Relationships between Linear Speed and Lower-Body Power with Change-of-Direction Speed in National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I and II Women Soccer Athletes

• Published in: Sports (Basel) 2018-04, Vol.6 (2), p.30
• Main Authors: Lockie, Robert G, Dawes, J Jay, Jones, Margaret T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 10-m sprint; agility; Athletes; Body mass; Coaches & managers; COD deficit; College basketball; females; football; Human performance; modified T-test; Motor ability; peak anaerobic power measured in watts; Physiology; power-to-body mass ratio; Soccer; Student's t-test; vertical jump
• ISSN: 2075-4663; 2075-4663
• DOI: 10.3390/sports6020030

This study investigated relationships that linear speed and lower-body power have on change-of-direction (COD) speed in collegiate women soccer players. Data from two Division I ( = 39) and one Division II ( = 18) schools were analyzed. Subjects were assessed in: power (vertical jump (VJ); jump height, peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw), power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM); linear speed (10-m sprint); and COD speed (modified T-test (MTT), 505, COD deficit). Independent samples T-tests derived significant between-group differences, with effect sizes ( ) calculated. Pearson's correlations determined relationships between COD speed, linear speed, and power, with regression equations calculated. Division I players demonstrated superior 505, COD deficit, VJ height, PAPw, and P:BM ( = 1.09⁻2.21). Division II players were faster in the MTT ( = 1.51). For all players, the 505 correlated with the 10-m sprint ( = 0.39⁻0.53) and VJ height ( = −0.65⁻0.66), while the COD deficit related to the 10-m sprint ( = −0.77⁻0.82). The regression data supported these results. Division I players were superior in the 505 and COD deficit, and expressed their power in the 180° 505 task. Division II players should enhance lower-body power and the ability to perform 180° direction changes.