Physical Condition Differences between Semi-Professional and Amateur Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine and compare the physical fitness of Greek soccer players participating in teams of different divisions before the beginning of the preparation period. Eighteen semi-professional soccer players and nineteen amateur soccer players participated. All the tests performed on field (30m sprint, Illinois agility test, counter movement jump, squat jump, YoYo IR test and sit and reach test). The measurements performed before the beginning of the preparation period. Semi-professionals presented significantly faster values in 30m sprint and agility test compared to amateur by 7.6% and 8.2% respectively (p<0.001 for both). Semi-professionals jump higher in SJ and CM J compared to amateurs by 27% and 16.4% respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.05). Amateurs had 20.6% worst performance at sit and reach test (p<0.01). Also, the VO2max for amateurs were 26.5% lower than semi-professionals (p<0.001). Semi-professionals performed better on all physical condition tests. These findings can be attributed to more specific training of semi-professionals. Amateur soccer players and their trainers give less attention to physical condition and use their time to play and for technical and tactical exercises.