(01) OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: ADVANCING COLLEGIATE FEMALE SOCCER PROFICIENCY THROUGH POSITION-SPECIFIC CONDITION TRAINING

Compared to small-sided games (SSGs) and high-intensity interval running (HIIR), position-specific conditioning training (PSCT), which addresses the distinct physical and technical demands of individual playing positions, has emerged as a promising training method for soccer performance. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the effects of PSCT on the physical and technical performance of collegiate female soccer players. 

Methods: Eighteen NCAA Division II female soccer athletes (hheight=169±5.2cm; weight=64.3±7.2kg; age=20.1±0.9years) participated in 6 testing and 20 conditioning sessions. Two-phase, two-group, controlled crossover design spanning 5 weeks of training per phase was employed. Comprehensive testing was conducted before, at midpoint, and after the study. The tests included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1), Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA), Agility T-test, and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) under non-fatigue and fatigued states. Training load was monitored by session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). PSCT, developed based on the  Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) guideline, encompassed eight drills for attackers and defenders with a high-intensity interval training structure. Each drill had a target intensity of 90-95% HRmax for 4-min work bouts, interspersed by 4-min active recoveries at 70% HRmax. Normal conditioning method served as the control. ANOVAs were used to determine statistically significant interaction and main effects (p < 0.05).

Results: Post-intervention, significant enhancements were observed in the YYIRT1 endurance test for both groups (μ = 22.75%, F = 7.16, p < 0.01, η² = 0.082). However, significant difference in improvement was observed in the PSCT group for LSPT scores under non-fatigued  and aerobic fatigued conditions (μ= 13.1%, F =7.38, p < 0.01, η² = 0.095, and μ = 15.5%, F=6.86, p < 0.01, η² = 0.079 respectively). No significant improvement was seen in RSA and Agility T-test.  The type of training also showed no significant impact on sRPE.

Conclusion: A significant difference in improvement between PSCT vs. CONT on technical measure LSPTs, and the similar effect on YYIRT1 endurance highlighted PSCT's potential to enhance soccer-specific technical skills while improving aerobic capacity. Furthermore, PSCT exhibited no significant impact on sRPE, suggesting a comparable training load between training methods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Practitioners may apply findings from within this study when tailoring conditioning programs for collegiate female soccer players, emphasizing PSCT's advantage in enhancing soccer-specific skills and endurance without increasing training load. This study confirms PSCT as an effective adjunct to HIIR and SSGs, ensuring athletes meet the technical demands of their positions while maintaining manageable exertion levels, fostering a well-round approach to player development.

Acknowledgements: The authors would like to acknowledge the support of this work by the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance and the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation.