Female D1 Soccer Players Position Specific Abilites
Author: Matt Couch
Publish Date: May 11th, 2020
The physical and mental demands of soccer are unlike any other sport. Unlike FIFA, D1 collegiate soccer allows a player to be substituted multiple times, which can affect the players physical and mental performance. Although soccer is a highly popular sport among females, most studies have focused on male performance on and off the field. Studies have been don on the position specific performance metrics to understand the training needs for certain positions. This article reviews a study focusing on D1 female athletes and their physical and athletic abilities by position. Previous studies have drawn conclusions that midfielders have the highest work rate and high aerobic capacity, followed by defenders, forwards and goalkeepers. The study in review evaluates a 1 team of female collegiate soccer players, using different performance metrics to understand the training needs of each position.
The study found no significant difference in the females players “age, height, body mass, or BMI. No significant difference was found in the females players jumping ability, tested by the vertical jump and standing broad jump. Midfielders were found to have fast 5 meter linear interval speed. There was no significant difference in the female players “pro-agility and Arrowhead COD test.” Between 2 different Yo-Yo tests, the first found no significant difference by position. However, the second Yo-Yo test found defenders and midfielders covering more ground than goalkeepers.
As the research shows little significant differences between positions at the female D1 collegiate level, it is likely players can be interchangeable among positions. However, with differences in the 5 meter linear interval sprint, it is recommended team coaches and performance coaches implement exercises to help improve 5 meter sprints among the entire team. Similarly, it is recommended midfielders and defenders work on high-intensity running specific to their positions to ensure they are physically fit to respond to the physical demands of a game.
Many studies have addressed male position specific performance, little has been studies on the female position specific performance. The study in review focused on different jumping, sprinting and aerobic exercises to determine the physical and athletic abilities of female D1 soccer players at different positions. The study found little significant difference in positions physical and athletic ability, suggesting that players could play various positions at the D1 level. The study recommends team coaches and performance coaches implement exercise to increase 5 meter liner interval sprint and aerobic performance to ensure players are prepared for the demands of a soccer game. Although this study is focused on females it is likely male D1 soccer players could exhibit similar results. If players are interested in playing at the D1 level, it is my recommendation to work on being a well rounded soccer player, including attacking and defending abilities along with athletic ability. For assistance with college recruitment or designing a college training program, visit the resource section in your catalyst soccer training account. Train hard and best of luck in your collegiate journey.
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