THE EVALUATION OF SOCCER PLAYERS PERFORMANCE ON DIFFERENT REPEATED SPRINT TESTS: TRAINING AND TESTING IMPLICATIONS

The aim of the present study was to evaluate players performance on different repeated sprint test protocols according to the players' playing position. Twenty-seven U19 national team males' field soccer players were tested on 7 x 34.2 m repeated sprint test (RST), 12 x 20 m RST, and 6 x 40 m (20 + 20 m) RST. Results clearly show that forwards scored best on 7 x 34.2 m RST with 48.48 +/- 3.12 s in total time, 6.53 +/- 0.36 s in fastest time, and fatigue index of 6.12 +/- 4.14%; Defenders scored best on 12 x 20 m RST with 66.28 +/- 2.62 s in total time, 5.32 +/- 0.22 s in fastest time, and fatigue index of 3.78 +/- 1.92%; and midfielders scored best on 6 x 40 m (20 + 20 m) RST with 35.77 +/- 0.77 s in total time, 5.80 +/- 0.13 s in fastest time, and fatigue index of 2.87 +/- 1.19%. Furthermore, the relationship detected between individual players results from test to test were trivial to moderate indicating that individual players score differently on different tests. Even though the tests were designed to measure the same qualities, the evaluation of the results supports the theory that different tests would outline different performance weaknesses and strength. However, even in team sports, individualizing the design and the implementation of the training program according to the player playing position could be a crucial factor in improving the overall performance of the player.