Comparison of the physical fitness between amateur and semi-professional Argentinean soccer players

Abstract

Introduction: The performance in soccer depends on several components. There are different evaluative proposals to measure the physical condition of the players. The purpose of this study was to compare the physical condition between amateur and semi-professional soccer players. Method: 96 players (68 amateur y 28 semi-professional) were measured in the following components of the physical condition; endurance (20m-SRT), strength (Abalakov, Rocket Jump, Bounce Jump), speed (Test of 10, 30 and flying 20 meter), anthropometric and body composition (index and fractionation of 5 components). Results: Significant differences were found between the groups. Being higher in the semi-professional player: Abalakov; 46, 1 vs 42 cm, Rocket Jump 39.8 vs 35.7 cm (p<0, 01), speed in flying 20 meters; 2.3 vs 2.5 seconds, 30 meters 4.1 vs 4.3 seconds (p<0, 01), reached final speed of the 20m-SRT; 13.5 vs 12.8 Km. h^-1 (p<0, 01), VO₂máx 53.7 vs 49.5 (ml/kg/min), (p<0, 01). No differences were found in height, body weight and BMI. Conclusion: We observed differences in the components of fitness between amateur and semi-professional soccer players.