Effects of a Short Half-Time Re-Warm-Up Program on Matches Running Performance and Fitness Test Performance of Male Elite Youth Soccer Players

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a half-time short re-warm-up (RW) strategy on the performance of young soccer players in tests of physical abilities and running performance during matches. Twenty-three players (under 17) participated in the study. Body temperature, 10 m sprint, 30 m sprint, the Illinois agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and squat jump (SJ) were measured, immediately post-warm-up. Then in one condition, the tests were repeated after a passive rest, and in the other condition, after a 12 min passive rest and 3 min RW. Furthermore, the RW was applied at half-time of two of the four matches where the running performance was measured in the first quarter of the two halves. The results showed that the two conditions differed significantly in the 10 m sprint and CMJ performances (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). After the passive rest, a significant decrease in body temperature and performance in SJ was observed (p < 0.001 for both). No other differences were observed. In conclusion, the short RW program can limit the decrement in performance in power tests such as sprints and jumps.

Positional and between quarter differences in physical demands of elite female field hockey players during international matches

“…In a recent systematic review by Gonzales-Devesa et al ( 28 ), concluded that several studies have found a decline in physical and cognitive performance after half-time breaks and supported the notion of re-warm-ups. This was further supported by Christaras et al ( 29 ) who found that a re-warm-up protocol improved the jump and sprint performance of youth football players. However, due to the low number of matches analyzed the authors suggested improvements in running performance could not be proven and needs some further investigation ( 29 ).…”

“…This was further supported by Christaras et al ( 29 ) who found that a re-warm-up protocol improved the jump and sprint performance of youth football players. However, due to the low number of matches analyzed the authors suggested improvements in running performance could not be proven and needs some further investigation ( 29 ).…”

“…Interestingly, the majority of external demand variables for were higher during Qtr 2 compared to Qtr 3, 29) who found that a rewarm-up protocol improved the jump and sprint performance of youth football players. However, due to the low number of matches analyzed the authors suggested improvements in running performance could not be proven and needs some further investigation (29). In summary, Def in this study had significantly lower work rates and intensities with Mid having performed more strenuous activities compared to the other positional groups.…”

The Effects of Different Re-Warm-Up Strategies on Power, Changing of Direction and Ball Shooting Velocity in Well-Trained Soccer Players

“…Performance in CMJ remained unaltered following both re-warm-up interventions compared to C. This finding is in contrast to previous studies in the scientific literature, since CMJ was enhanced prior to the game [ 14 ] and following half-time [ 11 , 12 ]. In addition, a recent study showed that squat jump height maintained in similar levels to post-warm-up after a 3 min re-warm-up strategy in young soccer players [ 15 ]. These ambiguous results may be explained from different re-warm-up strategies and the fitness status of the players.…”

“…In a recent study, 23 high-level soccer players (under 17 years of age) followed a half-time short re-warm-up strategy either with passive rest or with 3 min of light running, skipping, jumping–sprinting and changing of directions exercises. The study showed that the 3 min re-warm-up strategy maintained performance in jumping, linear sprinting and changing of directions compared to post-warm-up [ 15 ]. Whether a short re-warm-up strategy may enhance changing of direction prior to the initiation of a soccer game needs further investigation.…”