Vol 10, Issue 4

Physiological Characteristics of Projected Starters and Non-Starters in the Field Positions from a Division I Women’s Soccer Team

May 15, 2017 - By 

Authors

Fabrice G. Risso, California State University Northridge
Farzad Jalilvand, California State University, Northridge
Ashley J. Orjalo, California State University, Fullerton
Matthew R. Moreno, California State University, Northridge
Deshaun L. Davis, California State University, Northridge
Samantha A. Birmingham-Babauta, California State University, Northridge
John J. Stokes, California State University, Northridge
Alyssa A. Stage, California State University, Northridge
Tricia M. Liu, California State University, Northridge
Dominic V. Giuliano, California State University, Northridge
Adrina Lazar, California State University, Northridge
Robert G. Lockie, California State University, Northridge
International Journal of Exercise Science 10(4): 568-579, 2017.
DOI: 10.70252/ZOUT6574

Abstract

NCAA soccer features different substitution rules compared to FIFA-sanctioned matches, with a greater availability of players who can enter the game. This could influence the physiological characteristics of the field position starters (ST) and non-starters (NST) within a collegiate women’s team, which has not been previously analyzed. Thus, 22 field players from the same Division I women’s soccer squad completed: vertical and standing broad jumps; 30-meter (m) sprint (0-5, 0-10, 0-30 m intervals); pro-agility and 60-yard shuttle; and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Players were defined into ST (n=10) and NST (n=12) by the coaching staff. A one-way ANOVA derived any significant (p≤0.05) between-group differences, and effect sizes were used for a magnitude-based inference analysis. Z-scores were also calculated to document worthwhile differences above or below the squad mean for the groups. The results showed no significant between-group differences for any of the performance tests. ST did have a worthwhile difference above the squad mean in the 0-10 and 0-30 m sprint intervals, while NST had a worthwhile difference below the squad mean in the 0-30 m interval. Physiological characteristics between ST and NST from the analyzed Division I squad were similar, although ST were generally faster. The similarities between ST and NST may be a function of the team’s training, in that all players may complete the same workouts. Nonetheless, if all players exhibit similar physiological capacities, with appropriate substitutions by the coach a collegiate team should be able to maintain a high work-rate throughout a match.

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