Physiology And Power In Football

Physiology plays a major role in the way the body functions. In football the body has to adapt to the intensity of the game as it varies from low to high. A footballer would mainly use their aerobic energy system due to constant and consistent exercise. It is suggested that footballers use 90% of their aerobic metabolism (Mcmillan et al 2004). Yet they would also use their anaerobic energy when displaying skills such as striking as it uses a short burst of energy. The aerobic capacity of a footballer plays a large part in controlling their own performance both technically and tactically (Chamari 2005). Due to football being an endurance sport, requiring mainly the aerobic energy system, the yo-yo test would put footballers to the test, measuring
The vertical jump test is a test used to assess an athletes explosive leg power (Jezdimirovic et al 2013) and provide a valuable index of muscular power (Buckthorpe et al 2011). Explosive power allows maximum acceleration of the athletes body and abilities such as jumps, kicks, throws and sprints (Milanovic 2005) all of which are relevant in football. The vertical jump test is a common test in which is used throughout sport as it works to increase explosiveness and strength in the lower extremities (Ebben et al 2005). For this test the athlete would stand in an upright position with their hands on their hips. This is to reduce any counter motion due to arm swing. Following this the athlete will then crouch to a half squat and from their perform the vertical jump. From the results given the athletes would be able to work out their average power output using the Lewis formula (Mathews et al 1974) and also their estimated peak power output using the Sayers formula (Sayers et al 1999). Not only does it calculate this but the vertical jump test is being used after matches to demonstrate fatigue levels (Watkins et al 2017) and to also measure how effective different training programs are having on the athlete in terms of explosive power (Klavora 2000). This test helps coaches through allowing them an insight and enabling them to identify particular areas of the athletes strengths and weaknesses and charted progress (Klavora