Analysis of the effects of the transitional period on performance parameters in young soccer players

Abstract

Purpose: The transitional period has been shown to produce detraining effects in soccer players and could increase the risk of injury. The primary purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of the transitional period (4-6 weeks) on lower body power levels by vertical and horizontal jumping in young players and compare them with the first part of the regular season, using the peak height velocity (PHV) as a covariate. Methods: Eighteen elite youth players (15.73 ± .25 years) belonging to a professional soccer club that competes in national U-16 categories were evaluated before starting the transitional period (M1: end of the season) and at the end of it (M2: end of transitional period), as well as in the middle of the regular season (M3). The variables analyzed in the study were the vertical jump (e.g., CMJ) and horizontal jump. Results: Improvements were observed in all the variables during the transitional period. They were also like those of the first part of the season. When analysing responders and non-responders to the PHV between M1, M2 and M3, all the vertical jump variables show significant differences (P < .05). In contrast, no significant differences were found in the horizontal jump (P > .05). Conclusions: It is shown that the transitional period (7 weeks) does not have detraining effects on young players because they are in a moment of muscular development. In addition, the responder players have higher values in power levels and have produced more tremendous changes during study time than the non-responder players. Keywords: Transitional period; power; adolescent players; soccer; peak height velocity.