A Physiological Profile of Soccer

By Krista Matatt

• Energy Fitness High Importance

Aerobic – VO2 max (Maximum oxygen uptake)

avg. 60-65 ml/kg/min (1)

Anaerobic – BLa (Blood lactate)

9.6 – 13.0 mmol/L (4)

• Muscular FitnessMuscular Strength Medium Importance- used for shoulder battles, headers, and 50/50 balls

- Case Study: from pre to post season, 60% of total body mass increase was due to lean muscle tissue(5)

Muscular Endurance High Importance- high-intensity activity occurs every 4 to 6 seconds (1)- 1,000 to 1,400 explosive bursts in a 90-

minute game (1)

Speed High Importance- Soccer Conditioning Programs (4)

• Power High Importance - Case Study: Pre to post season; lower-body power and total body power increased (5)

Flexibility Medium Importance- used for stopping, starting, turning, tackling, jumping, etc.(6)

Comparison• Activity 13.1

Energy Fitness Muscular FitnessAerobic H Strength M Power MAnaerobic H Endurance H Flexibility MSpeed H

• Journal ArticlesEnergy Fitness Muscular FitnessAerobic H Strength M Power H*Anaerobic H Endurance H Flexibility MSpeed H

* Findings did not support my original Fitness Demand rating

References• 1. Stolen, T., Chamari, K., Castagna, C., & Wisloff, U. (2005). Physiology of Soccer: An Update.

Journal of Sports Medicine, 35, 501-536.  • 2. Gil, S.M., Gil, J., Ruiz, F., Irazusta, A., & Irazusta, J. (2007). Physiological and Anthropometric

Characteristics of Young Soccer Players According to Their Playing Position: Relevance for the Selection Process. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 21, 438-445

 • 3. Little, T, & Williams, A (2007). Measures of Exercise Intensity During Soccer Training Drills With

Professional Soccer Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 21, 367-371.  • 4. Little, T., & Williams, A. (2007). Effects of Sprint Duration and Exercise: Rest Ratio on Repeated

Sprint Performance and Physiological Responses in Professional Soccer Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 21, 646-648.

• 5. Silvestre, R., Kraemer, W., West, C., Judelson, D., Spiering, B., & Vingren, J. (2006). Body Composition and Physical Performance During a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Soccer Season. 20, 962-970.

• 6. Vanderford, M. L., Meyers, M, Skelly, W, Stewart, C, & Hamilton, K (2004). Physiological and Sport-Specific Skill Response of Olympic Youth Soccer Athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 18, 334-342.