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Seasonal Associations Between Isometric Strength and Dynamic Performance in Elite Youth Soccer Players
Nikolaos D Asimakidis1,2, Marco Beato3,4, Chris Bishop1
1Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute,Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
Elite youth soccer players
Area of Science:
- Sports Science and Biomechanics
- Strength and Conditioning
- Youth Athlete Development
Background:
- Understanding the relationship between isometric strength and dynamic performance is crucial for optimizing training in elite youth soccer.
- Longitudinal monitoring of strength and performance can inform periodization and injury prevention strategies.
- Previous research has explored these associations, but longitudinal, within-player data across a full season is less common in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal, within-player associations between global and hip-specific isometric strength and dynamic performance in elite U19 male soccer players.
- To determine which isometric strength measures are most predictive of key dynamic soccer actions throughout a competitive season.
Main Methods:
- A repeated-measures observational design tracked 25 elite U19 male soccer players across three time points: preseason, midseason, and end of season.
- Global isometric strength was assessed using the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP).
- Dynamic capabilities were measured via countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg CMJ, linear sprints, 505 change of direction test, and the Bronco test. Within-player correlations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Increases in isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) strength correlated with improved CMJ performance and faster 505 change of direction times.
- Isometric hip abduction strength was associated with CMJ performance and 505 test outcomes.
- No significant associations were found between IMTP strength and linear sprinting, unilateral jumping, or endurance, nor between hip adduction strength and dynamic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal changes in isometric strength, particularly IMTP and hip abduction, are linked to dynamic soccer performance tasks requiring high force production.
- Isometric strength testing serves as a valuable, low-fatigue indicator of force capacity and robustness in young athletes.
- These findings support the integration of isometric strength measures alongside dynamic assessments for comprehensive athlete monitoring.
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