Rationale and Practical Recommendations for Testing Protocols in Female Soccer: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the presented literature on tests (aerobic, speed, changes of direction [COD], strength, power, jump, and anthropometry) of the varied components of female soccer and to draw attention to the most suitable protocols to allow practitioners to accurately track players' fitness status. The 2 most common field tests used to assess aerobic fitness are the Yo-Yo intermittent test (level 1 and level 2) and the 30-15 intermittent fitness test because of an ability to measure multiple players at once with a soccer-specific intermittent profile. The sprinting performance can be assessed on distances of ,30 m; however, longer distances (e.g., 40 m) allow for achieving peak speed (flying sprint test), which can be assessed using global navigation satellite system. Changes-of-direction capacity has been found to be an important component of players testing and training programs, although there is no "gold standard" to assess COD or repeated sprint ability performance in female players. Lower-limb power can be assessed using jump tests that can use force platforms, jump mats, and optoelectronic devices, while maintaining a good reliability. Several in-direct tests are currently available for assessing anthropometry parameters, such as skinfold thickness, hydrodensitometry, and ultrasound. However, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is the most valid and reliable method for assessing body composition in team sport athletes, with the addition of bone health that is a key measure in female athletes. In conclusion, the evidence reported in this review will be able to aid practitioners, coaches, and researchers to decide which tests meet the requirements of their environment.

A survey into the current fitness testing practices of elite male soccer practitioners: from assessment to communicating results

“…Employing a comprehensive fitness testing battery supports the development of well-rounded and physically robust soccer players ( Svensson and Drust, 2005 ; Beato et al, 2023 ). Therefore, testing selection should be based on general and position-specific requirements of soccer (e.g., biomechanical and physiological aspects) ( Turner et al, 2011 ), and ‘testing for the sake of testing’ should be avoided if it does not provide value to the training process.…”

Correlating WattbikePro Cycle Ergometer Tests with Field Tests During College Football Preparation Period

“…Soccer players often undergo conditioned via a periodization training program [8,9] that divides the year into preparation, competitive, and transition phases. This program is often complemented by tests that can evaluate speed, power, and endurance [10][11][12]. In the college soccer teams that we supported, we regularly evaluated improvements in speed, power, and endurance according to the annual training plan by conducting a 50 m sprint, Yo-Yo IR2 test [13], Cooper test [14], and CMJ test.…”

Small-Sided Soccer Games Promote Greater Adaptations on Vertical Jump and Change-of-Direction Deficit and Similar Adaptations in Aerobic Capacity than High-Intensity Interval Training in Females

“…Research indicates that superior change of direction skills correlates with enhanced agility, speed, and performance in soccer-specific tasks (Jones et al, 2015;Alanen et al, 2023). Additionally, jumping performance (Beato et al, 2023) is vital for winning aerial duels, executing headers, and performing explosive movements such as fast accelerations, or shots. Therefore, multidimensional training program targeting aerobic capacity, COD, and jumping performance is essential for maximizing athletic potential and success in female soccer (Wright and Laas, 2016).…”