Introduction. Since the competition period has been prolonged in modern football, it is important to know if a shortened preparatory phase is enough to improve motor fitness preparation. This study analysed the changes in the level of physical fitness in second-league soccer players with respect to training conducted during the preparatory period. Material and methods. Speed (5-m and 30-m sprint), endurance (progressive test), and power (Counter Movement Jump) were tested in 21 players at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory phase. Results. The results obtained indicate a significant improvement in physical capacity parameters as well as speed and strength abilities measured using 5-m and 30-m running speed tests and the CMJ test for muscle power. In the progressive test measuring anaerobic threshold speed, the players active in the central section of the pitch (centre-backs and central midfielders) achieved the best results, while in the speed trials and explosive strength trials, side-backs and side midfielders achieved the best results. Conclusions. During the winter preparatory season, the most significant changes in the physical fitness of soccer players were observed in aerobic endurance expressed as threshold speed (an increase of 1.2 km/h) and running speed measured as the time needed to cover a distance of 5 m (time reduced by 0.04 s) and 30 m (time reduced by 0.07 s). These traits are crucial in the preparation of soccer players for league matches and have the greatest impact on their performance in sports competitions.

Introduction. Combat sports, even though they are associated with aggressive behavior, but athletes often train how to control emotions and aggression. Thus aggression level can be one of the selection criteria for combat sports. Material and methods. The study analyzed the value of the 2D:4D ratio and the level of aggression in 102 athletes in selected combat sports: kyokushin karate (20), ITF taekwondo (22), kickboxing (19), wrestling (21), and judo (20). Furthermore, the study evaluated a control group of 76 men who did not engage in competitive sports training. Results. The athletes practicing combat sports displayed a higher 2D:4D ratio than the persons from the control group. On the other hand, the study observed significant differences (p<0.05) in the 2D:4D ratio values within the experimental group between karate and taekwondo fighters and the rest of the athletes. Conclusions. The 2D:4D ratio is a good tool that may be useful during the selection of combat sport athletes by providing indirect information about the level of testosterone during the fetal period. Combat sports, through training, have a positive impact on their practitioners, allowing the athletes to improve the control over their emotions and know themselves better, which results in reduced aggressiveness and anger towards other people.