Pre-match Warm-Up Dynamics and Workload in Elite Futsal

Abstract

Warming up prior to competition is a widely accepted strategy to increase players’ readiness and achieve high performances. However, pre-match routines are commonly based on empirical knowledge and strongly influenced by models emerging from elite team practices. The aim of the present study was to identify and analyze current pre-match warm-up practices in elite futsal. Forty-three elite players were analyzed during their pre-match warm-up routines during the Portuguese Futsal Cup Final 8. Warm-up tasks were classified according to duration, type of activity, sequence, and structure. External load variables included the total distance covered, total distance covered per minute, running distance per minute, sprinting distance per minute, number of accelerations per minute, and number of decelerations per minute. Results highlighted that warm-up routines lasted for 27.5 ± 9.2 min and included nine major different tasks. Open-skill activities were prioritized by coaches; competitive and non-competitive futsal-specific tasks were included in 90% of the total warm-up routines, with higher focus on non-competitive tasks (68% of total time). The intensity progressively increased during warm-ups, mainly because of the higher number of accelerations and decelerations per minute. Pre-match warm-up routines strongly endorse futsal-specific and representative tasks in order to establish pre-match settings able to prepare players for the upcoming game. When designing pre-match warm-up routines, coaches should be aware that duration, sequence, and type of tasks may affect players’ acute performance and readiness.

Effects of 5-Week of FIFA 11+ Warm-Up Program on Explosive Strength, Speed, and Perception of Physical Exertion in Elite Female Futsal Athletes

“…In this sport, it is necessary to combine intermittent high-intensity actions and decision-making processes [ 28 ]. The warm-up plays an important role in meeting these demands because it affects players’ performance in the acute and the long-term period [ 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Hence, our findings indicated that FIFA 11+ warm-up program does not result in any decrease in performance in terms of explosive strength for the lower limbs. Silva et al, demonstrated that there should be a balance between closed- and open-skills exercises, paying attention to specific open-skills exercises, which generate optimal pre-match contexts, but, at the same time, inserting specific closed-skills exercises [ 30 ].…”

Revisiting the ‘Whys’ and ‘Hows’ of the Warm-Up: Are We Asking the Right Questions?

“…These benefits of the warm-up are not presented here as more or less relevant than the elevation of body temperature or neuromuscular potentiation, but as complementary. This time window could also be used for team bonding/strengthening team spirit [ 35 ] and/or perfecting sport-specific actions or routines [ 29 , 33 ]. Since most athletes spend time with the warm-up, the activities performed within it should be well thought out and meaningful.…”

Effects of the Organizational Factors on Teachers' Retention: Perceptions of Private Secondary School Teachers of Lyari Town

“…The workload is one of the primary causes that demotivates most workers in organizations and institutions. It is also expected that teachers will gradually become overwhelmed with work and tension due to repetitive activities (Silva et al, 2020;Warm et al, 2018). It would affect their mental health and overall success, causing students to suffer in education .…”