Speed/Power Development
Kelly Hines
Masters Student
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas, United States
Drew E. Gonzalez, PhD, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, SCCC, CISSN, EP-C
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory, Texas A&M University
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Ashley Jackson, MS,CSCS, SCCC, USAW-L2
Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas, United States
Bo Sandoval
Assistant Athletics Director, Strength & Conditioning
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas, United States
James Mann
Clinical Associate Professor
Texas A&M University
College Statoin, Texas, United States
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the discrete variables derived during the countermovement jump and playing status within position groups. Force platform testing has become a more common assessment tool due to the decrease in cost. However, there is limited research investigating the differences between starters and non-starters in women’s soccer.
Methods: 25 collegiate women’s soccer players (n=25, height = 1.66± 0.04m, weight =65.24± 7.45kg,) performed the countermovement jump (CMJ) test and isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) on bilateral force platforms during the preseason as a part of routine testing. The raw data was processed using the software provided by the manufacturer. The Dynamic Strength Index was calculated as the peak force of the CMJ divided by the peak force of the IMTP.
Results: The coefficients for the significant variables, the mean of the non-starter and starter groups, and Cohen’s D values are in Table 1.
Conclusion: Within this team, the non-starters typically had better values compared to the starters except for the defensive group’s mRSI, peak relative braking force, and peak relative propulsive force. Examining the DSI for the offensive and midfielder group, it demonstrates that non-starters can produce their full force potential during explosive movements. Defensive starters had higher values for mRSI, peak relative braking force, and peak relative propulsive force compared to the non-starters. These values could be a better indicator of athletic performance due to the reactive nature of the defensive position. Practical Application: Due to the small team size and that the starters on this team were mainly freshmen, the conclusions are appropriate for the data presented here. Other teams’ player makeup and playing style could impact the different CMJ variables. Therefore, further research is needed to explore the potential relationships noted above.
Acknowledgements: none