Testing variations of methodological characteristics on the 5-0-5 test: impact of the linear sprint on change-of-direction deficit of adult male soccer players

Abstract

Purpose The study compared the change-of-direction deficit (CODD) using the first 10-m sprint of a 40-m sprint test (CODD original ), the 10-m time that precedes the 5-0-5 test (CODD 5-0-5start ), and the best 10-m split of a 40-m sprint test (CODD best ). Methods A cross-sectional study design was applied. Twenty elite male soccer players (age: 21.6 ± 2.0 years; experience: 8.7 ± 2.3 years; body mass: 73.2 ± 6.1 kg; stature: 174.8 ± 4.5 cm) voluntarily participated in this study. They were assessed in the following tests: (i) 40-m linear sprint test and (ii) 5-0-5 test with a pre-planned 180° change-of-direction (COD) (left and right sides). CODD for both sides was calculated as the difference between average 5-0-5 and CODD original , COOD best , and CODD 5-0-5start . Results The time over 10 m during the 30–40-m split of a 40-m sprint test was significantly shorter than the first 10 m of the same sprint test (best times: p 0.999, d = 0.133; average times: p = 0.990, d = 0.047). Comparisons of CODD revealed significant differences between approaches (best times: F = 201.7, p 0.05). Conclusions CODD calculated with the first 10 m and the best 10 m of a sprint test was significantly different; similarities existed between the initial 10 m of a 40-m sprint test and the 5-0-5 test. Therefore, to save time and resources, practitioners could use the first 10-m acceleration phase of the 5-0-5 since no significant differences were found between the initial 10 m of a linear sprint test.

Keywords

• football
• exercise test
• physical fitness
• athletic performance