Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Football practice with youth players in the “Footbonaut”

Speed of action and ball control in face of physical and mental strain

Fußballtraining mit Nachwuchsspielern im „Footbonaut“

Handlungsschnelligkeit und Ballkontrolle unter physischer und mentaler Beanspruchung

  • Main Article
  • Published:
German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In today’s leading football training centres, state-of-the-art performance diagnostic systems such as the “Footbonaut” allow controlled and standardized assessments of physical and mental components of agility, e.g. speed of action and ball control, that are considered to be decisive for talent identification and development. However, effects of induced physical and mental strain on performing football-specific practice patterns remain to be elucidated, particularly in youth players, and, thus, characterize the purpose of this study. 33 randomly assigned competitive football players (U14 to U16) performed a standardized Footbonaut practice pattern (i.e. 20 balls randomly drawn at 50 km/h each), prior to and immediately after either mentally demanding tasks (MDT; n = 11; continuous Vienna Test System’s Stroop task and determination test), physically demanding tasks (PDT; n = 11; consisted of 4 × 4 min of football-specific high-intensity intervals with 3 min of active recovery in between) or a control condition (CON; n = 11). Continuous heart rates (HR) as well as self-perceptions of fatigue were assessed. Main findings revealed performances for speed of action (p = 0.44; f = 0.01) and ball control (p = 0.15; f = 0.03) that were not modulated in the face of induced physical and mental strain as indicated by increased HR following PDT (p < 0.001; d > 0.8), or in the face of increased self-perceptions of fatigue following PDT and MDT (both p < 0.001; both d > 0.8) compared to CON. This is in line with a suggested talent factor and previous reports on motivational trade-off aspects in youth players. However, the present study’s short-timed practice patterns make it difficult to reliably compare a measuring sensitivity to complex football-specific movement behavioural and technical proficiencies with respect to mental and physical strain of longer-lasting football games and, thus, need further investigation in favour of improving talent identification and development using the Footbonaut.

Zusammenfassung

Heutzutage ermöglichen modernste leistungsdiagnostische Systeme wie der „Footbonaut“ in führenden Fußballtrainingszentren die kontrollierte und standardisierte Beurteilung physischer und mentaler Komponenten der Wendigkeit und Aufgewecktheit, z. B. Handlungsschnelligkeit und Ballkontrolle, die als entscheidend für die Talenterkennung und -entwicklung gelten. Jedoch bleiben die Auswirkungen induzierter physischer und mentaler Belastungen in der Umsetzung fußballspezifischer Übungsformen unklar, insbesondere bei Nachwuchsspielern. Dies zu untersuchen ist das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie. So führten 33 zufällig zugewiesene Nachwuchsfußballspieler (U14 bis U16) standardisierte Footbonaut-Übungsformen aus (d. h., 20 zufällig ausgegebene Bälle, jeweils mit einer Geschwindigkeit von 50 km/h), vor und direkt nach entweder mental fordernden Aufgaben (n = 11; „mental demanding tasks“, MDT; fortlaufender Stroop-Test gemäß dem Wiener Testsystem), physisch fordernden Aufgaben (n = 11; „physically demanding tasks“, PDT; bestehend aus 4 × 4 min fußballspezifischen Intervallen hoher Intensität mit 3 min aktiver Erholung dazwischen) oder einer Kontrollbedingung (n = 11; „control condition“, CON). Fortlaufend wurden die Herzfrequenz (HF) sowie die selbst wahrgenommene Beanspruchung gemessen. Als zentrale Erkenntnisse zeigten die Handlungsschnelligkeit (p = 0,44; f = 0,01) und die Ballkontrolle (p = 0,15; f = 0,03) keine Veränderungen durch eine induzierte physische oder mentale Belastung, welche sich in einer erhöhten HF nach PDT (p < 0,001; d > 0,8) oder einer erhöhten selbst wahrgenommenen Beanspruchung nach PDT und MDT (beide p < 0,001; beide d > 0,8) verglichen mit CON ausdrückte. Dies ist in Einklang mit einem naheliegenden Talentfaktor und vorangegangenen Berichten zu motivationalen Wechselwirkungsaspekten bei Nachwuchsspielern. Allerdings erschweren die zeitlich kurzen Übungsformen der vorliegenden Studie einen verlässlichen Vergleich hinsichtlich der Messsensitivität für verhaltensbezogene und technische Leistungen bei komplexen fußballspezifischen Bewegungen in Bezug auf mentale und physische Beanspruchungen in länger dauernden Fußballspielen. Somit werden weitere Untersuchungen zugunsten einer Verbesserung der Talenterkennung und -entwicklung unter Verwendung des Footbonaut benötigt.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ackerman, P. L. (2011). 100 years without resting. In P. L. Ackerman (Ed.), Cognitive fatigue: multidisciplinary perspectives on current research and future applications (pp. 11–43). Washington: American Psychological Association.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Badin, O. O., Smith, M. R., Conte, D., & Coutts, A. J. (2016). Mental fatigue: impairment of technical performance in small-sided soccer games. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 11(8), 1100–1105.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bangsbo, J., Madsen, K., Kiens, B., & Richter, E. A. (1996). Effect of muscle acidity on muscle metabolism and fatigue during intense exercise in man. The Journal of physiology, 495(2), 587–596.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bisanz, G., & Gerisch, G. (2008). Fußball: Kondition-Technik-Taktik und Coaching. Aachen: Meyer + Meyer Fachverlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boksem, M. A., & Tops, M. (2008). Mental fatigue: costs and benefits. Brain research reviews, 59(1), 125–139.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boksem, M. A., Meijman, T. F., & Lorist, M. M. (2006). Mental fatigue, motivation and action monitoring. Biological psychology, 72(2), 123–132.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bradley, P. S., Sheldon, W., Wooster, B., Olsen, P., Boanas, P., & Krustrup, P. (2009). High-intensity running in English FA Premier League soccer matches. Journal of sports sciences, 27(2), 159–168.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bradley, P. S., Di Mascio, M., Peart, D., Olsen, P., & Sheldon, B. (2010). High-intensity activity profiles of elite soccer players at different performance levels. The journal of strength & conditioning research, 24(9), 2343–2351.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Castagna, C., Impellizzeri, F. M., Rampinini, E., D’Ottavio, S., & Manzi, V. (2008). The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test in basketball players. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 11(2), 202–208.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, J. (1977). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Hillsdale: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioural sciences. Hillsdale: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Cutsem, J., Marcora, S., De Pauw, K., Bailey, S., Meeusen, R., & Roelands, B. (2017). The effects of mental fatigue on physical performance: a systematic review. Sports medicine, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0672-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Faude, O., Steffen, A., Kellmann, M., & Meyer, T. (2014). The effect of short-term interval training during the competitive season on physical fitness and signs of fatigue: a crossover trial in high-level youth football players. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 9(6), 936–944.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fitts, R. H. (2006). The muscular system: fatigue processes. In ACSM’s advanced exercise physiology (pp. 178–196).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao Ong, N. C. (2015). The use of the Vienna Test System in sport psychology research: a review. International review of sport and exercise psychology, 8(1), 204–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hohmann, A., Lames, M., & Letzelter, M. (2002). Einführung in die Trainingswissenschaft. Wiebelsheim: Limpert.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyballa, P., & te Poel, H. D. (2015). Modernes Passspiel: Der Schlüssel zum High-Speed-Fußball. Aachen: Meyer & Meyer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ishaque, S., Shamseer, L., Bukutu, C., & Vohra, S. (2012). Rhodio rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 12, 70.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Knicker, A. J., Renshaw, I., Oldham, A. R., & Cairns, S. P. (2011). Interactive processes link the multiple symptoms of fatigue in sport competition. Sports medicine, 41(4), 307–328.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krause, K., Kärcher, M., Munz, O., & Brack, R. (2012). Perspektiven und Einflussfaktoren erfolgreicher Nachwuchsförderung im Fußball – eine Analyse der Innen- und Außensicht. Leistungssport, 42(4), 34–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Amstrup, T., Rysgaard, T., Johansen, J., Steensberg, A., & Bangsbo, J. (2003). The yo-yo intermittent recovery test: physiological response, reliability, and validity. Medicine & science in sports & exercise, 35(4), 697–705.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Steensberg, A., Bencke, J., Kjær, M., & Bangsbo, J. (2006). Muscle and blood metabolites during a soccer game: implications for sprint performance. Medicine & science in sports & exercise, 38(6), 1165–1174.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lazarus, R. S. (2000). How emotions influence performance in competitive sports. The sport psychologist, 14(3), 229–252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marcora, S. M., Staiano, W., & Manning, V. (2009). Mental fatigue impairs physical performance in humans. Journal of applied physiology, 106(3), 857–864.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michailidis, Y., Michailidis, C., & Primpa, E. (2013). Analysis of goals scored in European Championship 2012. Journal of human sport & exercise, 8, 367–375.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohr, M., Krustrup, P., & Bangsbo, J. (2003). Match performance of high-standard soccer players with special reference to development of fatigue. Journal of sports sciences, 21(7), 519–528.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nédélec, M., McCall, A., Carling, C., Legall, F., Berthoin, S., & Dupont, G. (2012). Recovery in soccer: part I‑post-match fatigue and time course of recovery. Sports medicine, 42, 997–1015.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neuwirth, W., & Benesch, M. (2006). Vienna test system. Determination test. Mödling: Schuhfried.

    Google Scholar 

  • Noakes, T. D., & Gibson, A. S. C. (2004). Logical limitations to the “catastrophe” models of fatigue during exercise in humans. British journal of sports medicine, 38(5), 648–649.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Olsen, E. (1986). An analysis of goal scoring strategies in the world championship in Mexico. In T. Reilly, A. Lees & W. Murphy (Eds.), Science and football (pp. 373–376). London: E & FN Spon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olsson, E. M., von Scheele, B., & Panossian, A. G. (2009). A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta medica, 75(2), 105–112.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rampinini, E., Impellizzeri, F. M., Castagna, C., Abt, G., Chamari, K., Sassi, A., & Marco-ra, S. M. (2007). Factors influencing physiological responses to small-sided soccer games. Journal of sports sciences, 25(6), 659–666.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rampinini, E., Impellizzeri, F. M., Castagna, C., Azzalin, A., Ferrari Bravo, D., & Wisløff, U. (2008). Effect of match-related fatigue on short-passing ability in young soccer players. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 40(5), 934–942.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rampinini, E., Impellizzeri, F. M., Castagna, C., Coutts, A. J., & Wisløff, U. (2009). Technical performance during soccer matches of the Italian serie A league: effect of fatigue and competitive level. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 12(1), 227–233.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reilly, T., Bangsbo, J., & Franks, A. (2000a). Anthropometric and physiological predispositions for elite soccer. Journal of sports sciences, 18(9), 669–683.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reilly, T., Williams, A. M., & Franks, A. (2000b). A multidisciplinary approach to talent identifiction in soccer. Journal of sport sciences, 18(9), 695–702.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saal, C., Zinner, J., Büsch, D., Werner, C., & Ückert, S. (2013). Der Footbonaut als Mess- und Informationssystem im Sportspiel Fußball. Zeitschrift für Gesundheit & Sport, 1(3), 54–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saal, C., & Fiedler, H. (2013). Der Footbonaut als Mess- und Informationssystem im Fußball – Eine explorative Untersuchung. Poster auf der Jahrestagung der dvs-Kommission Fußball, Technische Universität München, 14(16.11).

  • Sajadi, N., & Rahnama, N. (2007). Analysis of goals in 2006 FIFA World Cup. Journal of sports science and medicine, 6, 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salam, H., Marcora, S. M., & Hopker, J. G. (2018). The effect of mental fatigue on critical power during cycling exercise. European journal of applied physiology, 118, 85–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schnabel, G. (2008). Trainingslehre-Trainingswissenschaft: Leistung-Training-Wettkampf. Aachen: Meyer & Meyer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selmi, O., Haddad, M., Majed, L., Ben, K. W., Hamza, M., & Chamari, K. (2017). Soccer training: high-intensity interval training is mood disturbing while small sided games ensure mood balance. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07292-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, M. R., Coutts, A. J., Merlini, M., Deprez, D., Lenoir, M., & Marcora, S. M. (2016a). Mental fatigue impairs soccer-specific physical and technical performance. Medicine & science in sports & exercise, 48(2), 267–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, M. R., Zeuwts, L., Lenoir, M., Hens, N., De Jong, L. M., & Coutts, A. J. (2016b). Mental fatigue impairs soccer-specific decision-making skill. Journal of sports sciences, 34(14), 1297–1304.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, M. R., Fransen, J., Deprez, D., Lenoir, M., & Coutts, A. J. (2017). Impact of mental fatigue on speed and accuracy components of soccer-specific skills. Science and medicine in football, 1(1), 48–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vogt, T., Abeln, V., Strüder, H. K., & Schneider, S. (2014). Artificial gravity exposure impairs exercise-related neurophysiological benefits. Physiology & behavior, 123(2014), 156–161.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, V. (2014). Is sport the brain’s biggest challenge? Current Biology, 24, R859–R860.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weineck, J. (2004). Optimales Fußballtraining. Das Konditionstraining des Fußballspielers (4th edn.). Balingen: Spitta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westerblad, H., Allen, D. G., & Lännergren, J. (2002). Muscle fatigue: lactic acid or inorganic phosphate the major cause? Physiology, 17(1), 17–21.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wiewelhove, T., Fernandez-Fernandez, J., Raeder, C., Kappenstein, J., Meyer, T., Kellmann, M., & Ferrauti, A. (2016). Acute responses and muscle damage in different high-intensity interval running protocols. The journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 56(5), 606–615.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all youth football talents for spending some of their valuable pre-season practice time to participate in the study. We further wish to thank the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for enabling us to test in the Footbonaut and for providing supportive staff members during data collection.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Professional Sport Education and Sport Qualifications, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany

    Tobias Vogt PhD, Simon Gassen, Sören Wrede & Martin Jedrusiak-Jung

  2. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Hoffenheim, Germany

    Jan Spielmann, Sascha Härtel & Jan Mayer

Authors
  1. Tobias Vogt PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Simon Gassen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sören Wrede
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jan Spielmann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Martin Jedrusiak-Jung
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Sascha Härtel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Jan Mayer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tobias Vogt PhD.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

T. Vogt, S. Gassen, S. Wrede, J. Spielmann, M. Jedrusiak-Jung, S. Härtel and J. Mayer declare that they have no competing interests.

All participants and their legal guardians provided written informed consent. The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the German Sport University Cologne in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Vogt, T., Gassen, S., Wrede, S. et al. Football practice with youth players in the “Footbonaut”. Ger J Exerc Sport Res 48, 341–348 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-018-0514-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-018-0514-3

Keywords

Schlüsselwörter

Search

Navigation