Individualizing Acceleration in English Premier League Academy Soccer Players

Abbott, W, Brickley, G, Smeeton, NJ, and Mills, S. Individualizing acceleration in English Premier League academy soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3512–3519, 2018—Global thresholds are typically used to band acceleration dependent on intensity. However, global thresholds do not account for variation in individual capacities, failing to quantify true intensity of acceleration. Previous research has investigated discrepancies in high-speed distance produced using global and individual speed thresholds, not yet investigated for acceleration. The current aim was to investigate discrepancies between global and individual thresholds when quantifying acceleration tasks. Acceleration data were recorded for 31 professional soccer players, using 10-Hz global positioning systems devices. Distances traveled performing low-, moderate-, and high-intensity acceleration were calculated for athletes using global and individual thresholds. Global acceleration thresholds for low-, moderate-, and high-intensity acceleration were classified as 1–2, 2–3, and>3 m·s−2, respectively, with individual thresholds classified as 25–50%, 50–75%, and>75% of maximum acceleration, respectively. Athletes were grouped low (LO), medium (ME), or high (HI) maximum accelerative capacity, determined using 3 maximal 40-m linear sprints. Two-way mixed-design analyses of variance were used to analyze differences in acceleration distances produced between analysis methods and athlete groups. No...

Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - November 27, 2018 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research