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Comparison of Speed-Related and Power-Related Variables Between First-Division and Second-Division Professional
Irineu Loturco1,2,3,4, Bernardo Requena3, Lucas D Tavares4
1NAR - Nucleus of High Performance in Sport, São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Professional soccer players in the first division exhibit superior speed and power compared to second-division players. These neuromuscular qualities, including sprinting and jump performance, significantly differentiate competitive levels in soccer.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Soccer Performance Analysis
Background:
- Competitive balance in professional soccer is influenced by physical performance metrics.
- Understanding differences in speed and power between divisions can inform talent identification and training strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare speed-related and power-related variables between first-division and second-division professional soccer players.
- To determine if these physical attributes meaningfully differentiate competitive levels in soccer.
Main Methods:
- 150 male professional soccer players (78 first division, 72 second division) were assessed.
- Tests included countermovement jumps, linear sprints (5m, 10m, 20m), curvilinear sprints, and jump squats (JS) at 40% body mass.
- Peak velocity and peak power were calculated from JS assessments.
Main Results:
- First-division players demonstrated significantly higher jump height, JS peak velocity, and JS peak power than second-division players.
- First-division players were faster in both linear and curvilinear sprint tests.
- Effect sizes (0.40-0.89) indicated moderate, meaningful differences between the divisions.
Conclusions:
- Speed and power are key differentiators between professional soccer players of different competitive levels.
- Monitoring sprinting and power metrics is crucial for coaches and performance staff.
- Prioritizing the selection of fast and powerful players is important, especially when development opportunities are limited.
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