively insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001 for both);. Semi-professionals jump higher in SJ and CMJ compared to amateurs by 27% and 16.4% respectively insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001 and p<0.05);. Amateurs had 20.6% worst performance at sit and reach test insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.01);. Also, the VO2max for amateurs were 26.5% lower than semi-professionals insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);. Semi-professionals performed better on all physical condition tests. These findings can be attributed to more specific training of semiprofessionals. Amateur soccer players and their trainers give less attention to physical condition and use their time to play and for technical and tactical exercises. 
Keywords : physical condition, amateur, semi professional, soccer

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL