Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to analyse the training effects of the FIFA 11+
and Harmoknee on several parameters of physical performance measures in youth amateur
football players. 41 adolescent players were randomised within each team into 2 groups
(team 1: control vs. FIFA 11+; team 2: control vs. Harmoknee). The FIFA 11+ and Harmoknee
groups performed the program 3 times a week for 4 weeks; the control groups completed
their usual warm-up routines. 13 physical performance measures (joint range of motion,
dynamic postural control, single legged hop limb symmetry, sprint time, jumping height
and agility) were assessed. All physical performance parameters were compared via
a magnitude-based inference analysis. Significant between-group differences (in favour
of the FIFA 11+ players) were found for dynamic postural control (anterior [2.5%]
and posteromedial [7.2%] distances), single legged hop limb symmetry (side-to-side
symmetry during a triple hop test [8.3%]), 10 (8.4%) and 20 (1.8%) m sprint times
and jumping height (9.1%) neuromuscular outcomes. For the Harmoknee, significant differences
(in comparison to its paired control group) were found only for 10 (2.7%) and 20 (2.9%)
m sprint times and jumping height (9.7%). Therefore, the main findings of this study
suggest exchanging traditional warm-up programmes for the FIFA 11+ in male youth soccer
players based on its superior effects on some neuromuscular parameters (sprinting,
jumping and stability) of physical performance.
Key words
soccer - muscle - warm-up - neuromuscular control - sport-related injuries