Elite and Nonelite Soccer Players: Preseasonal Physical and Physiological Characteristics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to (a) describe physical and functional characteristics of elite Serbian soccer players, and (b) make comparisons with nonelite counterparts to identify any relationships between results from the physiological tests and competition level. One of the teams in the study (Squad A; n_A = 30) competed in the professional First National League, and the other team (Squad B; n_B = 30) played in the amateur Third Division. Physiological measurements were made of 60 players during the final week of preparatory training for competition. Subjects from Squad A were older (24.1 ± 2.5vs. 21.8 ± 2.9 years, p < 0.01) and more experienced (8.1 ± 3.2vs. 4.1 ± 2.9 years, p < 0.01), compared to players in Squad B. Elite players from Squad A had significantly higher estimated VO₂ max values, compared with subjects in Squad B (52.9 ± 9.1vs. 45.1 ± 5.5ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p < 0.01). In addition, the highest heart rate frequencies during the last minute of the 20-min shuttle run test were lower in elite players (182 ± 6vs. 190 ± 8 beats·min⁻¹, p<0.01). Vertical jump height was significantly higher in Squad A (49.9 ± 7.5vs. 43.9 ± 6.9cm, p < 0.01), and estimated percentage of fast muscle fibers (fast twitch) were higher in Squad A as compared to Squad B (64.1 ± 6.1vs. 56.9 ± 7.9%, p < 0.01). The results of the present study demonstrate a strong relationship of aerobic fitness and anaerobic power with performance at the elite level of soccer.

Keywords:

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

Special thanks to the dedicated group of subjects who made this project possible, and to M. Ostojic, who was instrumental in coordinating and recruiting volunteers. Part of this study was presented at the Seventh Annual Congress of the European College of Sports Sciences, Athens, Greece, 24-27 July 2002, and published in the Congress's Proceedings, p. 1104.