Vol 16, Issue 6

MAS and MANS Predicts repeated sprint ability in youth soccer players

October 15, 2023 - By 

Authors

Jørgen D. Olsen, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø
Henrik R. Rognhaug, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø
Daniel Kvamme, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø
Øyvind Støren, University of South-Eastern Norway
Eva Maria Støa, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø
International Journal of Exercise Science 16(6): 846-854, 2023.
DOI: 10.70252/AANF2064

Abstract

The study investigated the impact of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal anaerobic sprint (MANS) on repeated sprint ability (RSA) in soccer. Methods: 17 amateur-to semi-professional soccer players, age 19 (± 4) years, were tested for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), oxygen cost of running (Cr), RSA consisting of 15×20m sprint each divided by a 100 seconds dribble track, and 40-meter sprint performance. MAS was calculated as VO2max × Cr −1, and MANS was defined as the highest velocity in the 40-meter sprint. Results: There was a strong correlation between MAS and average 20-meter RSA velocity (r = 0.760; p < 0.01), and between MAS and performance decrement (r = -0.648; p < 0.01). The product of 0.5MAS + 0.5MANS exhibited the strongest correlation with RSA (r = 0.813; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The combination of MAS and MANS strongly predicted RSA. High-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT) and maximal strength training (MST) are recommended to improve MAS and MANS, and could thus lead to better RSA on the soccer field.

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