Monitoring physical performance during the pre-season may help coaches and practitioners interpret short-term changes in young soccer players, although group-level analyses may mask individual variability. This observational longitudinal study analyzed short-term changes, individual variability, and associations between baseline performance and change magnitude in 50 under-17 male outfield soccer players during a 47-day pre-season. Physical performance was assessed before and after the pre-season using the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 m linear sprint (Sprint-20m), 20 m change-of-direction test (COD-20m), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRL1). Significant improvements were observed in SJ (+1.43 cm, p < 0.001), CMJ (+1.37 cm, p < 0.001), and COD-20m (+0.31 km·h−1, p < 0.001), whereas no statistically significant changes were detected in Sprint-20m (−0.14 km·h−1, p = 0.121) or Yo-Yo IRL1 (−26.20 m, p = 0.721). Individual changes were heterogeneous, with 68.0% improving in SJ and COD-20m, 64.0% in CMJ, 40.0% in Sprint-20m, and 54.0% in Yo-Yo IRL1. Exploratory inverse associations were observed between baseline performance and change scores for SJ (ρ = −0.35, p = 0.014), CMJ (ρ = −0.40, p = 0.004), and COD-20m (ρ = −0.30, p = 0.033), whereas no statistically significant associations were detected for Sprint-20m or Yo-Yo IRL1. These findings support integrating group-level changes, individual variability, and baseline-performance context when interpreting short-term physical performance monitoring in youth soccer.

Combat-sport performance depends on the interaction between technical skills and physical capacities, yet direct comparisons between grappling disciplines remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric profile and physical performance of elite judo and jiu-jitsu athletes. This cross-sectional study included 25 elite male athletes (judo—n = 12; jiu-jitsu—n = 13) assessed during a preparatory training phase. Anthropometric measures included age, training experience, height, and body mass, while physical performance was evaluated using dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw with and without countermovement, and dynamic and isometric judogi-grip pull-up tests. Between-group comparisons were performed using independent sample tests, with effect sizes (ES) calculated. Judo athletes had greater training experience (13.25 ± 2.73 vs. 7.85 ± 4.36 years; p = 0.001; ES = 1.472) and higher SJ performance (38.71 ± 6.69 vs. 33.82 ± 4.74 cm; p = 0.045; ES = 0.850) compared to jiu-jitsu athletes. No significant between-group differences were observed for the remaining variables (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that no statistically significant differences were detected in most anthropometric and physical performance variables between elite judo and jiu-jitsu athletes, and the initially higher squat jump performance observed in judo athletes was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for training experience.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric profile and physical performance of female soccer players from the under-15, under-18, and professional categories during the pre-season. Methods: Seventy-five female soccer players participated: 20 under-15 players (aged 13.35 ± 0.75 years), 26 under-18 players (aged 15.69 ± 0.68 years), and 29 professional players (aged 21.48 ± 5.33 years). Assessments were conducted one week after the start of the pre-season, including tests for body mass, height, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump from 30 cm (DJ), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRL1). Results: There were significant differences in anthropometric profiles, body mass, and height between groups (p < 0.001), with professional players being taller and heavier. No significant differences were found between the under-15 and under-18 players. Physical fitness was significantly higher in professional players compared to the younger groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study identified that professional female soccer players have superior physical performance compared to under-15 and under-18 players at the start of the pre-season. It is recommended that professionals involved in the transition of young female soccer players to the professional level take these differences into account.

This study aimed to determine which side-out actions discriminate top-ranked teams in an elite Brazilian youth volleyball competition. We analysed 56 matches from the Brazilian Under-17 Men's National Championship, including 67,878 side-out-related actions. The 16 teams were grouped into pairs from A to H according to their final classification in the Special and First Divisions. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios associated with belonging to each ranking group, using Group A as the reference category. The results showed that higher-ranked teams were more likely to use overhead pass reception, involve the outside hitter near the setter during serve reception, execute faster offensive patterns, and achieve greater attack effectiveness. These findings indicate that side-out organization, especially reception type, receiver role, attack tempo, and attack outcome, discriminates teams according to final ranking position in elite Brazilian U-17 male volleyball. Training programs for youth volleyball should therefore emphasize side-out quality through reception stability, offensive speed, and effective attack execution.

This study aimed to compare match external loads between starters and non-starters in Brazilian professional women’s soccer. Methods: In this prospective cohort, seventy outfield players (60.93 ± 6.10 kg; 166.39 ± 6.17 cm) from three teams competing in Brazil’s top division (Série A1) were monitored during one competitive season using 10-Hz GNSS across all official matches and classified as starters (n = 31) or non-starters (n = 39) according to match line-ups. Results: Starters covered greater total distance per minute than non-starters (85.95 ± 15.13 vs. 63.69 ± 28.45 m/min; p < 0.001) and greater total distance per match than non-starters (9.52 ± 1.30 vs. 4.03 ± 2.01 km; p < 0.001), with greater distance covered per match at ≤ 7 km/h (4.20 ± 0.92 vs. 2.06 ± 0.85 km; p < 0.001), 7–13 km/h (3.28 ± 0.47 vs. 1.16 ± 0.77 km; p < 0.001), 13–19 km/h (1.58 ± 0.34 vs. 0.62 ± 0.49 km; p < 0.001), 19–23 km/h (0.32 ± 0.11 vs. 0.16 ± 0.11 km; p < 0.001) and > 23 km/h (0.11 ± 0.07 vs. 0.05 ± 0.06 km; p < 0.001), and attained higher maximum speed (26.69 ± 1.43 vs. 24.83 ± 2.40 km/h; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Starters experienced consistently greater match external loads than non-starters across all speed zones and peak speed, suggesting that tailored top-up sessions for non-starters may help reduce load discrepancies. However, the observational design and single-division sample warrant cautious generalisation and confirmation in other contexts.

Background: Pre-season physical monitoring may help coaches understand short-term changes in youth soccer players and examine whether physical indicators are associated with early squad inclusion. This study aimed to analyze changes in physical performance during the pre-season period and to examine whether pre- and post-assessment physical performance differed between squad-included and non-included under-15 male soccer players in the first five official matches of the main competition. Methods: Thirty-seven male outfield players were assessed using the Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), 20 m linear sprint (Sprint-20 m), 20 m change-in-direction test (COD-20m), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRL1). Squad-included players were those listed in at least one of the first five official match reports, whereas non-included players were not listed in these reports but remained part of the broader under-15 program. Results: Significant increases were observed in SJ (+1.44 cm, p = 0.007), CMJ (+1.36 cm, p = 0.006), and COD-20m (+0.38 km·h-1, p = 0.002), whereas Sprint-20 m and Yo-Yo IRL1 did not change significantly. Fourteen players were squad-included and 23 were non-included. Squad-included players presented higher pre-assessment values for SJ, CMJ, COD-20m, and the exploratory composite physical score, and higher post-assessment values for SJ, CMJ, Sprint-20 m, COD-20m, and the exploratory composite physical score. The largest between-group difference was observed for post-assessment COD-20m (14.19 ± 0.49 vs. 13.40 ± 0.74 km·h-1, p < 0.001, d = 1.25). Conclusions: Early squad inclusion was associated with higher absolute physical performance, particularly post-assessment COD-20m, whereas the magnitude of pre-to-post changes was not clearly associated with squad inclusion.

IntroductionRecent evidence indicates differences in training and match loads between starters and non-starters in women's soccer, but little is known about players in Brazil's elite leagues. This study aimed to compare the external and internal loads of professional women's soccer players classified as starters and non-starters during training sessions and matches.MethodsTwenty-nine players from a professional team competing in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A1 (64.1 ± 6.8 kg; 167.3 ± 6.1 cm) were monitored. Internal load was assessed using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), while external load variables included total distance, distance in different speed zones, high-speed running distance, number of sprints, maximum speed, accelerations and decelerations, recorded via Global Positioning System devices. Independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests compared groups.ResultsStarters accumulated higher match-day (MD) loads, with greater total distance (9999.0 ± 1205.7 vs. 5141.1 ± 1290.5 m; p<0.01) and RPE (8.0 [7.0 − 9.5] vs. 4.5 [4.0 − 5.5] A.U.; p<0.01). Conversely, non-starters presented higher values after matches, covering more distance on MD+1 (4655.1 ± 996.1 vs. 2390.4 ± 814.4 m; p<0.01) and MD+2 (4210.0 ± 992.0 vs. 2979.4 ± 526.7 m; p<0.01), along with higher RPE (7.0 [7.0–7.4] vs. 3.5 [2.5–5.0] A.U.; p<0.01, and 6.5 [6.0–7.0] vs. 4.0 [3.5–5.0] A.U.; p<0.01).DiscussionAs conclusion, starters concentrated peak loads on MD, whereas non-starters accumulated higher loads on MD+1/MD+2. These findings support individualized post-match compensation for non-starters and recovery-focused management for starters.

The recent growth of women's football in Brazil, alongside the expansion of professional competitions, has increased the demand for young players to join elite teams. This scenario raises important questions about players' physical readiness and the tools required to identify those capable of meeting the physical demands of professional football. This study aimed to propose a mathematical model to support the identification of young female football players with the physical fitness profile necessary to integrate professional teams. A total of 121 players participated in the study, including 88 youth and 33 professional athletes, with average ages of 15.81 +/- 1.77 and 25.48 +/- 5.33 years, respectively. All participants were assessed for anthropometric characteristics and physical performance. Discriminant function analysis was used to construct the model, with significance set at alpha<0.05. The model included four physical tests: countermovement jump (cm), 20-m sprint (s), 20-m change of direction (COD 20-m) (s), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (m). COD 20-m showed the highest correlation with the discriminant scores (r = -0.855). The four variables explained 30.6% of group classification. According to the model, 26.1% of youth players demonstrated a physical profile compatible with professional standards, while 84.8% of professional players were correctly identified as belonging to the professional group based on their physical fitness. Therefore, the proposed model is a useful and complementary tool in the multifactorial process of talent identification, supporting coaches and performance staff in selecting young female players with the physical qualities required to transition into professional teams.

Monitoring performance in football often combines physical testing and GPS-derived external-load measures, although their relationships remain unclear. This study examined the relationships between physical-test outcomes and GPS-derived external-load variables during the pre-season in professional female football players and whether these measures appear to capture distinct dimensions of performance. This observational study monitored 24 outfield players from a Brazilian Women's First Division team during a 6-week pre-season. Players performed the countermovement jump, 10 m and 30 m sprints, change-of-direction test, and 30-15 intermittent fitness test while external load was recorded across field sessions. Associations were examined using Pearson's or Spearman's correlations, and principal component analysis (PCA) was applied. Significant correlations were more frequent within than between domains. Total distance correlated with accelerations (ρ = 0.740, p < 0.001), decelerations (ρ = 0.684, p < 0.001), Z3 distance (ρ = 0.595, p = 0.003), and Z4 distance (ρ = 0.584, p = 0.003), while sprint count correlated with sprint distance (r = 0.950, p < 0.001). Estimated VO2max correlated positively with CMJ (r = 0.533, p = 0.007) and negatively with 10 m (r = -0.445, p = 0.029) and 30 m sprint times (r = -0.476, p = 0.019). PCA identified two components explaining 61.4% of the total variance: external load (40.6%) and physical performance (20.8%). These findings indicate that both approaches capture distinct and complementary aspects of performance.

Women's soccer has experienced significant growth over the last few decades, with physical performance being a key factor in the evolution of players' performance. This study aimed to: (i) compare vertical jump performance among independent cohorts of elite women's soccer players in Brazil assessed across competitive seasons between 2019 and 2022; and (ii) examine whether more recent cohorts present higher vertical jump performance compared to reference data from the Brazilian women's national team. Eight groups of elite women's soccer players participated in the study. Four groups came from the same elite team in Brazil, evaluated during the pre-season from 2019 to 2022 (group 2019: 25 players; group 2020: 23 players; group 2021: 17 players; group 2022: 19 players). Additionally, players from the Brazilian national team summoned during the 2019–2022 preparation periods also participated (group 2019: 23 players; group 2020: 24 players; group 2021: 23 players; group 2022: 23 players). Results indicated that the elite team cohorts assessed after 2019 showed higher mean squat jump (SJ) values than the 2019 cohort, while higher countermovement jump (CMJ) values were observed only in the 2021 cohort. No significant differences were observed for the national team across the same period. In conclusion, more recent elite team cohorts demonstrated higher vertical jump performance than earlier cohorts. These patterns are consistent with a period of increased investment in women’s soccer and may be associated with ongoing structural and training-related developments in players’ physical profiles. Improvements in physical performance may, in turn, enhance game quality and competitiveness, potentially strengthening the overall competitive level of women’s soccer and supporting its visibility, recognition, and professional opportunities within the sport.

O futebol feminino profissional exige alta capacidade aeróbia e anaeróbia, além de bom desempenho em sprints, saltos e mudanças de direção (COD). Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e correlacionar as alturas de saltos verticais (Squat Jump - SJ, Countermovement Jump - CMJ, e Drop Jump - DJ) e os percentuais de utilização entre eles, com o desempenho de sprint (5, 10, 15, 20 e 30 metros) e COD em jogadoras profissionais. A amostra foi composta por 35 jogadoras (24,1 ± 5,51 anos). Dados de saltos SJ, CMJ e DJ, além de sprint e COD, foram coletados durante a pré-temporada e analisados utilizando o coeficiente de correlação produto-momento de Pearson. Observou-se que os saltos SJ, CMJ e DJ apresentaram correlação significativa com as velocidades médias nos sprints de 10, 15, 20 e 30 metros, bem como com o desempenho de COD. No entanto, os percentuais de utilização entre os saltos não demonstraram correlação significativa com os desempenhos físicos avaliados. Este estudo reforça a importância dos saltos verticais como indicadores de desempenho em sprints e mudanças de direção em jogadoras de futebol profissional. No entanto, as velocidades de trecho e os percentuais de utilização de um salto sobre o outro parecem ter uma aplicabilidade prática limitada no futebol feminino, uma vez que não apresentaram correlação significativa com as demais variáveis de desempenho físico analisadas.

The objectives of this study were: i) to analyze the sequence of game complexes in male youth volleyball categories, considering their frequency and effectivity of final actions, ii) to assess the importance of each complex within the overall game by the Social Network Analysis. We analyzed the behavior of 16 teams that participated in the Brazilian Selection Championship in 2019 in two levels (Special and First Division). The 56 games resulted in 200 sets, totaling 357,707 actions. We used the Fisher exact test, calculation of the significance of observation independence, and Social Network Analysis using eigenvector centrality. As result, there were fewer cases than expected for error in K0, continuity in KI and KV, and point in K0; there were more cases than expected for error in KI, continuity in K0, and point in KI and KV. The most frequent sequences of complexes and effectivity were K0E1-KIE2, K0E1-KIE0, K0E0, K0E2E2, K0E1-KIE1-KIIE2. The Eigenvector Centrality presented as results: KIIIE1, KIVE1, KV(2)E1, KIII(2)E1, KIII(3)E1 in the Special Division; KIII(3)E1, KIII(2)E1, KVE1, KV(2)E1, KIVE1 in the First Division. This study highlighted the main sequences, effectivity and differences that occurred in the Brazilian U-17 Male Selection Championship, assisting coaches in problem solving for training.

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the pre-season physical performance of professional female soccer players between finalist and non-finalist teams. Methods: Thirty-two professional female soccer players (finalist group: 16 players; non-finalist group: 16 players) participated in the study. Two weeks after the beginning of the preseason, the players from two different teams that would participate in the same professional competition were submitted to physical performance evaluations such as jumps, a linear sprint in 20 m without and with ball handling, a change of direction in 20 m (COD), and the Yo-Yo IRL1. One of the teams was a finalist, the other did not qualify for the second phase of the competition. Results: The performance in the aerobic endurance test was significantly higher (p = 0.004) in the finalist group (1958.80 Å} 428.79 m) compared to the non-finalist group (1488.80 Å} 428.14 m), showing a large effect size (ES = 1.10). Conclusion: This study suggests that finalist teams have significantly higher levels of aerobic fitness during the preseason. Thus, coaches and coaching staff must consider that aerobic fitness can be decisive in the team's success, emphasizing the process of physical training of this physical capacity in professional women's soccer players.

With a plethora of anthropometric and body composition measurements, may be challenging for soccer technical staff determining the most suitable protocol for their players.

The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between horizontal jump performance and sprint performance according with the sprint levels of children and adolescents. This study is a cross-sectional analysis from PROESP-Br database with 77,384 children and adolescents with an age range of 6-18 years. We use data about the horizontal jump test and 20-m sprint test (the covariables were age, height, body mass, arm-span and maturity offset). The sprint was classified using percentiles, the coefficient of determination (R-2), beta values, and p-value <0.05 were calculated (sprint as dependent and horizontal jump performance as independent) in each category. We identify a significant correlation between horizontal jump performance and sprint (R-2 cubic for boys: 0.265; R-2 cubic for girls: 0.204). For girls and boys, the greater R-2 was identified in the regular (P40-60), good (P60-80), and very good (P80-98) categories. For these three categories, each centimetre more in the horizontal jump was a reduction of between 0.005 and 0.007 s in the 20-m sprint test. The results demonstrate that children and adolescents with extreme levels of sprinting (very slow or very fast) have a sprint performance that is not related to horizontal jump performance, independent of anthropometric factors, age, and maturity offset.

BACKGROUND:In soccer, the capacity for acceleration and high-speed tasks extends beyond linear sprints to encompass a broad spectrum of multidirectional movements, including curvilinear sprints. We aimed to correlate mandatory speed-related capabilities with curve sprint (CS) performance in male professional soccer players. METHODS:Twenty-one players (age 25.9 ± 5.4 years) performed the jump squat with 30% and 60% of body mass (JS30% and JS60%, respectively), countermovement (CMJ) and squat jumps (SJ), 10 m and 20 m linear sprint, 17 m CS, 20 m with change-of-direction (COD), and 20 m resisted sprints with 20% and 65% of body mass (RS20% and RS65%, respectively). The Pearson product-moment test and Spearman correlation test were performed. RESULTS:Strong correlations were observed between 10 m (r = 0.662; p = 0.001) and 20 m (r = 0.677; p < 0.001) linear sprint times with CS times. Regarding the COD speed, moderate correlations with RS20% times (r = 0.508; p = 0.019) and very strong correlations with RS65% times (r = 0.750; p < 0.001) were observed. Moderate relationships were observed for CMJ with 20 m linear sprint times (r = - 0.467; p = 0.033) and CS times (r = - 0.471; p = 0.031), as well as for SJ and CS times (r = - 0.437; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS:This information offers insights for enhancing test sensitivity and tailoring training prescriptions in professional soccer, once correlation was found between groups of tasks with vertical predominance (i.e., vertical jump, curved and linear sprints) and horizontal predominance (i.e., COD and resisted sprints).

The evolution of its rules has made the demands of different court in-game role more specific in terms of skills. However, it is unclear whether players in the U19 men's volleyball already have specifics according to their in-game role. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the training profiles, anthropometric profiles, and physical performance profiles of male volleyball players aged under 19 at different in-game role. The 353 volleyball players (16.89 ± 0.76 years) were evaluated prior to the Brazilian U19 men's state team championship games. The training profiles were evaluated using a questionnaire; the anthropometric profile was obtained by analyzing the body mass, body height, and arm span; and the physical performance profile was measured by changes in direction, sprint, block jump reach, and spike jump reach tests. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare players' in-game role, with a significance of α<0.05. Opposite hitters and middle blockers had less experience with volleyball (p < 0.001), but higher values for the anthropometric profile measurements (p < 0.001). In addition, the block jump reach and spike jump reach from these in-game role were higher than the setters and liberos (p < 0.001). Thus, male players in the U19 category of volleyball already have some specificities, and profile assessments can be performed to assist in choosing their in-game role.

A prática profissional do futebol feminino no Brasil vem se expandindo. Essa expansão incentivou a surgimento de categorias de base nas equipes. Com isso, investigar a diferença entre o perfil das jogadoras profissionais e das categorias de base se torna importante para realizar uma melhor transição entre as categorias. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi comparar o perfil antropométrico e o desempenho físico de jogadoras da categoria sub-20 e profissional do futebol feminino. Para isso, foi realizada a avaliação antropométrica de 19 jogadoras de futebol da categoria sub-20 (17,9 ± 0,81 anos) e 20 jogadoras profissionais (24,4 ± 6,46 anos) de uma equipe de elite do Brasil. Além disso, o desempenho físico foi avaliado pelos testes countermovement jump (CMJ), sprints de 10 metros e 30 metros. Apenas os desempenhos no CMJ e sprint de 30 metros foram diferentes significativamente entre os grupos. A altura no CMJ foi menor nas jogadoras da categoria sub-20 (25,60 ±3,51 cm) em relação as profissionais (31,30 ± 2,64 cm) (p<0,001). Além disso, a velocidade no sprint de 30 metros também foi menor nas jogadoras da categoria sub-20 (22,40 ± 0,66 km/h) em relação as profissionais (23,00 ± 0,81 km/h) (p=0,014). Assim, as jogadoras de futebol profissionais apresentaram melhor desempenho físico que as jogadoras sub-20. Por fim, os profissionais envolvidos com o processo de transição das jogadoras da categoria sub-20 para equipe profissional devem considerar as diferenças de desempenho físico entre as categorias na preparação física das jogadoras.

For male soccer players, the anthropometric profile and physical performance is already known but in women it is not well documented, the knowledge of these differences can qualify the training. Therefore, the aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to compare the anthropometric profile and physical fitness of Brazilian professional female and male soccer players; and (ii) analyze the relationships between anthropometric and physical fitness measures per sex. A cross-sectional study including 92 professional soccer players 44 women and 48 men was conducted. After one week of the end of the pre-season, the players from four different teams were assessed to anthropometric profile assessments and physical performance tests (e.g., jumping, linear sprint, change-of-direction and aerobic based test). Comparisons, correlation, and effect size analysis were performed between groups. Apart from the age and change-of-direction test, all other anthropometric and physical performance variables were significant different between women and men. Men were significantly faster than women in the 20 m linear sprint test (8.87%; p < .001; d = 2.382). The sum of skinfolds was correlated with some physical performance variables; however, body mass and body height were corrected with physical performance only for female soccer players. Thus, men performed better than women for most physical tests and presents differences in the anthropometric profile. Finally, coaches should consider that the anthropometric and performance profile are correlated differently between female and male soccer players. Thus, coaches should consider gender-specific parameters to create goals about the anthropometric and physical performance profile of players.

Abstract Loturco, I, Grazioli, R, Veeck, F, Nakamura, FY, Inácio, M, Schons, P, Preissler, A, Pinto, RS, Pereira, LA, McGuigan, MR, and Cadore, EL. Effects of a short-term detraining period on the strength deficit and functional performance of highly trained soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2058–2063, 2023—The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week detraining period on the neuromuscular performance of highly trained soccer players. Pre and post detraining, 18 adult soccer players (age: 27 ± 4.9 years; height: 180.2 ± 7.1 cm; body mass [BM]: 78.9 ± 7.6 kg) performed vertical jumps, 20-m linear sprints, curve sprint and change of direction speed tests, and a progressive loading test in the half-squat exercise with loads corresponding to 50, 100, and 150% of the players' BM to assess the peak-force (PF), mean power (MP), and strength-deficit (SDef). Pre and post differences in the variables of interest were analyzed using paired t-tests and effect sizes (ES). No significant changes were detected for vertical jumping height and sprint times. Higher PF at 50 and 100% BM and lower SDef were shown when comparing pre- and postassessments (ES = 0.66, 0.68, 0.55; p = 0.018, 0.016, and 0.046, respectively). The MP at 50 and 100% BM increased significantly after the detraining phase (ES = 0.56, 0.82; p = 0.049 and 0.007, respectively). The results indicate that these athletes were able to maintain and achieve satisfactory levels of performance after a short period of training cessation. Interestingly, some strength- and power-derived parameters improved significantly after short-term detraining, which may have important implications for training programs aimed at maximizing speed and power performance. It is recommended that coaches test their players not only at the beginning but also at the end of the season, to better evaluate variations in performance and thus create more efficient and tailored training strategies.