Seasonal Changes in the Physical Performance of Elite Youth Female Soccer Players

Emmonds, S, Sawczuk, T, Scantlebury, S, Till, K, and Jones, B. Seasonal changes in the physical performance of elite youth female soccer players.J Strength Cond Res34(9): 2636-2643, 2020-This study investigated the seasonal change in physical performance of 113 (Under 10: U10 [n= 20], U12 [n= 30], U14 [n= 31], and U16 [n= 32]) elite youth female soccer players. Players completed testing pre-, mid-, and post-season, including speed (10- and 30-m sprint), change of direction (CoD; 505 test), power (countermovement jump [CMJ]), strength (isometric midthigh pull), and aerobic capacity (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 [YYIRL1]). A general linear model was used to evaluate the change in physical characteristics and the influence of covariates (baseline performance; change in maturity status) on each characteristic across the season. U10's speed and CoD performance decreased from pre-post season, whereas relative strengthlikelyimproved. U12's relative strengthvery likelyimproved; however, 10-m sprint performance decreased. Relative strengthlikelydecreased, whereas 30-m sprint and CoD timevery likelyimproved in U14's. U16'slikelyimproved relative strength, CMJ, and 10-m sprint, andvery likelyimproved 30-m sprint and CoD from pre-post season. U12-U16's improved YYIRL1 performance pre-post season. Strength and conditioning coaches working with U10-U12 players should look to develop speed, lower-body power, and CoD ability as part of structured strength and conditioning sessions as well as within warm-ups before pitch-based sessions. With U14-U16 players' manipulation of small-sided games combined with short-duration high-intensity running drills may provide an efficient training stimulus to develop the aerobic system while concurrently developing technical/tactical skills. Findings of this study provide a basis for the implementation of strategies to enhance the long-term athletic development of youth female soccer players.