Comparison of two warm-up protocols for physical and technical-decisional performance in young football players

Abstract

Introduction: Warm-up is a primordial element to optimise sport performance in both training and competitions. The main objective of this study was to compare the acute effect of two warm-up protocols for physical and technical-decisional performance in U16 football players. Material and Methods: We applied an integrated warm-up protocol (IWP) of 5 vs 5 in a small space of 20x28 m and an analytical warm-up protocol (AWP) of 12 dynamic exercises that are commonly used in football. Each warm-up was carried out 7 days apart and alternated. After each warm-up, the intensity of the load was recorded through the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), physical performance was recorded using the T30 speed test (time to sprint 30 m) and the kicking speed test, and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) was applied, which evaluates the football skills of passing and decision making. Results: The results show greater technical-decisional performance in LSPT (p = 0.020, ES = 0.55 small) after executing the IWP. However, in T30 (p = 0.129, ES = 0.417 small) and kicking (p = 0.374, ES = -0.29 small), no significant differences were observed. Conclusion: IWP presents greater performance in the technical-decisional test of LSPT, and both warm-up protocols have a similar component of intensity and performance in T30 and kicking.