Journal of Sports Sciences

ISSN: 0264-0414 (Print) 1466-447X (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rjsp20

Change-of-direction, speed and jump performance

in soccer players: a comparison across different
age-categories

Irineu Loturco, Ian Jeffreys, César C. Cal Abad, Ronaldo Kobal, Vinicius
Zanetti, Lucas A. Pereira & Sophia Nimphius

To cite this article: Irineu Loturco, Ian Jeffreys, César C. Cal Abad, Ronaldo Kobal, Vinicius
Zanetti, Lucas A. Pereira & Sophia Nimphius (2019): Change-of-direction, speed and jump
performance in soccer players: a comparison across different age-categories, Journal of Sports
Sciences, DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1574276

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2019.1574276

Published online: 06 Feb 2019.

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JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES
https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2019.1574276

Change-of-direction, speed and jump performance in soccer players: a comparison

across different age-categories
Irineu Loturco a,b,c, Ian Jeffreysb, César C. Cal Abada, Ronaldo Kobala, Vinicius Zanettid, Lucas A. Pereiraa
and Sophia Nimphiuse
a
NAR - Nucleus of High Performance in Sport, São Paulo, Brazil; bDepartment of Sport and Exercise, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales,
UK; cDepartment of Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; dRed Bull Brazil Football, Jarinu, Brazil; eCentre
for Exercise and Sports Science, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia

ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

This study examined the age-specific development of vertical jump height, straight and change- Accepted 16 January 2019
of-direction (COD) speed, and COD deficit in one-hundred and eighty-two elite soccer players from
KEYWORDS
different age-categories (U15, U17, U20, and Senior). All participants were players of two distinct clubs Agility; football; muscle
and were undertaking different training routines, as planned by their technical staff members. For this power; youth athletes;
purpose, the soccer players performed: (1) squat and countermovement jumps; (2) a maximal 20-m straight speed
linear sprint speed test, and (3) the Zigzag COD test. The magnitude-based inference approach and
standardized differences were used to compare the age-groups. Sprint speed at longer distances (20-m)
increased progressively across the age-ranges. In contrast, speed and acceleration performances at
shorter distances (5-m) were better in U15 than in the other age-categories. The COD speed did not
change throughout the younger categories but presented a meaningful decrease in the Senior cate-
gory. Surprisingly, despite the progressive increase in volume and intensity of neuromuscular training
from younger to older categories, the COD deficit presented a gradual increase across the age-groups. It
is possible that simple modulation of the strength-power training program during the maturation
process is not sufficient to produce faster adult players with enhanced ability to change direction.
Therefore, coaches are strongly encouraged to implement specific COD training practices to tolerate
braking at increasing running speeds and appropriate volume and intensity of soccer specific training
throughout the players’ specialization process.

Introduction soccer, the performance obtained in a “30-m with 10 cones

agility test” was shown to be one of the best discriminant
The evolution of technical and tactical performance in soccer
variables between young players selected or not selected to
has been accompanied by a progressive increase in game
play in “superior teams” (Gil, Gil, Ruiz, Irazusta, & Irazusta,
speed (Barnes, Archer, Hogg, Bush, & Bradley, 2014; Bush,
2007). Moreover, it has been speculated that an enhanced ability
Barnes, Archer, Hogg, & Bradley, 2015). This phenomenon
to change direction, coupled with rapid changes in velocity (i.e.
was observed in a series of recent studies which examined
acceleration-deceleration) could be more important to take part
the physical demands of the most important soccer tourna-
in top-level soccer leagues (i.e. English Premier League) than the
ments around the world (Barnes et al., 2014; Bradley, Dellal,
capacity to cover greater distances during a match (Di Salvo,
Mohr, Castellano, & Wilkie, 2014; Bush et al., 2015; Dellal et al.,
Pigozzi, Gonzalez-Haro, Laughlin, & De Witt, 2013). Together,
2011). For example, Barnes et al. (2014) reported that across
these arguments highlight the critical importance of COD ability
seven consecutive seasons in the English Premier League
in professional soccer; however, it is not clear whether this very-
(from 2006 to 2013), the sprint distance and number of sprints
specific fitness attribute improves throughout the long-term
increased by ~35%, whereas the number of high-intensity
athlete development process, such as, for example, during the
actions increased by ~50%. Importantly, the vast majority of
transition from the end of adolescence to the mature phase of
these fast actions (~90%) occur in very short periods of time
soccer players (Loturco et al., 2014).
(i.e. ≤5 seconds), involving successive accelerations-
In this context, some previous works have examined the pro-
decelerations, anticipation, decision making, and quick
gressive evolution of speed-related capabilities in athletes from
changes of running directions (Andrzejewski, Chmura, Pluta,
distinct age-groups, showing unexpected results (Kobal et al.,
Strzelczyk, & Kasprzak, 2013).
2016; Loturco et al., 2018a). Kobal et al. (2016) reported no differ-
Indeed, change of direction (COD) speed has been consid-
ences in sprint performance between under-17 (U17), under-20
ered one of the most important physical qualities for predicting
(U20), and professional soccer players over a 20-m distance.
success in a wide variety of field sports (Faude, Koch, & Meyer,
Similarly, in a comprehensive study involving one-hundred twenty
2012; Hachana et al., 2013; Pereira et al., 2018). Specifically, in

CONTACT Irineu Loturco irineu.loturco@terra.com.br NAR - Nucleus of High Performance in Sport. Av. Padre José Maria, 555 - Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP
04753-060, Brazil
© 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
2 I. LOTURCO ET AL.

players from four different soccer categories (under-15 [U15], U17, assessment. Prior to the tests, the athletes performed standar-
U20, and Senior), Loturco et al. (2018a) observed that the straight dized warm-up protocols including general (i.e., running at
speed did not improve gradually throughout the athletes’ specia- a moderate pace for 10-min followed by active lower limb
lization process and, surprisingly, the younger players (i.e. U15) stretching for 3-min) and specific workouts (i.e. submaximal
were faster than all the other groups in very short distances (i.e. attempts at each tested exercise). All tests were performed on
5-m). In view of these results, it would be interesting to investigate the first day of the preseason, for all age-categories. The physical
the changes in COD performance across a more diverse age- tests were all performed between 9:00 a.m. and 13:00 p.m.
range, especially with athletes from the same clubs, and therefore
submitted to the same training processes.
A potentially practical way to examine the COD ability of Participants
elite athletes in depth is by using a novel approach able to
provide a more isolated measure of this complex physical One-hundred and eighty-two male soccer players from
attribute (i.e. “COD deficit”) (Nimphius, Callaghan, Spiteri, & four different age-categories (U15: n = 38; 14.5 ± 0.3 years; 61.8 ±
Lockie, 2016). The COD deficit represents the additional time 7.3 kg; 172.6 ± 6.3 cm; U17: n = 53; 16.3 ± 0.2 years; 64.8 ± 7.3 kg;
that one directional change requires when compared with 176.3 ± 8.3 cm; U20: n = 42; 19.1 ± 0.4 years; 73.4 ± 9.3 kg; 178.2 ±
a linear sprint over an equivalent distance (e.g. 10-m time 9.6 cm; Senior: n = 49; 25.2 ± 4.3 years; 76.4 ± 6.5 kg; 178.8 ± 7.2 cm)
versus 505-agility test time) (Nimphius et al., 2016) or differ- participated in this study. All participants were members of two
ences in velocity between linear sprints and COD measure- soccer clubs and were undertaking different and standardized
ments of similar distances (Pereira et al., 2018). A recent study training routines, planned by their technical staff members for
performed with young soccer players (U20) revealed that each specific age-category, (as detailed in Table 1). Briefly, techni-
higher performances in speed tests are not necessarily related cal-tactical training involved specific soccer actions (e.g. free-kicks,
to better performances in specific COD maneuvers (Loturco corner-kicks, heading and dribbling drills) and small-sided games.
et al., 2018b). As a consequence, it is not possible to precisely For U15 and U17 players, the neuromuscular training comprised
determine what happens to COD speed and COD deficit unloaded plyometrics (e.g. countermovement jumps) and half-
throughout the different stages of development. squats with very-light loads (≤40% of body mass); for U20 and
The purpose of this study was to examine the evolution of Senior players the strength-power training comprised drop jumps,
vertical jump height, linear speed, COD speed, and COD deficit half-squats, and loaded jump squats with light to moderate loads
in soccer players from the typical development age-categories (from 40 to 70% of body mass). The study was approved by the
(i.e. U15, U17, U20, and Senior) within the same soccer clubs. local Ethics Committee and all subjects and their legal guardians
Due to our previous experience with these populations, we (when necessary) were informed of the inherent risks and benefits
hypothesized that the older athletes would not necessarily be associated with study participation, before signing informed con-
faster than their younger counterparts in the speed-related tests. sent forms.

Vertical jumping ability

Methods
Vertical jumping ability was assessed using the SJ and CMJ. In
Study design
the SJ, a static position with a 90° knee flexion angle was
The current work is a cross-sectional comparative study aimed at maintained for 2-s before a jump attempt without any pre-
comparing vertical jump performance, sprinting and accelera- paratory movement. In the CMJ, the soccer players were
tion capacities, and COD ability (and its respective deficit) instructed to perform a downward movement followed by
between four different age-categories of soccer players (U15, complete extension of the lower limbs and the amplitude of
U17, U20, and Senior athletes), from two top-level Brazilian the countermovement was freely determined to avoid
soccer clubs. Due to the professional training and assessment changes in the jumping coordination pattern. All jumps were
routines in these clubs, all soccer players were already familiar executed with the hands on the hips. Five attempts at each
with the testing procedures. The order of the assessments was jump were performed interspersed by 15-s intervals. Jump
as follows: (1) squat and countermovement jump tests (SJ and height of the CMJ and SJ were determined based on flight
CMJ, respectively); (2) linear sprint speed test; and (3) COD ability time using a previously validated contact mat (Elite Jump®, S2

Table 1. Typical weekly training content for the different age-categories.

Category Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
U15 Tec/Tac 60–90’ Tec/Tac 40–60ʹ Tec/Tac 50–70’ Tec/Tac 40–60ʹ Tec/Tac 40–60’ FM 80’
S/PT 30–45’ S/PT 30–45’
U17 Tec/Tac 60–90’ Tec/Tac 70-110ʹ Tec/Tac 50–80’ Tec/Tac 60ʹ Tec/Tac 40–60’ FM 80’
S/PT 30–50’ S/PT 30–50’
U20 Tec/Tac 80–100ʹ Tec/Tac 90–120’ Tec/Tac 60-70ʹ Tec/Tac 80–90’ Tec/Tac 60-90ʹ FM 90’
S/PT 40–60’ S/PT 40-60’ S/PT 40-60’
Senior Tec/Tac 90-110ʹ Tec/Tac 90–120’ Tec/Tac 60-80ʹ Tec/Tac 80-100’ Tec/Tac 80-100ʹ FM 90’
S/PT 45–60’ S/PT 45–60’ S/PT 45–60’
Note: Tec/Tac: technical and tactical training; S/PT: strength and power training; FM: friendly match.
 JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES 3

Sports, São Paulo, Brazil) (Loturco et al., 2017b). The best the second pair of timing gates, placed 20-m from the starting
attempt was used for data analysis purposes. line (Little & Williams, 2005; Pereira et al., 2018). The fastest
time from the two attempts was retained for further analysis.
To evaluate the efficacy of each athlete’s ability to utilize their
Sprinting and acceleration abilities linear speed during a specific COD task, an adapted COD
Prior to the execution of the speed tests, four pairs of photo- deficit calculation was used, as described elsewhere (Loturco
cells (Smart Speed, Fusion Equipment, AUS) were positioned et al., 2018b; Nimphius et al., 2016; Pereira et al., 2018). Thus,
at distances of 0, 5-, 10-, and 20-m along the course. The the COD deficit was calculated as follows: 20-m velocity – COD
soccer players sprinted twice, starting from a standing position test velocity.
0.3-m behind the start line. To avoid weather influences, the
sprint tests were performed on an indoor running track. Sprint Statistical analysis
velocity (VEL) was calculated as the distance traveled over
a measured time interval. The acceleration (ACC) capacity in The normality of the data for each age-category was checked
the different distances (i.e. 0–5-, 5–10-, and 10–20-m) was using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Due to the normal distribution,
calculated as the rate of change of velocity with respect to data are described as mean and standard deviation (SD).
time. A 5-min rest interval was allowed between the two Magnitude-based inference (Batterham & Hopkins, 2006) was
attempts and the fastest time was retained for the analyses. used to compare the differences in the physical test results
among the different age-categories. The quantitative chances
of finding differences in the variables tested were assessed
Change of direction ability and deficit qualitatively as follows: <1%, almost certainly not; 1–5%, very
unlikely; 5–25%, unlikely; 25–75%, possible; 75–95%, likely; 95–
The COD test was performed on an indoor court and consisted
99%, very likely; >99%, almost certain (Batterham & Hopkins,
of four 5-m sections (a total of 20-m of linear sprint) marked
2006). If the chances of having better and poorer results were
with cones set at 100° angles (Figure 1), requiring the athletes
both >5%, the true difference was rated as unclear. The stan-
to decelerate and accelerate as fast as possible around each
dardized differences for the comparisons in all variables were
cone. Two maximal attempts were performed with a 5-min
analysed using the Cohen’s d effect size (d). The magnitude of
rest interval between attempts. Starting from a standing posi-
the effect was qualitatively interpreted using the following
tion with the front foot placed 0.3-m behind the first pair of
thresholds: <0.2, trivial; 0.2–0.6, small; 0.6–1.2, moderate;
timing gates (Smart Speed, Fusion Equipment, Brisbane,
1.2–2.0, large; 2.0–4.0, very large; and >4.0, nearly perfect
Australia) (i.e. starting line), the players were instructed to
(Hopkins, Marshall, Batterham, & Hanin, 2009).
complete the test as quickly as possible, until crossing

Results
Figure 2 demonstrates the comparisons of SJ and CMJ heights
among the different age-categories. The U15 group presented
almost certainly lower jump height than the other groups in
both jump modes (d = 0.97, 1.04, and 1.16 for SJ; d = 1.19,
1.33, and 1.41 for CMJ, when compared to U17, U20, and
Senior players, respectively). Figure 3 shows the comparisons of

Figure 2. Comparisons of the squat and countermovement jump height (SJ and
CMJ, respectively) among the different age-categories of soccer players.
****: almost certainly different. Letter a corresponds to difference from U15 age-category.
Figure 1. Schematic presentation of the change of direction speed test. The The figure demonstrates the spread from minimum to maximum with the line of the box
circles represent the positions of the photocells. and whisker at the mean along with individual data points to show the full spread of data.
4 I. LOTURCO ET AL.

and U17 groups, respectively (d = 0.62, 0.41, 0.70, and 0.51, for
U20 vs. U15 and U17, and Senior vs. U15 and U17, respectively).
Figure 4 shows the comparisons of the ACC between 0–5-,
5–10-, and 10–20-m among the different age-categories. In the
ACC 0–5-m, U17, U20, and Senior players demonstrated pos-
sibly to likely lower performances than the U15 players
(d = 0.53, 0.34, and 0.44, respectively). In addition, the U17
group demonstrated possibly lower values than the U20 and
Senior groups (d = 0.23 and 0.17, respectively) in the ACC
0–5-m. In relation to the ACC 5–10-m, the U15 group demon-
strated almost certainly poorer performances than the U17,
U20, and Senior groups (d = 1.37, 1.31, and 1.58, respectively).
Meanwhile, the Senior players presented possibly and likely
higher values in the ACC 5–10-m than the U17 and U20
athletes (d = 0.32 and 0.39, respectively). Finally, for the ACC
10–20-m an almost certainly lower performance was observed
for the U15 groups in comparison to the U17, U20, and Senior
groups (d = 0.96, 1.48, and 1.64, respectively). In addition, very
Figure 3. Comparisons of the velocity (VEL) in 5-, 10-, and 20-m among the
different age-categories of soccer players.
likely and almost certainly higher performances were observed
*: possibly different; **: likely different; ***: very likely different. Letters a and b correspond for the U20 and Senior players in comparison to the U17
to differences from U15 and U17 age-categories, respectively. The figure demonstrates the athletes (d = 0.65 and 0.75, respectively).
spread from minimum to maximum with the line of the box and whisker at the mean along
with individual data points to show the full spread of data. Figure 5 demonstrates the comparisons of the COD speed
and COD deficit among the different age-groups. The Senior
soccer players demonstrated a likely to very likely lower COD
the sprint velocity in 5-, 10-, and 20-m among the different age- speed performance than the other groups of players (d = 0.52,
categories. The VEL 5-m was likely lower in the U17 when 0.53, and 0.46, when compared to U15, U17, and U20 groups,
compared to the U15 group (d = 0.51). In the same distance, respectively). For the COD deficit, the U15 group demonstrated
the U20 athletes demonstrated a possibly lower velocity possibly to almost certainly lower values, when compared to
than the U15 and U17 groups (d = 0.32 and 0.23, respectively), U17, U20, and Senior groups (d = 0.34, 0.81, and 1.12, respec-
while the Senior players demonstrated a likely and possibly lower tively). The U17 players showed likely and almost certainly lower
VEL 5-m than the U15 (d = 0.41) and U17 (d = 0.15) groups, COD deficit values than the U20 (d = 0.54) and Senior (d = 0.90)
respectively. In relation to the VEL 10-m, the U20 and Senior athletes, respectively. Lastly, the Senior group demonstrated
players demonstrated a possibly higher value than the U15 and a likely greater COD deficit than the U20 players (d = 0.40).
U17 groups (d = 0.17, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30, for U20 vs. U15 and
U17, and Senior vs. U15 and U17, respectively). In the VEL 20-m,
Discussion
the U17 group was possibly higher than the U15 players
(d = 0.28). In the same sprint distance, the U20 and Senior players This is the first study to examine the evolution of COD ability,
demonstrated very likely and likely higher velocities than the U15 COD deficit, and sprint performance across four different

Figure 4. Comparisons of the acceleration (ACC) in 0–5-, 5–10-, and 10–20-m among the different age-categories of soccer players.
*: possibly different; **: likely different; ***: very likely different; ****: almost certainly different. Letters a, b, and c correspond to differences from U15, U17, and U20 age-categories,
respectively. The figure demonstrates the spread from minimum to maximum with the line of the box and whisker at the mean along with individual data points to show the full spread of
data.
 JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES 5

specialization contributes to hampering the proper develop-

ment of relative muscle power and, as a consequence, of
linear speed capacity (Docherty & Sporer, 2000; Loturco
et al., 2015b; Mercer, Gleeson, & Mitchell, 2014). It could also
be the case that there will be natural limit to the amount of
speed improvement achievable through maturation and the
development of physical capacities alone; subsequently, with-
out specific speed training interventions, speed capacity is
likely to plateau or even decline in senior players (Jeffreys,
2008, 2013; Jeffreys & Goodwin, 2016).
Accordingly, the COD speed decreased steadily across the
distinct ages, showing an important and worrisome reduction
in the Senior category. These results are similar to those reported
Figure 5. Comparisons of the change of direction (COD) speed test and COD
deficit among the different age-categories of soccer players. by Condello et al. (2013), who did not find any improvement in
*: possibly different; **: likely different; ***: very likely different; ****: almost certainly COD performance between U15 to U17, and U17 to U19 male
different. Letters a, b, and c correspond to differences from U15, U17, and U20 age- rugby players. In the same way, Nakamura et al. (2016) revealed
categories, respectively. The figure demonstrates the spread from minimum to maximum
with the line of the box and whisker at the mean along with individual data points to show that professional futsal players present reduced COD ability
the full spread of data. when compared to their U20 counterparts. For these authors,
some physiological factors, such as changes during maturation
(e.g., disproportional growth and disruption of complex motor
age-categories of elite soccer players from the same soccer coordination) (Condello et al., 2013) and effects of concurrent
clubs. The main findings reported here are that: (1) overall, training (Loturco et al., 2018a; Nakamura et al., 2016) could
the linear speed at longer distances (i.e. 10- and 20-m) negatively impact the evolution of this multifaceted motor skill
increases progressively during the specialization process; throughout the age-categories, compromising the COD perfor-
however, the same does not hold true for speed and accel- mance of more mature players (i.e. Senior). Specifically, in our
eration performance at shorter distances (i.e. 5-m); (2) the case, it is worth noting that the data were collected from a very
COD ability remains fairly stable throughout the younger large sample of soccer athletes who trained at the same clubs,
categories (i.e. U15, U17, and U20), but decreases substan- under controlled conditions and using distinct neuromuscular
tially in older players (i.e. Senior); and (3) surprisingly, the training schemes, according to their particular needs and char-
COD deficit presents a gradual increase, as age and level of acteristics (Table 1). Therefore, it is possible to speculate that
specialization increase. These results have important and simple monitoring of the strength-power training strategies
direct implications for coaches and sport scientists involved across the specialization process is not sufficient to allow players
in the development and training of elite soccer athletes. of different ages to appropriately develop their more important
The chronic impairments (and possible decreases) in linear and required physical qualities (Barnes et al., 2014; Bush et al.,
speed and acceleration capabilities at different distances were 2015; Malone, Roe, Doran, Gabbett, & Collins, 2017). Again, this
recently reported in another comprehensive study involving may reflect the fact that maturation and the development of
one-hundred twenty soccer athletes from four different age- physical capacities are insufficient to develop high levels of COD
categories (i.e. U15, U17, U20, and Senior) (Loturco et al., speed, and that specific interventions that develop the skill
2018a). In that investigation, the authors observed that, across related aspects of performance are required (Jeffreys, 2008,
the athletes’ development, the evolution of maximal accelera- 2013; Jeffreys, Huggins, & Davies, 2018). From this perspective,
tion capacity was substantially compromised. As a result, the it may be advisable to regulate the volume of technical-tactical
U15 players presented the highest acceleration rates over work in each specific category, and supplement this with specific
very-short distances (zero to 5-m) and the 10-m velocity interventions aimed at developing the movement capacities
remained stable from U20 to Senior. Similarly, Mujika, required in the game as part of specialized multiyear preparation
Santisteban, Impellizzeri, and Castagna (2009) verified that (Issurin & Vladimir, 2017; Jeffreys, 2008, 2013; Jeffreys & Goodwin,
sprint and CMJ performances did not differ between adult 2016; Jeffreys et al., 2018). These “optimal training parameters”
(23.8 ± 3.4 years) and elite junior players (18.4 ± 0.9 years). should be tested and established in future studies involving
The same holds true for the current athletes, who failed to players of different ages, but may help improve overall perfor-
improve their vertical jumping ability throughout the matura- mance and reduce the negative biomechanical developments
tion process, presenting meaningful increases only in relation that have been shown to occur when only technical-tactical
to the U15 category (Figure 2). Considering the strong rela- work is performed in a given sport (Staynor, Nicholas, Weir,
tionships already described between jump and speed vari- Alderson, & Donnelly, 2017).
ables (Loturco et al., 2015a; Vescovi & Mcguigan, 2008), this Along with the impairments in speed-related abilities, sur-
may (at least in part) explain the absence of progressive and prisingly, the COD deficit presented a gradual increase from
appropriate development of maximal sprint performance over younger to older age-groups (Figure 5). Hence, besides the
time. Although it is impossible to draw definitive conclusions progressive increase in the neuromuscular training volume
from our data, it is likely that the interference phenomenon throughout the categories (Table 1), it is plausible to consider
caused by the gradual increase in soccer-specific training con- that the training strategies used by head coaches and techni-
tent (i.e. aerobic loads) from earlier to later stages of cal staff members were not able to effectively transfer the
6 I. LOTURCO ET AL.

strength, speed, and power gains to COD performance and present to determine the optimal content of each specific
speculatively to braking ability or ability to control COD as and particular type of training, it is certain that these proce-
sprint speed continues to increase. This issue was recently dures are essential to generate faster and more efficient adult
addressed in a study that examined the correlations between soccer players. Further studies should be conducted to define
conventional speed and power measures and COD speed the best training approaches and content to meaningfully
(Loturco et al., 2018b). For the authors, the limited relation- improve speed-related qualities in soccer players from differ-
ships between these mechanical variables may force practi- ent age-groups.
tioners to include specific COD workouts in soccer players’
training routines (e.g. acceleration and deceleration drills,
planned and unplanned agility tasks, and maintenance of Disclosure statement
velocity or “maneuverability”), in order to elicit positive adap-
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
tations in this complex and independent physical ability
(Loturco et al., 2018b; Young, Dawson, & Henry, 2015). Still in
this context, many studies have highlighted the need to ORCID
incorporate a more holistic training strategy, which combines Irineu Loturco http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1309-2568
a variety of target elements (i.e. cognitive, physical, and tech-
nical aspects) and customized multi-directional tasks (accord-
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